Friday, March 5, 2004

Classes to teach about local government

Fulton County will conduct a 12-week program to teach residents about local government processes.

The first 25 students of “Fulton County Citizen University” meets 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. on 12 consecutive Thursdays beginning April 1. 

County staff from key departments will involve attendees in interactive activities that demonstrate how services are delivered to taxpayers. The Finance Department, for example, will lead students through the challenging process of developing a mock budget. Students will earn credit toward graduation based upon attendance at these sessions and at Board of Commissioners meetings.

“The Citizen University will benefit the entire Fulton County community by involving residents more fully in their local government,” said District 7 Commissioner William “Bill” Edwards, sponsor of the program. “The model for the program has been a great success for Pinellas County, Florida, and I’m excited to bring it to Fulton County residents.”

 Lessons will be conducted as follows:

April 1: Meet the County Manager

April 8: Development Plan Review

April 15: Economic Development

April 22: Code Enforcement

April 29: 911 Emergency Services

May 6: Fire

May 13: Public Works

May 20: Finance & Tax Assessor

May 27: Police and Sheriff

June 3: Communications and FGTV

June 10: Human Services

June 17: Graduation

Program fees of $40 will cover the costs of a class shirt, course materials, graduation ceremony and diplomas. Applications will be accepted March 1-15, 2004; acceptance notices will be delivered by March 19. Tuition payments must be delivered or postmarked no later than March 26. Forms can be downloaded from www.myfultoncountyga.us.