Live at the Commissioners' Meeting

Editor's note: We are here live at the county commissioners meeting. It's a first for Cherokee County patches so bear with us. On the agenda tonight is a public hearing on whether or not to put Sunday alcohol sales on a ballot, and possibly raising the millage rate to make up for a $7 million hole in the 2012 budget.

5:50 p.m. Not too many folks here yet.

6:02 There's about 50 people here. Commissioners haven't taken their seats yet. They aren't real big on punctuality.

6:06 And we're off and running with the pledge and invocation.

6:08 Board presents a proclamation to the Cherokee Amateur Radio Operators in support of their field day on June 25 and 26. They will be showing off their emergency equipment and processes.

6:10 Under announcements.....The Cherokee County Roads and Bridges Department announces that EppersonRoad and Evans Cook Road will be closed for road reconstruction beginning Monday at 8 a.m., for approximately three weeks.

6:13 Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services was recently honored with an ‘Above and Beyond’ award in recognition of their support to their employees who serve in the Georgia National Guard and Army Reserve. The presentation was made by the Georgia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, by the the U.S. Department of Defense.

6:16 The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office wants to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program in the amountof $10,948. This money will be used for the equipment purchase of a surveyor station for accident investigation and prosecution.

6:18 Approval of work session and regular session minutes from the June 7 meeting.

6:20 Public hearing time

6:22 Board set to adopt the Technology Ridge Urban Redevelopment Plan and approves an application for an opportunity zone for the area encompassed by the redevelopment plans.

Speaker says the landowners are the ones that will be hurt by any restrictions.

6:27 New speaker says if you are going to make changes that will affect property owners, then let them know. Don't know that any regulation is ever a good thing.

6:33 New speaker says county is regulation heavy. It's wrong to impose more regulations on residents when property values are sinking.

6:38 County official says there are no additional regulations with this. Commissioner Harry Johnston says the county is just doing what it has to do to get tax credits for every job created in the area. The area needs an economic boost.

6:42 Board approves.

6:45 Public hearing on possibly putting Sunday alcohol sales on a November ballot. A law goes into effect July 1 that will allow municipalities to put the issue to a vote.

6:46 Seven people signed up to speak.

6:47 First speaker says that what is being proposed is unfair because it favors local grocery stores. There has been no outcry from the public that alcohol is hard to come by. It is available six days a week.

6:52 New speaker opposes putting it on the ballot. There is no money in it for the county. Increased alcohol means a drain on county services to pick up the pieces, he said. 

6:57 Little boy speaking to commissioners. He says alcohol destroys families. "You commissioners have a responsibility to families."

6:59 New speaker says Sunday is for rest and family. "We're losing the day," he says. Not asking for prohibition. If we lose this battle then we can expect a non-religious county.

7:02 p.m. New speaker says that in any debate the details matter. Sunday gives recognition to Jesus. The law in place now gives way to that.

7:09 Same speaker says the issue should not be left up to the voters because the commissioners are the authority. Standing ovation from audience. No speakers support putting issue on a ballot.

7:11 New speaker says this is not a need, it is a want. Why give people more opportunities to abuse alcohol? He references all the accidents and fatalities due to alcohol. He says he's not opposed to alcohol. He says he doesn't drink, but doesn't dislike those who do. He's opposed to those who abuse alcohol.

7:15 New speaker has baby in her arms. She has two brothers who were injured by drunk drivers.

7:18 Public hearing is closed. Chairman Buzz Ahrens said all of the Cherokee County cities have decided to put the issue on a ballot. Commissioner Harry Johnston says he likes keeping Sunday special. A decision won't be made, however, until the school board decides if they are having a referendum in November. Johnston says there hasn't been an outcry for it to be on the ballot.

7:23 Commissioner Jason Nelms says he is a Christian and it should be the people that call for a vote. Applause. "We're hearing the will of the people."

Commissioner Jim Hubbard says how can he look people in the eye and say that the board won't let people vote on an issue.

7:27 Commissioner Karen Bosch says she has been contacted by many people who want the right to vote on the issue..

The board decides to postpone a vote to get more input from the public.

7:30 Commissioner Harry Johnston says there have been meetings with the legislative delegation to redraw the commission districts based on the 2010 census numbers. He said the commission isn't quite there yet, but is working on new maps.

7:37 Consent agenda passes.

7:41 In anticipation of a $7 million shortfall in the 2012 budget, the commissioners have decided to advertise a millage increase of up to 15 percent. The increase on an average-priced home would be $49 a year for residents.

By law, the commissioners have to advertise if they plan to raise the millage rate.

The finance director said it might not be that much due to cuts and other cost-saving measures. But the county must advertise for the highest number that could happen.

7:50 And that's a wrap. Meeting adjourned