Friday, August 15, 2003

Salary increase passes

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
Special To The Citizen

A salary increase for the Mayor and Fairburn City Council members which was first proposed at the Council's July 14 meeting unanimously passed the first reading Monday night.

The second reading of the ordinance calling for the salary increase is set for August 25. The Mayor's salary was increased to $3,000 per annum and Council Member's to $1,500 per annum, all of which are paid annually in December.

A per diem entitlement of $50 per day when traveling on official business in the state of Georgia and $100 per day when traveling outside the state completed the ordinance as reimbursements for expenses incurred.

In addition to amending the staff's salaries, a proposal of new fees and increased fees was presented to the Council for consideration before their next meeting, August 25.

Fees for annexation, rezoning, plat reviews and final plats are all being revised in an attempt to curtail inordinate costs to Fairburn citizens.

"It's time we made people coming into town pay for this instead of the people who already live here," Councilman Harvey Melear stressed.

City Clerk Nancy Faulkner concluded Monday's meeting with a resolution establishing the dates for this year's city election. With three council seats coming open, a general election has been set for November 4. Persons at least 21 years of age and a resident of Fairburn fro at least one year prior to the election date are eligible for candidacy.

Prospective candidates may file with the City Clerk in City Hall beginning at 8:30 a.m., September 8 and concluding at 4:30 p.m., September 10 for a qualifying fee of $27. Voters have until 5 p.m. October 6 to register for the election. A run-off election, if required, will be held November 5.