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Mayor Johnson backs nonbinding referendum on Scott Family Park; council postpones the item
Summary
Mayor Johnson urged a November nonbinding ballot question on the future ownership and investment of Scott Family Park campground; other council members asked for more facts, and the council voted to postpone the referendum item until staff gathers additional information.
Mayor Johnson argued the Scott Family Park campground is a major city asset and asked the council to ask residents directly whether the city should retain ownership, hire an operations manager, privatize management, or sell it. "We need to be all in or we need to be all out," Johnson said, and he urged an informational meeting in October to provide residents with objective data before a November ballot.
Several council members said an advisory question should wait until the city has more facts — including an appraisal, operating-cost analysis, and alternatives such as partnering with Henry County or hiring an operations manager. One council member moved to table the item until staff provides more information; the motion to postpone passed on roll call (4 ayes, 3 nays, 1 absent). The council discussed timing concerns and budget impacts for the 2026–27 budget, and members emphasized that a nonbinding referendum does not obligate the council to follow the vote's result.
Mayor Johnson said an informational session in October will present options and data compiled by two local engineers (Brad Goddard and Brett Jackson) and stressed that the referendum would simply solicit community input. Opponents said they feared a rushed ballot question and wanted more operational and financial detail before asking voters. The council did not set a final ballot question at the meeting.
