Danielsville approves water, sewer rate increases

Mayor Todd Higdon said last month that the utility increases, along with the BOE agreement, will allow the city to clear approximately $50,000 per year, which can be applied to an outstanding balance on a 2006 loan for water infrastructure improvements taken out by a previous council.

Former mayor Philip Croya and former council member Ron Faust were on hand to discuss the a previous water rate increase in 2010, in which the council also simultaneously decreased sewer rates, rendering the water increases ineffective in garnering additional revenue.

Croya told the council that he did not want to decrease sewer rates at that time and had expressed this in a work session, saying he realized the council would be “shooting themselves in the foot.” Faust said he also did not want sewer rates decreased. Croya said as mayor, he did not have a vote except in cases of a tie, and that some other council members did not follow his recommendations.

“I was basically being told how to do my job; that’s why I am not here now,” Croya said. Both Croya and Faust pointed out that council member Jamie Spurlin, who is the only 2010 member still on the council, did not attend most of those meetings due to his work schedule at the time.

And Croya praised the current council saying he supports them and understands that the city must raise its water rates.

“I appreciate what you guys do; I have been where you are,” he said.

Higdon said he has gotten a mostly favorable responses to the increases.

“I think most everybody understands that we have to increase the rates,” he said, and he praised the council for taking those steps, including the BOE agreement.

“I think this is a huge accomplishment for the city and a great partnership with the BOE,” Higdon said.

In other business, the council heard that the city’s police department has received a $10,000 grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to use for materials, mostly involving traffic and safety equipment, for the department.

The council also heard that the city will have a nearly $10,000 loss in tax revenue next year according to the county’s projections. Higdon said the city plans no millage rate increase.

“I think this council has saved enough and cut enough out that it (millage increase) would not be justified at this time,” he said, though he did not rule it out if such shortfalls continue in the future.

A public hearing on the millage rate will be held Aug. 23 at 7 p.m., after which the council is expected to set the mill rate at a special called meeting.

The council heard the first reading of a new city employee handbook. Higdon and city clerk Susan Payne said the council had discussed the handbook with Perry and with employees. They will likely improve the new handbook at the September’s meeting.

The council approved a $1,000 annual donation to the Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter to help with its operating expenses.

The council also discussed the possibility of obtaining a grant from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) for projects involving sidewalks and other upgrades to the city.

He pointed out that the maintenance department has been working on more beautification projects around town such as restriping the parking lot and cleaning up sidewalks and trimming trees.

FALL FESTIVAL IS BACK ON

The council also heard from volunteer Angela Herring who has agreed to spearhead plans for a Danielsville Fall Festival, which she plans for the last weekend in October. She said Fox’s Pizza Den employee Teresa Dale has also agreed to assist with the festival. Herring told the council that she would like to have a two-day festival with both a chili and barbecue cook off. She said she plans to utilize and promote local businesses as much as possible during the festival and would like to have lots of children’s activities and a number of different music groups.

“It will be geared differently than in the past,” she said. Tie-dyed business sponsored T shirts will be offered, that can be sold by local businesses after the festival is over. Higdon told her the council will want to see most of the proceeds from the festival go to local causes and charities and he encouraged Herring to call on previous festival committee members for guidance and help. Croya and Faust both offered their help and assistance.

Council member Michael Wideman offered to be the contact person for the festival committee.