ATLANTA – In a bid to modernize and fund their essential equipment, the Atlanta Fire Union has floated the idea of tacking on a 'public safety surcharge' to the cost of tickets for concerts and major events. This initiative aims to rake in additional funds, crucial for maintaining a well-outfitted fire department ready to safeguard one of the country's bustling music and sports hubs.
The proposed surcharge, discussed during a city budget hearing, could impose a 3% additional fee on event tickets. Citing a high-demand event, Atlanta Fire Union President Nathan Bailey highlighted that "the highest ticket last year was Taylor Swift. It was over $1,000 a ticket," according to a FOX 5 Atlanta report. The union estimates that an event like Swift's three-day concert series at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium could generate an eye-watering $6.4 million in surcharge revenue – enough to acquire new fire engines or ladder trucks.
Atlanta City Council member Dustin Hillis, aligned with the cause, expressed his support. "That would be a lot of good revenue. Help build our fleet back up. Rebuild our stations, and it would also benefit lease," Hillis told FOX 5 Atlanta. Hillis, who has been instrumental in pushing for the surcharge bill currently stalled in the state legislature, sees this as an opportunity to alleviate financial burdens on property taxpayers in Atlanta.
Beyond the local impact, the plan could extend statewide. Hillis mentioned to Atlanta News First that "any ticketed event that is over — I don’t know what the magic number is — 5,000 or 2,000 people have to charge this fee and submit this fee to the state, who would distribute it how it's supposed to." The measure is designed to bolster public safety departments throughout Georgia.
Both the union and its allies have underscored the urgency to secure legislative support for the forthcoming session. With Atlanta drawing crowds for flagship concerts and sports showdowns, the proposed surcharge has surfaced as a beacon of hope for an underfunded fire department in dire need of modern equipment to ensure the city's safety.
