Glades consulting group cuts fees

GAINESVILLE - Hall County Commissioners Thursday night voted unanimously to direct the County Attorney to negotiate a $5,000 monthly fee reduction in the contract of Atlanta attorney Tommy Craig, whose consulting group is working on getting the Glades Farm Reservoir project permitted.

Craig told commissioners he is aware of the recession economy and said the group would do its share. Craig's monthly charge was $40,000.

"We'd like to offer a $5,000 a month reduction in our compensation and hope that will be well received," Craig said.

Commissioner Ashley Bell, who has argued the county needs to save on consulting fees, said the offer was well received and made the motion to accept it. Bell said he wants the Commission to look for savings in other portions of the project including engineering and discuss it at the next work session.

UNDER ONE ROOF

Hall County Public Works & Utilities Director Ken Reardon told commissioners that keeping the county assessor's office in downtown Gainesville could allow lease space in the Liberty Mutual Building. Reardon presented his space plan for the county's new headquarters, calling it 'Under One Roof' and said the building has plenty of room to spare. Commissioner Ashley Bell said keep some county offices downtown and lease space to Liberty Mutual.

"This is an opportunity to continue lease revenue and keep county government in downtown Gainesville," Bell said.

Bell represents Gainesville on the Commission and says downtown needs county offices to attract business. Commissioners tabled action, agreeing to look at Reardon's plans and consider a decision at their February 24th meeting.

FAREWELL TO LARRY POOLE

Larry Poole is still mayor of Gillsville, still chairman of Hall County's Parks and Leisure Services Board, but he's retired as a county Public Works right of way supervisor and drew recognition from Hall Commissioners. Commissioner Billy Powell read the proclamation.

"His work ethic, attitude and proactive approach have been a positive influence on other members of our staff," Powell said.

Poole worked for Hall County from 1997 until his retirement in January this year.