NORTH

Roswell

City launches website to counter rumors

Unfounded rumors can quickly go viral on the Internet, so Roswell has launched a website, “The Facts Just Ahead,” to offer what officials say will be the truth about projects, issues and community concerns.

“The page will cite a ‘rumor’ – a piece of incorrect information that has been circulating within the community or on social media – and counter it with an objective statement based on facts,” such as formal codes or regulations or the official public record of decision-making, according to a city announcement. To go to the page: www.roswellgov.com/rumors

Roswell will address projects, issues or concerns reported to the city through direct communication with staff, leadership or elected officials, or issues that come up frequently on social media.City staff will research the topic and provide links, when applicable, to supportive documents. Information: https://bit.ly/2LlknV6

DAVID IBATA FOR THE AJC

Cherokee County

Pay raises, security upgrades in schools budget

A proposed budget for the Cherokee County School District envisions continued reductions in class sizes, more spending on safety and security, and no tax rate increase, with the millage rate unchanged at 19.45 mills for fiscal 2019, officials said.

The School Board recently reviewed the tentative budget and scheduled hearings for 11:30 a.m., June 13, and 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., June 21, in the school board auditorium, 1205 Bluffs Parkway, Canton. The board is to vote on the budget at its regular meeting, 7 p.m., June 21.

The general fund would rise to $406 million in the next school year from $385 million currently. The budget covers enrollment growth of 750 students, 55 new teachers, longevity step raises, a 1 percent cost-of-living salary increase to eligible employees, and a $500 boost in the starting teacher’s salary, to $43,000.

The budget also calls for hiring three additional school police officers and two more counselors, and nearly $1 million to expedite the construction of security foyers. Information: https://bit.ly/2x6ZcmU

DAVID IBATA FOR THE AJC

Woodstock

City hears FY 2019 budget proposal

The Woodstock City Council has accepted on first reading a proposed budget for the 2019 fiscal year that calls for a 2.5 percent cost-of-living pay raise for eligible city employees and an unchanged millage rate of 6.808 mills. A second and final reading and adoption of the budget is scheduled for the June 11 council meeting.

The budget envisions spending of $42.04 million, up from $41.33 million in fiscal 2018. This includes a 3 percent decrease in the general fund, to $20.56 million, matching a projected decrease in general fund recurring revenues. The net property tax digest is expected to be up by 4 percent before appeals and exemptions.

About $337,000 in impact fees will pay for a downtown playground and restroom, and $300,000, for the restoration of the Reeves House as a Visual Arts Center, among other expenditures.

SPLOST funds would be tapped for $791,560 for the Ridge Trail Extension, $726,480 for 15 new police vehicles, $105,517 for 50 body-worn cameras for the police, $84,780 for two replacement fire trucks, and various street, sidewalk, water, sewer, parks, trails, technology and other spending.

DAVID IBATA FOR THE AJC

UPCOMING

"The Merry Wives of Windsor" by William Shakespeare. 8 p.m. tonight and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday (closing day). $16.16 to $24.78. Act3 Productions, 6285-R Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. Set in the 1950s, this production gives a nod to the sitcoms of the time. Tickets: 770-241-1905 or act3productions.org/get_tickets. act3productions.org/current_season.

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2, noon-5 p.m. June 3. $8 to $12, free/child ages 2 and under, free shuttle bus service from St. Francis School near the corner of Willeo/Azalea Roads and Highway 120. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Highlights will include butterfly encounters and releases along with sale of plants to attract butterflies to your gardens. This oldest, largest natural science learning center in the Southeast encompasses 50 species of native wildlife and 127 acres of native plants and gardens. No pets. 770-992-2055 ext. 238, programs@ChattNatureCenter.org, ChattNatureCenter.org/special-events/festivals/butterfly-festival.

Roswell's Riverside Sounds Concert Series. 7-9 p.m. June 2 and first Saturdays through October. Free. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. Produced by Roswell's Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department. RoswellRiversideSounds.com.