Wednesday, January 1, 2003
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Wednesday, January 1, 2003 |
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County votes slowed growth, no metro buses By JOHN THOMPSON
In 2002, the Fayette County Commission's operative word was "no" as it tried to control growth in the county. Early in the year, the county turned down a proposal by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority to run buses up and down two Fayette County thoroughfares and pay for a portion of the cost. The proposal was for express commuter bus service on Ga. highways 74 and 85. GRTA representatives admitted that local tax funds would have to make up the difference of about $1.2 million a year, Commission Chairman Greg Dunn said, assuming Fayette's ridership is about the same as in other counties where similar service has been established. "If the ridership did not justify its existence, we would be in a long-term contract," Dunn said. Also in the spring, the Fayette County Commission voted unanimously to turn down an estimated $286,000 state grant that would put three traffic deputies on the road to patrol for aggressive driving violations and impaired motorists. The grant would have required the county to match $89,000, which includes the salary of one of the deputies and certain equipment such as laser speed detectors which the grant wouldn't cover. After the grant period expired, the county would be responsible for paying all three deputies. The commission's concerns had to do with "reporting" requirements that are attached to the grant. The county also took steps in the middle of the year to make sure the county has a chain of command in case a state of emergency occurs. The ordinances go into place when the Governor calls a state of emergency. The ordinances actually cover four areas: waiving procedures and fee structure, registration of building contractors, prohibition of overcharging and institution of curfew. The ordinance also requires all building contractors who want to help clean up any damage to be registered with the county. Chief of Emergency Services Jack Krakeel said this is done to make sure residents can feel confident in the work they need to get done. The director also said the ordinance looks harshly at price gouging. If a business person attempts to overcharge residents in an emergency period, a fine of $1,000 and jail time of 60 days could be imposed for each violation. Finally, the board is allowed to impose a curfew. Under conditions of the curfew, only "exempt individuals," such as public safety, medical, media and military would be allowed to be on the streets during the curfew. The county also turned down an unusual annexation request from Fairburn. Fairburn's city leaders acted as agents for the Bedford School, which wanted to annex nearly nine acres of its property in unincorporated Fayette County on Milam Road into Fairburn. The property is part of a 47-acre site owned by the school. Before they made a decision, the County Commission had indicated they would study this issue carefully, since Fairburn would become Fayette's sixth city if the annexation was passed. Fairburn city attorney Brad Sears told the county commissioners that the General Assembly had passed a law in 2000 that allows a city to annex property across county lines. He said Bedford officials indicated they wanted all their land under one jurisdiction and said they were confused about whom to call in case of an emergency on the portion of the property that's not in Fairburn. But Commissioner Linda Wells pointed out that Fayette's emergency services department has a higher rating than Fairburn's. Krakeel also said his department has an automatic response agreement with Fulton County, so no matter whom the Bedford School calls for help, Fayette County will also be on the scene. During the latter part of the year, the County Commission and the Sheriff's Department had a skirmish over the purchase of a helicopter by the department. The board and the department argued over who authorized the purchase of the copter and who would pay for it. In a compromise soultion, the sheriff's department agreed to pay the maintenance costs for the copter this year, and submit a request for funds in the 2003 budget. The latter part of 2002 was consumed by a divisive election for two County Commission posts. Commission Chairman Greg Dunn and Commissioner Linda Wells fought off challenges from Mike Wheat and Thomas Stephens to retain their seats. The race was characterized by Dunn who said it was one of the nastiest he's seen in local elections and added he's glad the citizens were able to stay the course of controlled growth in the county.
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