News & Articles
Alpharetta & Milton Ink Cooperative Parks Deal
Released on: Tuesday, November 6, 2012 7:30 AM
The city councils of Alpharetta and Milton approved historic agreements Monday night effectively establishing a regional parks and recreation system for those North Fulton cities and dissolving all non-resident fees at current and future facilities. The changes in fee structures will become effective on December 1.
“This agreement is another great win for the citizens of both communities,” said Alpharetta Council Member Jim Gilvin who was instrumental in negotiating the agreement. “Our citizens are neighbors, friends, and our kids attend the same schools. It makes sense that we find a way for those kids to be able to play in the same parks without some parents having to pay more than others for that to happen.”
Prior to the agreement being reached, residents of one city who participate in a parks program offered by the other city had to pay “non-resident fees” that could add as much as 75 percent to the price they had to pay.
Alpharetta officials say the time was right for the cooperative agreement to be made because Milton is working to develop quality recreation programs and expand the park space within its system.
According to the terms of the agreement, the cities will annually negotiate a variable maintenance fee. For 2012, the negotiations call for Milton to pay a fee of $325,000 to Alpharetta. It is anticipated that the fee will decrease over time as Milton brings forward additional facilities and programs that are utilized by Alpharetta residents.
“Citizens want local governments to work together to provide high quality services as efficiently as possible; to provide them with the best possible return on their tax dollar,” Gilvin said. “This is another example of how Alpharetta and Milton are doing exactly that.”
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