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Johns Creek mayor proposes $28M bond as council weighs $60M performing arts center
Summary
Johns Creek officials discussed financing options for a proposed $60 million performing arts center, with the mayor proposing a funding mix of $20M cash, a $12M GMA loan and roughly $28M via a public bond; council asked staff to return May 19 with operational modeling and fundraising plans.
Johns Creek leaders spent the bulk of their April 28 work session debating how to pay for a proposed $60 million performing arts center in the town center. Mayor (name withheld in the transcript) outlined a notional plan that would use $20 million of city cash, a $12 million GMA loan and a “to‑the‑public” bond of roughly $28 million if the council pursues a November referendum.
City Manager Kimberly Greer told council the memo and modeling staff prepared with financial advisors reflect cash‑on‑hand, potential GMA financing and a not‑to‑exceed bond structure. “The Performing Arts Center started as a grassroots effort over 10 years ago,” Greer said, and staff have included the audited FY2024 surplus ($2.3 million) and other cash balances in the analysis while noting projected FY2025 surpluses are preliminary.
Councilmembers debated the mix of public and private funding, the timing of any referendum and the operational implications if the city remains the primary backstop. One councilmember warned that the city has never committed to funding the project 100% and urged quantifying private fundraising expectations before authorizing public debt. Another argued the city can afford the capital if it prioritizes the project, noting prior big capital investments such as Cauley Creek Park.
Legal and finance staff briefed council on options: a nonbinding referendum may be possible but requires charter and statutory review, while bond questions are typically framed as a not‑to‑exceed amount so the city could borrow less if private donations reduce the gap. Finance staff explained that an approximately $30 million bond spread over 20 years would increase the bond‑related millage by about 0.28 mills in the city’s estimate, a separate line on the tax bill rather than a permanent millage increase.
Council requested more operational detail before making capital decisions. Greer said staff will return May 19 with the requested business‑model scenarios, staffing options and operations and maintenance estimates so the council can decide whether to pursue a November referendum, delay to spring 2026 or adopt another path.
Next steps: staff will provide operations and staffing modeling on May 19, clarify referendum deadlines with the clerk and report back on community outreach and private fundraising progress.
