Wes McDonald

Chairman Mike Boyce discussed a recent visit to financial rating agencies in New York, where the county's financial management, budget processes, five-year plan, and SPLOST Oversight Committee policies were presented. Key topics included the maintenance of the county's triple-A bond rating, borrowing strategies involving tax anticipation notes, and the fiscal performance of projects such as the Atlanta Braves development. The chairman also outlined the upcoming schedule for town hall meetings and budget hearings to foster public engagement and transparency.

The Planning Commission conducted a zoning hearing to deliberate on several cases. Key discussion topics included the withdrawal of an application, the continuation of multiple rezoning cases to future hearings, and the approval of various rezoning and land use permits with specific conditions. The commission addressed stipulations for a residential subdivision, including requirements for an HOA, decorative detention pond features, and maximum house height constraints. Additionally, an application for an auto body collision shop was presented, with local community groups advocating for specific conditions related to outside storage and vehicle registration to maintain area standards.

The public hearing focused on the proposed millage rate increase and the 2019 budget. Various community members expressed opposing views, with some advocating for the increase to support public services like libraries, parks, senior centers, and public safety, while others argued against it, citing a need for better financial management, reduced spending, and concerns over the impact on taxpayers. Specific concerns were raised regarding the stadium debt, transparency in budget presentations, and the prioritization of expenses.

The Board of Commissioners conducted a zoning hearing to review and deliberate on several land use and development cases. Key topics included the status of various rezoning applications, continuances for future hearings, and approvals for land use permit renewals and modifications to previously stipulated conditions. Specific agenda items addressed were a retail rezoning request, a land use permit renewal for equine therapy, lot size reduction considerations, and a house moving application. The board also engaged in detailed discussions regarding architectural standards, building material combinations, and fencing requirements for residential development projects, ultimately shifting certain items to the regular agenda for further clarification and public testimony.

The commission addressed a settlement with the Atlanta Braves regarding outstanding fees and infrastructure costs, aiming to resolve long-standing partnership issues. Discussions also included the allocation of hotel-motel tax revenue, including a surplus to be designated toward contingency funds and potential investments in travel, tourism, and public safety around SunTrust Stadium to reduce taxpayer burden. Additionally, the commission reviewed the school bus stop-arm safety program, noting the high volume of violations and the strategy to fund enforcement positions through revenue generated by citations rather than the general fund.