Government

Senoia revamping ethics ordinance

The Senoia City Council is in process of revamping the city’s ethics ordinance by adding criteria that essentially serves as a litmus test for potentially frivolous ethics violations against elected or appointed officials and city employees. The first reading was held at the May 6 council meeting.

The amendment creates a way to determine the merit of a claim, said City Administrator Richard Ferry. If the complaint meets the outlined criteria the ethics board can proceed with hearing the matter and, if not, the board can reject the complaint. Read More»

Councilwoman Fleisch to ask for traffic study for Hwy. 54 West

The daily afternoon traffic jam for westbound commuters on Ga. Highway 54 West will be discussed again by the Peachtree City Council at its regular meeting Thursday night.

Stretching for nearly a mile during peak congestion times, the traffic backup is front and center now that a shopping center developer wants a sixth traffic light added to the mix on Hwy. 54 between Ga. Highway 74 at the city limits: at the intersection of Line Creek Parkway, which is between Planterra Way and MacDuff Parkway. Read More»

WASA commits to ‘study’ future rebate

PTC authority may use refinancing savings to reduce PTC sewer bills

The Peachtree City Water and Sewer Authority has pledged to study whether it can offer a “rebate” to its ratepayers utilizing the annual savings from its recently-refinanced bonds.

The authority voted unanimously Monday night to explore the matter in September at the end of its fiscal year so the savings can be included in WASA’s annual budget discussions. Read More»

PTC to deploy tarp & blanket police?

At sunset in Peachtree City July 4 last year a throng of spectators lined the southern bank of Lake Peachtree to watch the city’s annual fireworks display. Nearly all of them had laid out tarps or blankets well in advance leaving spots for latecomers in short supply. Photo/John Munford.

July 4 ‘spot-saving’ might be banned to save city’s grass?

Saving your spot with a tarp or blanket for fireworks viewing and parade watching is a Peachtree City tradition.

That may soon change, however, as some last year used the privilege several days prior to the city’s annual July 4 celebration, sparking complaints from residents that have resulted in a new ordinance proposed by city staff.

The ordinance would restrict anyone from leaving a tent, blanket, tarp, stake or other personal property unattended while it is on city-owned property or right-of-way for more than an hour. Read More»

F’ville Council not sure it wants new sales tax vote

The Fayetteville City Council is not jumping for joy at the prospect of a new sales tax put forward by the Fayette County Commission. Read More»

Fayette schools nearing job cuts target

Through attrition and resignations, the Fayette County School System has already trimmed 284 jobs from its target of 309 positions to be cut.

The Board of Education recently agreed with the recommendation of interim Superintendent Dan Colwell that 309 positions be eliminated as part of a $15 million budget cut needed to balance the 2013-2014 budget that begins in July.

Though the numbers are still changing, school system administrators Friday said positions for a number of the 309 employees have been found due to the resignation or retirement of 284 employees since August. Read More»

Officials: Water may be smelly, but it’s safe

Fayette County Water System officials reported Tuesday that complaints from residents in north and central Peachtree City about a peculiar odor and taste in their drinking water is not cause for alarm. The problem is being resolved and the water is safe to drink, officials said.

Complaints from area residents began late last week, but Water System Director Tony Parrott said May 7 the “musky” odor in the water is no reason for alarm. Read More»

New sup’t. to survey public opinion

Fayette Superintendent Dr. Joseph C. Barrow, Jr. Photo/Ben Nelms.

Incoming Fayette County Superintendent Jody Barrow will not be on the job until July 1 but he is already wanting to hear from residents on a stakeholder input survey available on the school system’s website.

“I subscribe to the idea of seeking first to understand, then to be understood. I’ve used this (survey) approach before. So I wanted to reach out to the stakeholders,” Barrow said Monday. “I’ve researched the school system from the outside, now I want to research it from the inside out to get a better picture.” Read More»

Veteran Brooks attorney named to vacant magistrate’s post

A Brooks attorney who has been practicing law for 42 years has been selected as Fayette County’s new magistrate judge.

Loyd Hall Black Jr. was appointed to the post by Fayette County Chief Superior Court Judge Christopher Edwards. Black will fill the position left vacant when newly-elected magistrate Jason B. Thompson was appointed to be the county’s newest State Court judge.

One of the most significant duties of a magistrate judge is to rule on arrest warrant petitions filed by both law enforcement and the general public, along with the authority to set bond for a criminal defendant. Read More»

Fleisch ‘wait and see’ on new 54W traffic light

Dienhart contends 6th light in the tiny stretch of highway will make traffic worse Read More»