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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. CLASSIFIED ADS 26,500 READERS sio PER WEEK 706-335-2927 • 706-367-5233 MasterCard • VISA Save $3 by placing ads online at classified@inainstreetnews.coin § NOW ACCEPTING PATIENTS § b o I • f ^ Hours: Thursday and Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. J i J J J I J J J I J J J I J J J I J J J I J J J I J l A-eslie /Id. 'puts, D/HD '~j)/blatrtc T)e.nU$tim 706-335-7793 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.