| District 3 Newsletter |
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District 3 Newsletter December 2010 December 2010 Newsletter The air is crisp, twinkling lights dot the landscape, and decorations are popping up everywhere. The holidays are just around the corner. Despite what we hear on the news, we can give thanks for many blessings. Just ask someone who came here from a country where their rights were oppressed or celebrating holidays was not allowed. As I participated in the Porterdale and Covington Christmas Parades and saw the faces of Newton County’s future, I was reminded how humbled I am to represent the constituents of District 3. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. FIRESIDE CHAT The Fireside Chat held on November 4 was well attended. Chair, Kathy Morgan gave a presentation on the Comprehensive Transportation Plan for Newton County. I have extra copies of the presentation or I can provide a digital copy as well. The major concerns expressed by residents were related to the permanent repair of the Crowell Road culvert, reopening the Mt. Tabor bridge, completing Salem Road improvements, re-engineering the interchange at exit 88, and improving Almon Road through Almon. Several residents commented on the lack of sidewalks and walking trails throughout the district. All of these concerns have been identified in the Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP); however, funding is the major stumbling block to implementing the changes. Many of the projects can be funded through SPLOST. Since the Fireside Chat, I have met with the engineering firm, Moreland Altobelli, who is currently designing the permanent repair to the culvert on Crowell Road. They will have final recommendations by January 2011. NSP The Fairview Community Park will be complete by January 2011. I will be meeting with residents of Fairview Estates and IECDG on December 16 to discuss their HOA transition. SPLOST The primary revenue source available to counties in Georgia is the property tax or Advalorem tax. In addition to property taxes, counties utilize revenue from sales taxes to augment their budgets. Of the 7% sales tax collected in Newton County, 1% is for the local option sales tax (LOST), 1% is an educational sales tax and 1% is a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or SPLOST. This SPLOST is used to fund capital projects such as the building the County Administration Building, the jail, libraries, roads and bridges, etc. The current SPLOST will expire June 30, 2011. The citizens of Newton County must vote by referendum in March 2011 whether or not to continue the 1% to fund capital projects. As property values decline SPLOST can play an important role in providing continued revenue to the county. The Board of Commissioners must agree on a list by January 4, 2011 to place on the referendum in March 2011. Please take some time to read the following 2 articles and provide me with your comments. http://www.covnews.com/section/1/article/16035/ Let me take this opportunity to wish all of the residents of Newton County a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2011.
 July 2010 Newsletter April 2010 Newsletter August 2010 Newsletter October 2010 Newsletter
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| Last Updated ( Monday, 06 December 2010 ) |