Hall Commissioners upset with ACCG

GAINESVILLE - Hall County Commissioners said Thursday night they are upset with their legislative 'watch dog,' the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia.

Commissioner Scott Gibbs said ACCG did not give them enough warning about a legislative measure that they fear will cost the county money.

"I would like this commission to allow the Chairman to write a letter to all other 158 counties expressing our displeasure with ACCG," Gibbs said. "What upsets me is that we get bits and pieces today finding out that they've changed our whole revenue stream for the county. We have no idea how this bill is going to impact Hall County's revenue."

The Commission unanimously approved Gibbs' request. Gibbs said he learned Thursday morning the bill, passed by both the house and senate and set to be signed by the Governor, cuts out ad valorem tax on motor vehicles.

Hall County State Senator Butch Miller explained it's part of a giant tax reform measure that eliminates sales tax on energy used in manufacturing, promising a $100-million reduction for tax payers and $160-million for industry and business. Miller said the ad valorem tax would be replaced by a one-time six and a half percent title fee when Georgians buy a new or used car.

ANOTHER REQUEST

Hall County Commissioners agreed to re-issue a request for proposal for an independent consultant to evaluate bids on revamping the county's solid waste system. The motion came from Commissioner Craig Lutz, who said bids would come from county employees and private companies.

"We did an RFP that basically allows us to find an independent person who could evaluate all the bids," Lutz said.

Lutz added the commission's goal is more cost efficiency at the landfill, compactor sites and recycling centers.

HELPING GATEWAY

Hall County Commissioners had no trouble unanimously approving a half million dollar grant request to construct transitional housing for the Gateway Domestic Violence Center. Director Jessica Butler said the housing would annually help 36 abused women and children to get on their feet and find their own homes.

"We've really got good support for this project, but we're still missing one key ingredient and that's a large chunk of the money," Butler said.

Butler said if the State Department of Community Affairs approves the grant, construction could begin in July.