Danielsville city council members received a good report on their 2010 audit Sept. 12.
The council heard from city auditors Rushton and Company, who said the city had a “clean opinion” on its 2010 audit, which was late this year due to the personnel changes in the spring. Auditors noted that revenues were up $38,725 (9.1 percent) in 2010, mostly due to $28,845 in increased property taxes.
Expenditures were also down $235,167 (36.6 percent) mostly due to a decrease in debt service on the city’s line of credit.
The council also heard that the water department is operating at a $50,000 per year loss, which is being supplemented by the general fund.
In other business, the city council approved a rezone request by Melinda Dalton-Horne to rezone .42 acres at 76 Griffeth Lane from general residential (GR) to high density residential (RI). The facility will be located behind the former Tanner House Restaurant.
Horne says she plans to construct a 20 x 20 foot structure to house her full-service salon, which will also carry retail beauty products. “I’d like to be in business by the first of the year,” Horne said. She said a mobile home currently on the property would be torn down within the next two years.
In other business, the council approved a Georgia Department of Revenue Sales Tax Collection Partnership. The measure calls for the city to notify the state of all business licenses issued so the city can receive its portion of sales tax from those businesses.
The council also approved Sabrina Cape of Capable Financial Solutions, Inc. to handle payroll for city employees at a cost of approximately $1,800 - $2,000 per year. Council member Junne Temple noted that Cape will handle all matters, such as payroll taxes and W-2s, that are related to payroll.
The city approved a water bill credit for housing authority resident Steve Pruitt. They also agreed to have maintenance supervisor Josh Lester monitor all meters at the housing authority due to other water issues there.
The city will hold a 2012 budget hearing at 6:30 p.m. prior to their work session on Sept. 26. A special called meeting to set the mill rate will be held following the public hearing. The rate is expected to remain the same at 4 mills.
The council also approved police chief training for new chief Matt Pilkington at a cost of $355, plus meals and lodging. Pilkington reported that the department investigated five incidents, issued 48 traffic tickets and made four arrests (one DUI, one forgery and two suspended licenses).
