About The champion newspaper. (Decatur, GA) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 28, 2016)
LOCAL DeKalb County IGA a split decision in Doraville Pittman O’Connor Fleming Mayor forced to cast tiebreaking vote for approval by R. Scott Belzer sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) making rounds throughout DeKalb County was discussed at the Doraville city council meeting on July 18. The IGA preemptively supports a future penny sales tax and a one-year expansion on that tax. It also updates municipalities’ populations from the 2010 November ballot. Every DeKalb County city has signed the IGA except Dunwoody. In Doraville, it took a tiebreaking vote from Mayor Donna Pittman for it to be signed. “Passing the IGA tonight allows for the county to vote for a six-year special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) rather than a five-year SPLOST,” said Doraville city manager 'I hate to say I don't trust DeKalb County in getting us the money meant for us, but based on their track record, I don't think they'll be on the up-and-up.' - Doraville city council member Pam Fleming U.S. Census to the 2015 U.S. population estimates, allowing for a higher percentage of county funds in addition to providing a rough outline of capital projects to county officials. HB 596, the SPLOST referendum, was recently exposed as having miswritten information that suggests eliminating a property tax freeze in DeKalb County. Doubts have since arisen in cities throughout the county and officials are having a difficult time deciphering what they’re agreeing upon. On July 19, DeKalb County commissioners voted 5-0 to take the SPLOST referendum off the Shawn Gillen. “Not passing the IGA, the county can still put the SPLOST in place.” Gillen said the IGA ultimately means Doraville will receive a little more money per year assuming the tax is passed. Issues arose from Doraville city council members Dawn O’Connor, Pam Fleming and Sharon Spangler regarding the reception of tax funds, the way the legislation surrounding the SPLOST has been handled. “I hate to say I don’t trust DeKalb County in getting us the money meant for us, but based on their track record, I See IGA on Page 13A CHAMPION! July 28 - Aug. 3, 2016 • Page 10A AM in Nominated ‘LifeChanger’ and Decatur teacher fully committed to changing lives of students, colleagues by R. Scott Belzer sbelzer@dekalbchamp.com On any given weekday during the school year, there’s a good chance Artesha Chaney is changing hearts and minds at Oakhurst Elementary. On any given weekend or evening, there’s a good chance she still hasn’t stopped. Chaney, an intervention paraprofessional for City Schools of Decatur, was recently nominated for the 2016-2017 National LifeChanger of the Year Award. According to sponsor National Life Group Foundation, the annual program “recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 public and private school educators and employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.” Chaney has the chance to win prize amounts ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 based on her placement among 15 winners with half of the winnings going to Oakhurst Elementary. The top five winners, announced Spring 2017, will also take part in an awards ceremony in Naples, Fla. “I was very shocked when I was first nominated,” Chaney said. “Just to learn that this is how your colleagues see you, how they see the things you do, I’m very thankful. I work with some amazing kids and some amazing people.” According to colleague Debbie Lester, who nominated Chaney, there is no one more deserving. “Artesha Chaney works every day to change the lives of those in her community,” Lester wrote in her formal nomination. “She has been a fixture in the Decatur community Artesha Chaney, an intervention paraprofessional for City Schools of Decatur at Oakhurst Elementary, was recently nominated for the 2016-2017 National LifeChanger of the Year Award. for years, and her positive impact on the lives of others is constant.” Chaney’s profession allows her to work with general education students and students with special needs at Oakhurst. On a daily basis, she implements individualized education plans, keeps a positive attitude and ensures that every child she comes into contact with knows they matter. Chaney said her goal every day is to make sure children feel connected, wanted and able to learn. See LifeChanger on Page 12A (3) Great Expressions ■dental centers Our Decatur Lawrenceville Highway location is CLOSING. Don’t worry, there are other offices nearby... Lilburn 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy NW, Suite 5 Lilburn, GA 30047 770-638-8090 Briarcliff 2138 Henderson Mill Rd Atlanta, GA 30345 770-493-1242 Roswell-Holcomb 770 Holcomb Bride Rd Roswell, GA 30076 678-836-2102
