The Tri-County Journal
& Chattahoochee Chronicle
PO Box 850, 71 Webb Lane
Buena Vista, GA 31803
229-649-6397
tjournal@alltel.net

By PETRA JONES
(From the October 18, 2006 issue)
   The Marion County Commission proposed putting a temporary hold on approval of new subdivisions, discussed items related to the new household garbage service, approved a zoning change for a new cell tower to be erected, and conducted various other business during its recent monthly meeting.

Moratorium
   Commissioners proposed imposing a six-month long moratorium on the approval of new subdivisions (suspending approval of any new subdivisions for six months).
   Commissioner Jerry Hays voiced his concern over additional subdivisions being approved without first addressing infrastructure concerns. Hays has said in the past that he has a great concern over potential water problems for the north end of the county and he thinks the complete infrastructure of the county needs to be looked at before more subdivisions are developed.
   A public hearing on the proposed moratorium will be held on Nov. 14.

Garbage Service
   The commissioners discussed the garbage fees for churches that only meet once or twice a month. They do not generate enough garbage to warrant containers and the church members agree to dispose of the trash in their home containers.
   How to handle the garbage service for weekend cabins (described as “not lived in on a regular basis”) was also discussed. This was tabled until County Attorney Wayne Jernigan can draw up an ordinance to actually define “cabin.”
   Plantations such as Buck Creek & Hilliard, which have more than one house, want to use their own dumpsters. These are gated and controlled areas, and the plantations would pay directly to TransWaste, the company responsible for garbage pick-up.
   The issue of billing new homes that are complete, yet not sold, was also discussed. If the waiver of vacancy is completed, and the container is

removed by TransWaste, the county is not charged for that container.
   There were a number of residents at the meeting with questions and concerns about the garbage service, particularly of the “pre-billing” for garbage collection, as a full year’s worth of fees is listed on the property tax bills local residents recently received in the mail.
   Commissioners tried to answer all questions, and again asked residents to understand that, as Commissioner Frank Powell stated in a previous meeting, “It will all work out, just not by tomorrow morning.” The commissioners want to emphasize that they are truly trying to make this a positive change for the county.

Potential Grants
Kay Hagler of Middle Flint RDC spoke to commissioners about the possibility of acquiring grants from the One Georgia Authority for land acquisitions to move recreation fields and upgrade the airport. She will keep commissioners updated on any grants and land being considered.

EMS Proposal
   Terry Whaley, chief of Marion County EMS, came before the board with a proposal for full time employment. He proposes that five additional full-time positions be added to the roster. Whaley presented commissioners with a breakdown of cost and benefits for a full staff of seven paramedics and EMTs.

Zoning approved
for cell tower
Last month, Jennifer Blackburn of Verizon Wireless came before the commissioners asking for approval of “conditional use” zoning to place a cell phone tower on Red Oak Drive. The tower would be 295 feet tall, self-supporting (no guide wires), and there would be a $50,000 security bond posted for removal, if ever deemed necessary. Verizon has notified all adjoining landowners and found they were favorable towards the tower. A resident at the meeting ask about the maintaining of the road the tower will be on, and Blackburn assured her and the other residents that Verizon will maintain the road up to the tower. The tower will also be capable of supporting three other carriers. The commissioners requested a public hearing, which was advertised and held at this months meeting. There was no opposition and the zoning for the tower was approved.

Forestry Unit Report
   R.T. Lumpkin, chief ranger of the Marion-Chattahoochee Unit of the Georgia Forestry Commission, presented the commissioners with an annual report.
   Some of the figures from the report state that currently forest resources statewide generate more than $30.5 billion dollars annually. Marion County has 234,900 acres, of which 188,200 are forestland. Forest acres represent 80.12 percent of total acres.
   There are five industries in Marion County engaged in processing or manufacturing of forest products, which employ 320 people. A total of 1,859 outdoor burn permits were issued during the fiscal year 2005-2006. There were 53 wildfires; total land burned was 284.58 acres, with an average of 5.37 acres per fire.
   Debris burning continues to top the list of wildfire causes, with 18 debris fires burning 135.95 acres. There were 11 “incendiary fires” (highly flammable substances) that burned 30.32 acres, and 10 lightening fires that totaled 43.01 acres.
   Pilots spent 32 hours flying over Marion County for detection and suppression of wildfires, and to monitor pine bark beetles. Forty-one landowners requested firebreaks, totaling 297.55 miles of firebreaks being plowed and harrowed. A total of 748 acres were burnt to assist landowners.
   The Commission assisted Marion County landowners with a total of 16-forestry requests, including site preparation, harvesting, planting inspection and advice, seedling care and other forestry issues.  There were 5,670 seedlings shipped to and planted in Marion County. Marion County was assessed four cents per acre for forest fire protection services. There were 188,200 forest acres in the county that account for $7,528 paid by the county for protection.

Other Business
   Other business conducted during the meeting include the items listed below.
   * Commissioner Jerry Hayes suggested that a part of the money collected from the hunting camp permits be used toward the recreation department, EMS service, or other county services that may need the monetary help.
   * Sheriff Horace Snider was named interim EMA director.
   * A resolution to authorize the sale of garbage truck and dumpsters as surplus property was agreed upon.
   * Two first-time water leaks (adjustment of water bills) were approved. Commissioners remind residents that if they have a reported leak, it must be fixed in a timely manner.
   * Marion County Sheriff Horace Snider gave a monthly report to the Commission.
   * Before going into executive session to discuss personnel matters, commissioners reviewed financial reports.
   The next regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14, in the conference room of the County Extension Office. Residents who would like to speak at the meeting are asked to call 649-2603 at least a week prior to the meeting and request to be placed on the agenda.