The fate of

several big-ticket projects for Peachtree City will be in the hands of

voters during Tuesday's general election.

Voters will

get to approve or vote down those projects collectively; but there is

some sentiment that with the slow economy after the Sept. 11 terrorist

attacks, now is not a good time for the city to go into debt.

Others argue

that now is the time to act since interest rates are so low. Bond project

proponents also point out that if all the projects are approved, the tax

bills on homes with a value of $200,000 would be $3 per month in 2003

and $4 per month from 2004 on.

The money would

be borrowed through a bond issue; the city has the capacity to borrow

over $100 million currently because it has traditionally paid for other

significant projects with cash through impact fees.

In addition

to several large improvement projects, voters will also be asked if the

city can refinance $1.62 million in bonds owed by the city's Airport Authority,

which would save approximately $120,000.

The other projects,

and their projected costs on annual tax bills for homes valued at $200,000,

include:

Acquisition

of the Braelinn Baptist Church campus for use as a community center and

the purchase of equipment and furniture. The facility has 30 classroom/office

rooms and a multi-purpose auditorium that can seat up to 600 people ($2.885

million total cost); $20.24 a year.

Expansion

of the Kedron Fieldhouse recreation area with a multi-purpose gym, a multi-purpose

room, restrooms, and more office and storage space ($1.735 million); $11.92

a year.

Improvements

to Drake Field, including a walking trail, a bridge connecting the area

to Picnic Park, picnic areas and a central village lawn ($700,000); $3.92

a year.

Construction

of four playgrounds and two picnic shelters ($200,000); $1.12 a year.

Refinancing

of debt owed by the city's Airport Authority to save $120,000 in interest

payments ($1.62 million); no cost to property owners the money is paid

off with city hotel and motel taxes.

Since the plans

for the community center involve sharing the facility with Braelinn Baptist

the first year, that facility would originally cost $20.20 in 2003 before

increasing to $31.20 a year in subsequent years.

If any of the

projects are approved, the bonds would be paid off over a 25-year period

of time. By doing so, the costs are spread out over future residents of

Peachtree City instead of using lump sums of cash to burden current taxpayers

only, according to city officials.

The city's

credit rating and tax base qualify it for up to $115 million in bond debt.

These projects, however, would increase the city's bond debt by $7.14

million.

The community

center would be used to expand the classes offered by the recreation department.

City officials also believe it is important for the facility to create

revenue by renting out space for receptions, seminars and other events.