[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6271225,"mediaKeyId","3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52","parentId",3029355,"title","City consultant recommends pay-scale changes; proposed cost ~ $3.13 million including benefits","audioSeconds",520,"startMs",6470000,"endMs",6990000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52&start=6470&end=6990","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52/thumbnail_6470000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6271225/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/City-consultant-recommends-pay-scale-changes-proposed-cost-313-million-including-benefits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271225-9c7e132c2f68027fff590bb8f8fb3399/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143570&Signature=VNQlAtnIOyCOhszdElXNDZ96O~jz~-kxPyi2JoETwD1weEZgMu5BoZ-rD57ty7ZUO~EZvdVBZPDa3VxF8tLTIXOgUyrCHjUVbgDXUFuU~BECrC7~aBQogpIBV5kMRgizQCFmF8CB1Hd~H~mzI6Az7RLJqGLCXx6Pqb0klVgAxv5svXCz~TQqm-RwjGr8mGH14BkIuzqsYPARhu497fCb4FfWJvbig4rNkfBoXgrTw~afXTEMkUQF7mLu4Y2u41WCtKRp31t-EzDk6VnPHMLQYAjFpNPxlyY3b5ED5IKyu21EFsIAwgF5LByJFTU7cqsigwtJTNhRTSciHNw1KAptOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-17T01:02:22.593Z","article","A consultant told the East Point City Council on April 14 that the city’s pay ranges are below market and recommended citywide changes to classification and compensation to improve recruitment and retention.

Mark Holcomb, project manager for Evergreen Solutions, presented results from phase 2 of a compensation and classification study. He said the market-comparison work showed the city’s pay ranges were generally 15–30% below the market median for comparable metro employers in the sample. \"The market results did indicate that the city was below the market,\" Holcomb said.

For general government positions, Evergreen recommended a \"hybrid parity\" implementation—an approach the city used in phase 1—to place affected employees into updated pay ranges while avoiding extreme rate compression. For police and fire positions, the consultant recommended a separate step plan with 15 steps and a time-in-rank progression so public-safety employees incrementally advance; Evergreen proposed one step per year as an appropriate approach.

Holcomb said the estimated fiscal impact of the recommended adjustments—including pension and insurance costs—is about $3,130,000 annually. City HR staff said they have detailed estimates and will work with finance to translate the consultant’s high-level estimate into implementation timelines and budget impacts.

Council members asked operational questions about timing and implementation. Councilmember Schrodscheider asked whether the city had copies of the consultant’s recommendations; human-resources staff said the full report and options are available and that the proposed approach mirrors phase 1, which the council adopted 07/01/2024. Councilmember Butler and others pressed for clarity on how public-safety steps would be applied; Holcomb said steps would be annual and that a 15-step scale would typically move an employee from entry to top of scale over roughly 15 years.

Several councilmembers raised the question of retroactivity. Mayor and council asked staff for cost scenarios showing the impact of an April 1 start date versus a July 1 start date and for a precise fiscal-year cost estimate. Staff committed to return with detailed numbers for both start dates so council can consider whether to implement changes mid-year or in the next budget cycle.

HR and finance staff briefed the council that phase 1 (implemented July 1, 2024) raised minimum wages and revised pay scales for select positions; phase 2 would address remaining classifications, including department directors and other roles not covered in phase 1.

Councilmember discussion included the frequency of future pay studies; staff said the recommended shelf life is two to three years to keep pay ranges competitive. Council directed staff to prepare implementation options, cost impacts for an April 1 versus July 1 start date, and employee-communication plans before the next meeting.

The discussion will return to council after staff provides the requested budget estimates and an implementation recommendation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 14, 2025 Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","A consultant reported that East Point’s pay ranges trail the market and recommended a hybrid parity approach for general government staff and a 15-step time-in-rank plan for public safety, with an estimated annual cost—including benefits—of about $3.13 million.","taxTitle","East Point, Fulton County, Georgia","taxId",50891,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6271229,"East Point CVB unveils tourism needs assessment; urges focus on overnight stays, convention space",2644,738000,3382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52&start=738&end=3382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52/thumbnail_738000.jpg","/articles/6271229/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/East-Point-CVB-unveils-tourism-needs-assessment-urges-focus-on-overnight-stays-convention-space","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271229-117741068bb4ca876acedf0365598165/orig.mp4?Expires=1771140125&Signature=ePh~nWF3Cv3olrYZqx7-ZhpI~bVwjq6ZDaV~NIURYSNNK2-1dgwEQywp-UmzMQGQ3ujA5uZj~xKSZfHn1mIQeyVPkb3T~KUHe-Qt6dWbZvay9ynVbhg0fHCl-y-xAZzzE4fIaVY6h6vqDKfEdV-t2EM17Jevj3qjhlA-9Mf5KKvlpSiTDdJeJKOwaYx-ufWRvEfrNCoVxq0udCComDn4dMywb3byVm5YPL5obr6fUEA2facf3HYXvOgwGnFDJMJ~a5AcVbU7uPHy-hb-6tLK4KPSLrPAahBbgo2SU~OPdPUpnwc6CScza75we7ZNfIxJwN3Wv6VeuFYyHwEKrQafxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) presented a needs-assessment plan to City Council on April 14, asking the city to back research and local coordination aimed at increasing overnight stays and convention business.

The CVB’s board chair, Veil Shaw, introduced Laura Mandela of Mandela Research Firm, who outlined the multi-pronged study that will survey travelers, meeting planners and tour operators to identify barriers and opportunities for East Point. \"Our intention is to determine what is the potential tourism spend for East Point, and how can East Point gain its fair share of that tourism pie,\" Mandela said.

CVB president and CEO Shantel Francois said the organization has been active promoting East Point through festivals, media campaigns and partnerships with hotel operators. Francois described recent wins—such as the inaugural East Point Peachtree International Film Festival and partnerships with Morehouse College—that she said increased hotel occupancy during events.

The presentation summarized the CVB’s tactics: stakeholder roundtables, targeted marketing, and a deliverable that will include a visitor profile and a roadmap for increasing overnight revenue. Francois told the council the CVB also seeks a strategy for leveraging proximity to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport and upcoming regional events, including FIFA matches next year.

Hotel owners who joined the presentation said the city loses potential convention business because of limited local meeting space. One hotel owner, identified as a hotel community representative, estimated the city lost about $3.7 million in economic impact between October and March because East Point lacks a conference facility. He asked council to consider directing tourism-product-development (TPD) funds toward meeting space or acquisition of a facility that could host 300–500 attendees.

Council members and staff discussed the practicality of converting the city auditorium into multiuse space. Council member Butler asked whether the auditorium could accommodate 50 tables (about 500 people); hotel representatives and staff said the auditorium is currently configured for performing arts and lacks kitchen and flexible meeting infrastructure. City staff said predesign work focused on performing arts but did not rule out a multiuse configuration; they noted additional predesign and due-diligence work would be needed.

Francois and other CVB board members also reviewed how the city’s 8% accommodations tax has been distributed since 2010 and urged transparency on the allocation of the portion earmarked for tourism product development. \"There is 1.5% that goes to tourism product development. That's $13,000,000. I have yet to see the return on that $13,000,000,\" a hotel owner said, citing hotel-sector concerns about prioritizing funds for facilities that generate overnight stays.

Council members requested the CVB share stakeholder meeting dates and the CVB agreed to coordinate the sessions with city communications. Several council members suggested the city manager and economic development staff continue coordination with the CVB on downtown development, airport advertising and potential grant or bond strategies to fund facilities. The CVB indicated it will return with stakeholder dates and the firm’s timetable for deliverables.

The presentation prompted council direction to continue discussions; councilmembers asked staff to include the CVB in any due diligence on city-owned properties that could be repurposed for meetings or conferences. The CVB requested support for a tourism task force to coordinate steps related to major regional events such as FIFA.","The East Point Convention and Visitors Bureau presented a tourism needs assessment and outreach plan, saying increased marketing and a targeted study of meeting planners, tour operators and travelers could boost hotel room nights—while urging council to consider meeting/convention space and clearer use of accommodations taxes.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6271215,"Council to consider letter of support for Wagon Works Phase 2 affordable housing project",291,7148000,7439000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52&start=7148&end=7439","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52/thumbnail_7148000.jpg","/articles/6271215/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-to-consider-letter-of-support-for-Wagon-Works-Phase-2-affordable-housing-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271215-95c881d03eeb612bb06b7e1a92b51081/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143570&Signature=Y5gvV7VbZEiTz2YBpXMNYkkgMr794cf8Lo5B6hjhj57BXMF7hcZnksgtC-wo~-mJRvujhoB58dv68Co0cyYaP8kU64NleVpg~uOU3zW6Hu8vEmgtsKq92trquhMxv~-gPCqVUAdQKZ0a-dyALL8Jj1h2N~VUPEen4I3i29w8wJHSmoFRDpwQL5xe35PYAPiDL3ukyGETKKgPVUJKQjeP1kyan6jYmf5zJSE2qtQtk1EluoywO2kkghQrcRkwIzyDnrSYBnBdXa7XKnILcqcN8HtY5bMM8QgOii0gOBPv2BA~SE1YK2RuxYP-N~cd5ZY-m4HpE6F2ejKOz3uPW10dKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hallmark Development Partners presented Wagon Works Phase 2 to City Council on April 14 and asked the city to provide a letter of support as the project seeks Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and state approval.

Alyssa Wilkins of the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Empowerment summarized the proposal: Phase 2 is adjacent to Wagon Works Phase 1 (now under construction), and would add roughly 40–50 rental units—mostly one- and two-bedroom units—targeted under state LIHTC rules. If built, the combined two phases would total about 139 units. Wilkins said the project aligns with the city’s equitable-growth goals and that the state Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GIC) committee recommended support.

Developer representative Thompson Curry said Phase 2 will share the Phase 1 design language, provide residential amenities and include limited commercial/retail on the first phase (about 8,000 square feet in Phase 1; Phase 2 may add small office/retail). He described plans to repurpose historic rail cars for pop-up commerce and community uses adjacent to the project.

Councilmember comments were supportive. Councilmember Butler moved to place the letter of support on the consent agenda; council directed the deputy city clerk to add the item to the April 21 consent agenda. No formal objection was raised during the work session, and staff noted the item will appear on the regular-meeting consent calendar for final action.

The council and staff noted the project site is in the transit-oriented development overlay near the MARTA station and that the developer received GIC committee support. The council did not take additional action at the work session beyond moving the letter of support to consent.","Developer Hallmark Development Partners requested a city letter of support for Wagon Works Phase 2, a proposed 40–50 unit LIHTC-eligible project adjacent to Phase 1 near the MARTA station; council placed the item on the consent agenda for the next regular meeting.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6271220,"Council opens public hearing on possible impact-fee program; consultant briefing scheduled",120,5996000,6116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52&start=5996&end=6116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3029355-875ea62719146e7ac87cd150d5b93c52/thumbnail_5996000.jpg","/articles/6271220/East-Point/Fulton-County/Georgia/Council-opens-public-hearing-on-possible-impact-fee-program-consultant-briefing-scheduled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6271220-a96e28016d94954c678d9d18c6073ae5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771143570&Signature=dmH4Z~FNM3LNCn~gwYzA5reIHWY8hSjH2X7xDWSKitaOgg6XHJ2vYrmKbKyCWG0pITgVCFERHF5Gyc2BonvABGlxUy4ZzPJUnsC1Bkd7kOiNQ-epU3BSpAvoU79iJZEaMbmdD30Wr6UD0X6URjZJtPJzA-ao4PRT~EgeunFlThvsjn-cTniH5u08lm0Knvx~gtDZuE1ozfAIJf1Po7ZQaZSyfL8IpfadgxALSnmP9E7PU2pfaXHJfP9OzVmO~qXPvsdjOJz1HTnpgSHUAHqy7-kJ1XoCibcXNqMoPL~KpXBrgH900GNVaC1qCYvEXT8bTPLfQ7wcRwAkaNXo7K~kwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and consultant Ross & Associates briefed the East Point City Council and members of the public on April 14 about a proposed impact-fee program that would assess one-time fees on new development to fund certain capital facilities.

Water-resources staff explained the program’s legal framework under the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (OCGA §36-71-5), and described the study’s three-part methodology: a capital improvements element listing projects used to compute fee rates; a fee methodology report; and an impact-fee ordinance and schedule should council adopt the program. \"The purpose of the impact fee study is to address the potential to collect a one-time impact fee from new development to help pay for additional public facilities and infrastructure needed to serve future growth and development,\" a staff presenter said.

The advisory committee for the study was established in September 2024 and includes downtown development authority members, staff said. The public hearing was advertised in county publications and council formally opened the hearing after a motion; council then asked Ross & Associates to describe the eligible categories and the public process.

Ross & Associates’ representative explained eligible projects under state law typically include capital items and long-lived assets—examples include park infrastructure, fire and EMS vehicles and facilities, police facilities and road improvements. Staff clarified water and sewer capital were not included in this impact-fee process because utility tap fees already address those infrastructure costs.

No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the hearing. Council closed the hearing after public comment opportunities; staff said multiple opportunities for public input will occur as the methodology report and ordinance are drafted. The city staff said they will return with a draft capital improvements element and proposed fee schedule for council consideration; no fee schedule or ordinance was adopted at the hearing.

Councilmembers asked for clarity about which land uses the fees would cover and how exemptions would be managed; staff said fees can be apportioned across residential, commercial and industrial uses as required under state law but that any exemptions would have to be accounted for and reimbursed from other sources.

The council’s next step is staff review with the consultant and further public meetings before a proposed ordinance is placed on a future council agenda for action.","Council opened a public hearing to explain a potential impact-fee program that could charge new development for a proportionate share of capital costs for parks, public safety and roads. Staff and Ross & Associates outlined the study scope; no fees were adopted and the city asked for additional public input.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City consultant recommends pay-scale changes; proposed cost ~ $3.13 million including benefits

East Point CVB unveils tourism needs assessment; urges focus on overnight stays, convention space

Council to consider letter of support for Wagon Works Phase 2 affordable housing project

Council opens public hearing on possible impact-fee program; consultant briefing scheduled