Commissioners allocate $26,000 to Watson Mill

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Commissioners allocate $26,000 to Watson Mill

Posted by

Zach Mitcham

in Top Stories

Sunday, March 18. 2012

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Madison County commissioners agreed by a 3-2 vote March 5 to contribute $26,000 to the state government to keep Watson Mill a functional “state park” with two employees on site.

Commissioners Stanley Thomas, Mike Youngblood and Pete Bond voted for the action, while John Pethel and Jim Escoe voted against the measure.

The state Department of Natural Resources decided last year to downgrade the park, which straddles Madison and Oglethorpe counties, from a “state park” to an “outdoor recreational area.” This included the layoffs of office staff who took seasonal reservations from those who camp at the site.

Commissioners said losing the park status would hurt attendance at the park and harm the local economy. They said the park could become a hub for criminal activity without staff on site. The DNR recently agreed to place two state employees at the park if the county contributed $26,000.

The county also sought to keep the pavilion or “group shelter” open at the park, but the state DNR sent a contract with a myriad of insurance and liability requirements the county must clear before it can run that pavilion.

Commissioner Stanley Thomas was dismayed with the contract, noting that the state has much of the land for the park through the generosity of local residents, such as the late Comer News owner Jere Ayers, who donated several hundred acres to the park.

Thomas pointed out that the county is contributing $26,000 for two office workers.

“I don’t understand, if they (the state) have people down there (Watson Mill), why can’t they operate it (the pavilion)?” asked Thomas.

The District 1 commissioner said the county needs to continue to talk to local legislators about getting the DNR to assume its previous responsibilities at the park.

Commissioner Pethel suggested that the board speak with Oglethorpe County officials about splitting the $26,000, since part of the park is in that county.

The board agreed 3-2 to seek help from Oglethorpe County, with Thomas voting with Pethel and Escoe. But a previous motion, made by Bond, was also on the table to go ahead and contribute $26,000 to the park’s operation. Thomas noted that the park needs someone on staff quickly to take spring reservations. He, Youngblood and Bond then voted to go ahead and allocate $26,000 to the DNR to operate the park.

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#1 Anonymous on 03/20/12 at 02:58 AM [Reply]

Mr. Bond, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Youngblood are just all too eager to give away Madison County taxpayers money. The State of Georgia should be paying this money, and Oglethorpe County should be paying half. Nope...Bond, Thomas and Youngblood want Madison County to pay it ALL. Seems Georgia and Oglethorpe County have truly found some Madison County suckers. Or, maybe these gentlemen don't care. After all, it's not THEIR money...it's OUR money they are throwing away with nary a care, or even an attempt to save even a dollar. Crooked.

#1.1 concerned citizen on 03/22/12 at 02:12 PM [Reply]

The state of Georgia should be paying all the money, since originally taxpayers money paid for this park and gave it to the citizens of all counties. However, since the DNR cannot adequately divide and spend their incoming revenue money and support the parks we already have, and have chosen to "downgrade" several of this states parks; many concerned citizens think the value of this park to both counties is worth saving. Most people know it has been damaged by all this turmoil, and it will take some time to rebuild what has been lost. Sadly
our state of Georgia government officials have
not looked at the perspective of what is being taken away from rural Georgians, and are more infavor of more economic development high yield areas with golf courses, and big cities, heavy traffic areas. Thank goodness we do have county governments who are willing to stick their input in and try to help save what was ours to begin with. Many Anonmyous #1 should vent his frustrations towards those who have done this horrendous downsizing.

#1.1.1 anotherview on 03/22/12 at 04:56 PM [Reply]

I hear that they (DNR) are cutting trees from the park property. I guess that they are recieving money for them. Where is that money going?? This money should stay here in Madison County and our tax money wouldn't have to be spent saving the park.

#1.1.2 Tanya on 03/23/12 at 11:01 AM [Reply]

Anonymous #1 hit the nail on the head. Now, thanks to the 3 stooges, the state of Georgia has no incentive to not only put more money in the park, our commissioners have guaranteed that the state will pay even less. Why? Because our commissioners have demonstrated they are willing to use Madison County working folks' money to pick up the tab!

Sure wish I could get in on a game of poker with the 3 stooges of Madison County. I could make a bundle. Unfortunately these clowns are playing poker with our money every day and it's flying out the window.

The state of Georgia legislators are having a big ole belly laugh at our commissioners. They just found some nincompoops who know how to "negotiate" Madison County right into paying for a state park. And now the state doesn't even have to pay for the state park.

A word for our commissioners: those legislators aren't laughing with you. They are laughing at you. And rightfully so. Some "negotiators" you are. lol.

#2 MC on 03/23/12 at 10:09 AM [Reply]

Another drug arrest at Watson Mill. Yep reason I quit going years ago was stuff like this. I vote we put game wardens in this location instead of getting college kids in canoe's. Would be better served by DNR.

#2.1 ann on 04/04/12 at 12:28 PM [Reply]

Yes we need to put that game warden down there so he has something to do instead of riding around looking pretty or so he thinks ! Cocky Rascal ! He thinks his @#$% don't stink and he snubs everyone he comes in contact with !!!!
That Badge has went to his head !!!!

#2.1.1 Ms.K on 04/05/12 at 08:47 PM [Reply]

You must have been caught doing something wrong to have this attitude. If you don't tell us why you feel this way, then your comment is irrelevant. It's also very rude and ugly so it is to be ignored. I've contacted Shane Sauter several times for information and for help with poachers and idiots who disobey the law. He has always been very quick to respond or happy to share his knowledge with me.

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