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PAGE 6B - THE COMMERCE (GA) NEWS. WEDNESDAY. TANUARY 30. 2008
Receive Phonics Training
Paraprofessionals at Commerce Primary School participated in
a phonics program training. Sabrina Hardy, left, provided instruc
tion on how to implement the Sweet Phonics program in the
classroom. The paraprofessionals worked on packets that can
be checked out by parents and used at home. Pictured below
are Hardy and paraprofessionals Leigh Purcell and Kelly Miller
working to prepare the packets. The school will also provide this
phonics training at the PTO meeting in February.
Primary School Recognizes
Students For Attendance
Commerce Primary School
principal Kim Savage has
released the names of students
who had perfect attendance for
the third six-week grading peri
od of the school year.
They are as follows:
Sidnei Aguilar, Rachel Aiken,
Savanah Allen, Ragan Allen,
Skylar Arntson, Matthew
Balaban, Brooke Barham, Anna
Begley, Taylor Black, Melanie
Boyd, Kyleigh Boyer, Carson
Bridges, Chaz Bridges, Garrison
Briggs, Jordan Brock, Clark
Bruce, Ty Burchett, Adia Burley
and Ibreyana Butler.
Also, Marcee Campbell,
Joshua Campbell, Donnie Lee
Carroll, Shawn Carruth, Marae
Carruth, Donny Carter, Michael
Carter, Dakota Cartledge, Bill
Cheng, Ivory Coates-Powell,
LaBryza Colbert, Matthew
Collins, Amiya Collins,
Christian Cook, Mikayla Cook,
Kasey Cowan, Jamecus Cox,
Shawn Cunningham and James
Cunningham.
Also, Samantha Davidson,
Madison Davis, Devin
Deadwyler, Hannah Denton,
Tijah Dorsey, Valerie Drake,
Creed Dunbar, Jarquez Elam,
Jameson Elliott, Lindsey Evans,
Tommy Feinberg, Skylar
Ferguson, Kimberly Fernandez,
Tucker Flint, Payton Freeman
and Marissa Fullard.
Also, John Davis Gaissert,
Tyiese Gaither, Ashley Garcia,
Keion Gresham, Presley Hale,
Devin Hernandez, Adela
Herrera, Lily Hill, Ginger
Holland, William Holsten,
Brooklyn Holt, Haley Horne,
Hayden Hutto, Sara Ingram,
Harlee Ingram, Seth Jackson,
Levi Jackson, Maggie Jiang,
Shatoya Johnson, Nia Johnson,
Kamirah Jones, Kevin Jones and
Grace Jordan.
Also, Conner Knight, Colin
Knight, Matthew Ledford,
Brianne Lee, Jada Little,
Hannah Lord, Kiley Love,
Lexi Love, John Lupica, Tyree
Mackey, Matthew Mahoney,
Tucker Maloch, Savanna
Marion, Camryn Martin, Kate
Massey, Autumn Mathis, Gabe
McAlister, Makayla McClellon,
Kyla McCook, Travis McDaniel,
Allison Merlos, Heath Millwood,
Olivia Mitchell, Savannah
Moon, Austin Moon, Callie
Moon, Kayla Morris, Dillon
Morris, Trista Morris and Sean
Mullis.
Also, Conner Nash, Deana
Neese, Jesus Ochoa, Bryce
Owensby, Gabi Paciolla, Levi
Pate, Shrey Patel, Nicholas
Patrick, Ethan Pearson, Shirmyra
Powell, Jessie Pritchett, Darious
Raiford, Tyliyah Reed, Letavia
Reed, Katie Rogers, Colby
Rogers, Aaron Rucker, Eli
Savage, West Scoggins, Patrick
Scogin, Felinta Simpson,
Shyann Smith, Cassie Smith,
Madison Smith, Jeanece Smith,
Anna Grace Smith, Rubi Smith,
Blake Stiwinter, Jeffery Straub,
Tylel Strickland and Abigail
Suarez.
Also, Chaz Thomas, Jordan
Tomblin, T.J. Trudnak, Kate
Tucker, Logan Turpin, Erica
Tyson, Estefanie Valle, Kaylee
Vandiver, Alex Vandiver, Claudia
Vasquez, Yamilet Vasquez,
Collin Veal, Jose Verde, Kobe
Waldrop, Dakota Waldrop,
Anthony Watts, Alishia Webb,
Shannasee Webb, Trahvon
Wiggins, Chad Williams, Amy
Wioskowski, Dajuan Wood,
Jessica Wood, Darekus Wood,
Dayjahana Wood and Jordy
Zelaya.
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215 Mercer Place, P. O. Box 1241
Commerce, GA 30529
Website: drlpitts.com
Gmail: drlpitts@drlpitts.com
Jackson County Government's
2007 Report to the People
Pat Bell, Chairman - Jackson County Board of Commissioners
2007 was a year of growth for Jackson County. With each passing year, there are
more visible results of the progress we have made to improve the quality of life in our
county. This report highlights major initiatives and accomplishments and serves as an
overview of your county government's finances.
Accomplishments and Initiatives
Fiscal Affairs
Total General Fund County Reserves at the end
of 2007 are anticipated to equal approximately
$7.8 Million. The portion of fund balance
expected to be undesignated/unreserved is
$5.9 million or 19.1 % of the total FY07 antici
pated revenues of $31.3 million. . The fund bal
ance is well within the recommended levels of
1 5% - 25%.
Moreover, the Board of Commissioners left the
2007 millage rate virtually unchanged. The
incorporated millage rate dropped .18 mills
while the unincorporated millage rate remained
unchanged at 8.73 mills.
Local Option Sales Tax receipts are expected to
yield approximately $6,395,904 in FY07. This is
a 3.37% increase or $208,781 over FY06 collec
tions.
In 2007, Standard and Poor's reviewed the
Issuer Credit Rating for Jackson County,
Georgia and reaffirmed "A+" rating and stable
outlook for the county.
Increased Growth... The US Census Bureau
rated Jackson County as the 32nd fastest grow
ing county (by percentage) in the US. That is
up from 43rd one year ago. With a population
estimated at 55,778 and a 34.1 percent growth
rate, Jackson County continues to progress as a
much sought after place to live and work.
Personal Property Audit... In FY06, the county
hired a consultant to begin a three year audit of
personal property accounts for commercial/-
industrial accounts. This is to ensure that per
sonal property is properly returned and valued.
To date, this project has identified an estimated
$1,027,374 in penalties and taxes.
Payments in Lieu of Tax... In FY07, the County
received $47,228 from the Upper Oconee
Basin Water Authority. These funds represent
payments in lieu of tax for the year 2007.
Public Information and Availability... The Jackson
County Government is now featured on the
local radio station WJJC 1270 AM. Recordings
of the Board of Commissioners meetings may
be heard on Wednesday nights after the actual
meetings are held on Monday nights.
Public Safety
SPLOST Initiative... Phase III in the development
of a new $30.5 million dollar jail facility is
underway. The formal groundbreaking cere
mony was held at 555 General Jackson Drive
on September 20, 2007. Other project mile
stones reached during 2007 include completion
of the architectural design, mass grading of the
site completed by the Jackson County Road
Department, selection of NewSouth
Construction as the general contractor, and the
installation of utility, water and sewer lines for
the new facility.
The project consists of a single story facility of
approximately 125,000 square feet to house
424 inmates, jail support services and Sheriff's
administrative space. In terms of financing, the
county issued Series 2007A Revenue Bonds
through the City of Jefferson's Public Facilities
Authority to finance the project. However, the
debt will be paid using proceeds from the spe
cial purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).
E-9II Computer Aided Dispatch Upgrade... In
FY07, the Jackson County Board of
Commissioners completed a $1,115,000
required E-911 System Upgrade. The former
system had been in operation for 14 years. The
new system will be Wireless Phase II compati
ble and provide enhanced services in the area
of public safety.
Emergency Services Vehicles... (SPLOST
Initiative) In FY07, the County received and
placed into service three new ambulances and
three rescue trucks.
Fire Training Facility... (SPLOST Initiative) Phase
one of a multi-phase, eight-acre public safety
training center has begun. This project will
include a Burn Building, a pumper test station
and various training facilities to support other
emergency services operations, including the
Sheriff's Office, EMA, E-911 and Rescue.
Moreover, this project will support all 12 Fire
Districts in the county. Master Planning is com
plete and design is about 50% complete.
Transportation
General... In FY07, over 1 7 miles of roads were
resurfaced. The county used a combination of
general fund property tax revenues ($660,500),
special purpose local option sales tax revenues
(SPLOST) ($1,666,558) and state grants from
the Georgia Department of Transportation
($454,720) to fund this initiative.
The County was awarded from the Georgia
Department of Transportation an Off-System
Safety Improvement Project Grant in the
amount of $286,000. These grant funds were
used to install various traffic control measures
for the purpose of reducing the fatal and non-
fatal vehicle crash rates on various roads and
streets.
Municipal Assistance... On September 19, 2007,
the Jackson County Board of Commissioners
approved an intergovernmental agreement to
provide assistance to the City of Jefferson for
the purpose of designing, permitting, and con
struction of improvements at the intersection of
US 129/SR11 and Old Pendergrass Road. The
total cost of the project is estimated at
$859,163. Jackson County made a contri
bution to the project in the amount of $40,000.
In FY08, the County plans to resurface approxi
mately 20.157 miles of road and base and pave
approximately 2.7 miles. Additionally, the
county plans to replace the bridge at Lipscomb
Lake Road. This will be a joint project between
Jackson County and the Georgia Department of
Transportation. Other bridge projects slated for
FY08 include the replacement of the Galilee
Church Road Bridge. This project also proposes
to improve the existing roadway to provide two
12-foot lanes with bike lane and shoulder.
Special Project... In the spring of FY08, the
county will begin work on a safety upgrade at
the intersection of Hwy. 15 (the Commerce-
Jefferson Road) and South Apple Valley Road.
This will be a joint project between Jackson
County and the Georgia Department of
Transportation.
Economic Development
Projects
The County, in partnership with the Industrial
Development Authority, continued work on
economic development roads during 2007.
Construction of these roads was funded with
proceeds from a Series 2004A Bond Issue in the
amount of $16.8 million. These roads are vital
to keeping the county's tax digest balanced
with commercial/industrial and not too top
heavy with just residential properties. The com
mercial and industrial will help to offset the ever
increasing costs of government services in terms
of stable millage rates.
Milestones reached during 2007 include com
pletion of Phase II of Steve Reynolds Blvd from
SR 98 to Ridgeway Church Road. An additional
4.5 lane miles of road were added to Jackson
County's Road Inventory with this 1.5 mile-3
lane urban section of roadway with a new at-
grade crossing with Norfolk Southern Railroad,
including safety features. Additionally, the
county progressed through the preliminary
design for Phase I of Zion Church Road.
Future Economic Development Projects... In an
effort to boost Jackson County's long-term eco
nomic outlook, the Board of Commissioners
unanimously approved a $49.5 million road
bond to be issued in 2008. Once completed,
the myriad of projects are expected to return a
dividend in the form of increased property tax
collections that will offset the cost of the debt
service incurred by the issuance of the bonds.
Airport... In FY08, Jackson County is expected
to complete a 5,000 foot runway expansion in
order to accommodate larger aircraft such as
corporate jets. This $6.1 million project is cru
cial to continuing the economic development
initiatives of the Jackson County Board of
Commissioners and the Jackson County
Industrial Development Authority. This project
will be funded with FAA Funds in the amount of
$1,248,593, local funds in the amount of
$1,845,235, Georgia DOT funds in the amount
of $121,733, and AIRGeorgia Funds in the
amount of $2,927,923.
Community Services
Parks and Recreation... More than 387 adults
and 3,267 kids participated in recreation pro
grams at county facilities during 2007.
Art in the Park... Art in the park was a great suc
cess in October thanks to a joint effort of the
Tumbling Waters Society and the Parks and
Recreation Department. An estimated 63 ven
dors and 3,200 visitors worked and or attended
this year's event.
East jackson Sports Complex... (SPLOST
Initiative) The East Jackson Sports Complex is
located on 37 acres of land in Nicholson.
During 2007, installation of field lights and curb
and gutter was completed. The East Jackson
Sports Complex will feature four (4) baseball
fields, a refreshment center, and spectator seat
ing. The entire project should be complete by
2009.
$15,000,000 General Obligation Bond
Referendum... During 2007, the Board of
Commissioners approved a resolution to call for
a general obligation bond referendum to fund a
variety of projects including a recreation center
with an indoor pool, the purchase of approxi
mately 340 acres across Jackson County for
parks and the protection of natural resources, a
recreation facility specifically designed to meet
the needs of people with disabilities, an expo
sition center that provides a covered arena for a
variety of activities, expansion of West Jackson
Park to include tennis courts and a soccer field,
and the addition of a soccer/football stadium at
Lamar Murphy Park.
Keep jackson Beautiful... The Keep Jackson
Beautiful program has begun accepting news
paper, magazines and office paper at the three
compactor sites and the Jackson County
Transfer Station. A new site at the Lanier Tech
Center in Commerce is also accepting all types
of paper in the red and green bins. There is a
joint effort between the Jackson County School
System and the program to provide environ
mental education to students and SP Recycling
is in the process of providing paper collection
bins at each JC School. This year Keep Jackson
County Beautiful received its second outstand
ing affiliate award for compliance in all report
ing areas. Bring One for the Chipper recycled
more than 400 trees between December 26,
2007 and January 6, 2008 at four Jackson
County sites. Great American Clean-up will
begin in March of 2008. The Adopt-A-Road pro
gram continues to expand with 12 miles
adopted in 2007.
General Information
Web-Site Development... Jackson County
unveiled its newly designed, comprehensive
website in July, 2007. This newly enhanced site
can be accessed at
www.jacksoncountygov.com
Surplus Property... Jackson County is now using
GovDeals to dispose of surplus county prop
erty. GovDeals is a multi-tiered government on
line auction service. To view items that Jackson
County has for bid please visit the site at
www.govdeals.com
County Awarded for Excellence in Financial
Reporting...
For the fifth consecutive year, the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial
Reporting has been awarded to Jackson County
by the Government Finance Officers
Association of the United States and Canada
(GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial
report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement
is the highest form of recognition in the area of
governmental accounting and financial report
ing, and its attainment represents a significant
accomplishment by a government and its man
agement.
jackson County Receives Distinguished Budget
Award...
For the sixth consecutive year, the Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award has been awarded
to Jackson County by the Government Finance
Officers Association of the United States and
Canada (GFOA) for its annual budget docu
ment. The award represents a significant
achievement by the county. It reflects the com
mitment of the governing body and staff to
meeting the highest principles of governmental
budgeting.
Preserving our Past... In FY06, the County in
conjunction with the Northeast Georgia RDC
made application for and received a Historic
Preservation Grant. These funds were used to
hire a consultant to do a study on preserving
the Historic Jackson County Courthouse. This
study was completed and delivered to the
Board of Commissioners in January 2007.
Moreover, in terms of preserving our past, a sig
nificant effort was begun in the early part of
2006. Charlotte Mealor, President of the
Jackson County Historic Society, and a team of
folks began the task of recovering, restoring,
and reorganizing a massive amount of books,
files, court documents and scattered loose
papers that had for years been stored in the his
toric Jackson County Courthouse.
Working closely with Linda Aaron, an archivist
with the University of Georgia's Hargrett
Library, many documents important to our
county history will be restored and inventoried
and indexed for future reference.
Re-Districting... In 2007, Jackson County
received approval from the Department of
Justice for new commissioner lines. The Office
of Voter Registration implemented the change
in commissioner lines and notified voters in
their districts.
The Office of Voter Registration also received
approval from the Department of Justice to
implement two satellite voting locations within
the county. One satellite location is located on
the West side of the county at the Braselton
Police Precinct and the other is located on the
East side of the county at the Commerce
Recreation Department.
Special Thanks
Government, to a large degree, is dependent upon volunteers to serve on many boards, authorities, and advisory committees.
A special thanks is extended to those who have given of their time and energy to help make Jackson a better place to live and work.