By DAVE HAMRICK
Staff Writer

A highly visible poster board sign in downtown Fayetteville with a thermometer showing progress in United Way's Fayette fund-raising efforts is a good idea, county commissioners agreed last week.

But it's not a good idea to put the sign at the intersection of Ga. highways 54 and 85, commissioners said. County law allows only one sign at the busy intersection.

The group directed county manager Billy Beckett to help United Way representatives find a suitable site “somewhere around the courthouse or administrative complex.”

Commissioners also asked the county administrative staff to look into resident Anthony Carter's contention that temporary gas permits should be allowed as new homes near completion.

Carter pointed out that temporary electric permits are allowed, so that light is available while finishing touches are put on a home's construction. A certificate of occupancy must be issued before electricity or gas are turned on for good.

But a temporary gas permit would be useful for workers finishing construction during cold winter months, Carter said.

Commissioners speculated that safety might be an issue in the policy that prohibits temporary gas permits, but asked staff to look into the matter and give “a definitive answer” as to the reason for the policy.

In other business during its work session last week, the commission:

” Approved a contract with Fayette Wrecker Inc. to tow cars as directed by the Marshal's Department.

” Agreed to pay SES Environmental company $4,350 to remove asbestos from a house on Lee Street. The house is being torn down to provide space for the county's jail/courthouse complex construction.

” Established a new policy stating that no county employee can serve on the citizens' committee or board that oversees his or her own department.

” Approved a new tower management contract with Pinnacle Towers Inc. The former contract was with Motorola, but that company has sold its towers to Pinnacle, said Beckett.