Newspaper Page Text
Ocean Lodge
Continued from Page 2
a blank check for others to open on this
street."
McDonough's opponents cited three
primary reasons to deny the license
including: the distance requirement,
lack on adequate notification and issues
related to parking at the Ocean Lodge.
It had been stated by McDonough
that for large events at the facility,
such as wedding receptions, valet park
ing would be provided and the cars
would be parked at the St. Simons
Elementary School.
Glynn County Board of Education
(BOE) attorney Andrew Lakin spoke
at the meeting on behalf of his employ
ers saying the BOE was neutral on
the alcohol license, but that he had
been instructed to clear up the issue
about McDonough using the elemen
tary school parking lot.
First, Lakin said the letter
McDonough received from the school
principal giving permission to use the
parking spaces had not been approved
by Superintendent Dr. Michael Bull or
the BOE. Lakin said they did not know
about the letter.
Second, Lakin said it was a moot
point because, ironically, the parking
spaces were on Glynn County property,
not school board property.
"The school system is neutral on this
alcoholic beverage license issue," said
Lakin, "but as far as Mr. McDonough
being able to use school parking, that
is inaccurate."
County Attorney Aaron Mumford
defended his position on the distance
requirement exception. Mumford told
the commission they did not have to
grant the license, but they could do so
legally.
Mumford also said he recommends
approving the eight conditions.
Thaw said he would support the
license application based on Mumford's
assertion that McDonough meets the
ordinance requirements.
Keller said he had met with
McDonough and that Ocean Lodge is
a beautiful facility. But Keller's con
cern was that the original plan for the
Ocean Lodge was for a 15 unit "execu
tive conference center," not a hotel with
a bar.
"This has metamorphosed into a
multi-function facility," said Keller, "It's
turned into a facility that serves wed
dings, reunions and other large events.
If that had been stated at first, it would
not have been approved. The original
purpose was something else and this
has been built on false pretenses and I
understand the neighbors concern."
Fendig, in casting his vote to deny
the license, agreed with Keller's posi
tion.
After the vote to approve the license,
commission chairman Don Hogan gave
McDonough, who had not spoken dim
ing the entire hearing, a minute to
address the board.
In his brief comments, McDonough
contradicted Keller's and Fendig's
assertions about the original purpose
of Ocean Lodge.
Saying he wanted to "clarify" a few
things, McDonough said Keller's and
Fendig's comments were misleading
and that the conference center was a
figment of their imaginations.
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THE ISLANDER, DECEMBER 22, 2008, PAGE 9
Third Annual First Noel
This year First Noel was spon
sored by C.H.A.T. (Citizens for
Humane Animal Treatment). First
Noel, a gathering of many local
non-profit organizations, is a time
for non-profits to promote their
activities and to accept dona
tions.
Top: Representing Manna House,
Dona and Ray Colglazier.
Right: Lisa Norton, President of
C.H.A.T.
He also challenged BOE attorney
Lakin's comments about the elemen
tary school parking. □
Tax Office Reminder
Homeowners who are 65 years of age or older on January 1, and
whose income together with the income of the spouse does not
exceed $40,000 for the immediately preceding year may claim an
additional exemption from School Ad valorem tax. The deadline
for filing for this exemption is April 1. Bring in the 2008 Proof of
Income (State, Federal Tax Return). If State and Federal Income
Tax is not required to be filed, bring documents reflecting the
total Household Income (Social Security, Retirement...etc.) Must
supply Social Security Number and Picture I.D. (New voted on
November 2008)
Under Georgia law, all property is to be returned and assessed at fair
market value every year (O.C.G.A. 48-5-6). Counties are required
to establish a value as of January 1 of each year that meets the
definition of fair market value pursuant to O.C.G.A. 48-5-2. There
is not a state mandated revaluation schedule, rather the counties
annually review the values on the digest compared to sales data
and if property values are determined to be either too low or too
high then values are updated.
Taxpayers may challenge an assessment by the county board
of tax assessors by appealing in writing to the county board of
equalization or to an arbitrator or arbitrators within 45 days from
the date of notice. Taxpayers may file an appeal on matters regarding
value, uniformity, and denial of homestead exemption. Once a
decision has been made by the county board of equalization or by
an arbitrator or arbitrators, the taxpayer may appeal their decision
to the Superior Court of Glynn County by mailing or filing with
the county board of tax assessors a written notice of appeal.