Friday, January 3, 2003

Fairburn saw plenty of 2002 changes

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

In 2002, Fairburn residents learned their community could dramatically change.

With the development currently underway, Fairburn's population could double.

That was the assessment former City Administrator Tony Cox gave the Fairburn City Council early in the year.

Cox said Fairburn's current population is approximately 7,350. But all the subdivisions and town homes currently underway will mushroom the city's population to nearly 13,000.

In April, The city of Fairburn found itself short one councilman.

City attorney Brad Sears said Councilman Gene Wiggins submitted his letter of resignation April 15. While Wiggins did not provide a reason in his letter, Sears understands that Wiggins has moved out of the jurisdiction, which would require him to resign.

Marian Johnson won a special election in the fall and claimed Wiggins' seat on the City Council.

Residents were also shocked by a drive-by shooting in July.

Police Chief Mackie Carson said the shooting took place on Dodds Street July 3 about 11:30 p.m.

A grey Honda with driveout tags entered the neighborhood and fired into a group of residents standing on the street, Carson said.

Injured in the melee was Marcus Thomas, 22, who was transported to a local hospital.

The suspects also fired into an Oldsmobile Cutlass and injured Corey Davis, 22, who was sent to the hospital.

The Honda travelled north on U.S. Highway 29, and turned on Ga. Highway 138, where Union City Police joined in the pursuit.

The suspect's car rolled off the road, and investigators are still trying to determine who fired the shots that injured the two victims.

Later in the summer, Jim Williams took over as the city's new city manager.

One of the toughest assignments Williams had to deal with in his short tenure in the city was the budget for 2003.

Williams said last year's $11.6 million budget was only balanced because the city took nearly $1.2 million from its reserve fund.

In evaluating this year's budget, Williams' initial draft proposal is for a $12.3 million budget, which would offer the same level of services as last year's. But in crunching the numbers, he discovered the city would fall about $356,000 short in funds to pay for the programs.

In order to pay for the budget, Williams said the only alternatives were to cut services, cut the budget, use reserve funds or increase taxes.

Williams said the City Council could raise the funds by raising the millage rate from just over four mills to 7.5 mills, which would cost homeowners of a $100,000 home about $30 more a year in property taxes.

In the end, the City Council passed a budget that required a 33 percent tax hike, from 4.5 mils to 6 mils.

Additionally, the city's water rates also increased. For the first 2,000 gallons of usage, the rate increases from $11 to $15. For each additional thousand gallons of use, the rate jumps from $2.48 per thousand to $2.73.

The final part of balancing this year's budget is taking $150,000 from the reserve fund.

The other big story in Fairburn was the closing of Duncan Park.

Fairburn city manager Jim Williams said the city will continue to work with Fulton County staff to try and find a solution to reopen the park that serves hundreds of residents in South Fulton County.

The closing of the park was the latest chapter between Fulton County and Fairburn over who should pay for the park's operations.

Fulton officials have cited a state law that states when a municipality reaches 5,000 in population and annexes parks into its municipalities, it must start picking up the costs.

Fairburn's population topped the 5,000 mark in the last Census and the political war began over who should pay for the park.

City and county expect to discuss the park's fate early this year.