Monday south Hall Commissioner Bobby Banks asked the commission to consider postponing the project for three to six months, citing what he called a high construction cost during stressful economic times.
But Banks made the motion to approve it, saying constituent emails supporting project the changed his mind.
"I received tons of emails," Banks said. "I'm concerned about people not being able to pay for their food, pay for their gas, pay their mortgages, but I decided that if the taxpayers who are actually footing the bill want it to go through then why should I stop it."
Available funds for the project are coming from sales tax, sale of the old community center and impact fees.
According to Assistant County Administrator Phil Sutton, $2 million will come from 1-cent sales tax dollars slated for this project, and $1.25 million will come from the sale of the old community center property to Blackshear Place Baptist Church.
Two years ago, the commission approved the remainder to be funded by impact fees. All funds are available.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT CLINIC
Commissioners formally approved a lease agreement to allow Northeast Georgia Health Systems to run the primary care clinic at the county health department.
District Health Director Dr. David Westfall said care cost should remain based on patient income with more resources from the Medical Center.
"We'll continue to operate on a sliding fee scale just like we have in the past," Westfall said.
The Medical Center has provided doctors and a million dollars annually to help run the clinic; Commissioners also see the lease as a way to provide non-emergency primary care to patients who've been seeking it at the emergency room.
MAKING HISTORY
Hall County Commission Chairman Tom Oliver said a state loan application would underwrite a history making project.
Commissioners approved a resolution presented by Public Works Director Ken Reardon to seek $21-million to complete the Mulberry Creek Sewer project.
Chairman Tom Oliver said the new south Hall medical office building is now on county sewer.
"It's the first time ever that Hall County has totally had a sewer project," Oliver said.
Oliver said the county also plans to provide sewer to Hall's new high school/ middle school in the area.
FLOWERY BRANCH TAD
Commissioners consented to Flowery Branch's use of the county's share of anticipated Tax Allocation District revenues for the city's multi-million dollar downtown and interstate Gateways project.
The county expects over six mills to generate revenue from the 17 million dollar 'Old Town' project according to City Manager Bill Andrew.
The Old Town and Commercial Gateways TAD covers five hundred and 66 acres including the city's historic center plus commercial land along I-985.
Hall Commissioners convene Thursday and approve the Mulberry Creek Community Center
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/9/213625