The 2^nd Public Hearing on the Budget was held at 9:00 AM on Monday morning.  To my surprise a number of folks actually showed up at that time to speak out against a tax increase.  As in the first Public Hearing, the people did not hesitate to make recommendations for cuts.  They clearly expect government employees to share their pain during this recession and they fear the economy will be even worse next year.

I told the commissioners that I appreciate how difficult it is for them to recommend specific cuts in the various departments when none of them had attended the county manager’s individual budget meetings with department heads.  I pointed out that those meetings would have given them insight into how the departments operate and where cuts might still be made.  I, also, suggested that this would be good time to consider eliminating some government activities.

Chairman Raber responded that the enabling legislation leaves all decisions about government operations to the county manager.  He seems to think that attending the county manager’s individual budget meetings with department heads would constitute interfering with the way the county manager runs the government operations.  He doesn’t consider it a commissioner’s job to spend time listening to department heads.  He pointed out that commissioners are only part time and are not paid enough to do that.

My statement about eliminating some government activities was ignored.  I highly recommend the last Public Hearing on Thursday, July 15 at 5:00 PM just before the monthly Commission Meeting.  It will be worth your time.

The following is from my notes taken during the Public Hearing:

The session began with a gentleman asking, “Do you start from a “0” based budget?”  The answer from Finance Dept. representative Mark French was, “No.”  The gentleman pointed out that his experience in business and the military had led him to appreciate the importance of examining every line in the budget.

French explained that the budget has decreased over the last several years.  Commissioner Scott stated that the proposed property tax increase would only amount to $10 for a $300,000 house.

Frank Gilkerson, a candidate for 4^th District Commission seat, passed out his own information sheet on the budget.  He has set up a website: www.FixLCBudget.com.  He wants taxpayers to go to the site, review the budget and make recommendations for cuts that can be presented at the final Public Hearing.

John Tomkins asked about predictions for future years budgets.  Chairman Raber said, “You are asking a question that no one can answer.”

Lori Hackinson insisted that since budget cuts can be expected to be needed again next year, why not fix the budget (start making more cuts instead of increasing taxes) now?   She insisted that there is room to make more cuts citing road crews who stand around talking instead of working and employees who spend time doing personal business while the public waits.

Chairman Raber bellowed out at her, “This is not a forum to lash out at county employees!  When there is an ice storm, these employees are out in the middle of the night working!”

Commissioner Bowden reminded the Chairman in a point of order that the purpose of a Public Hearing is to listen to the public, not to challenge the speaker.

Hackinson continued, “I believe you need to consider furlough days.  That is what private employers have to do.”

Commissioner Stowers said he opposesd furlough days at the beginning of the budget because they might be needed later in the year to make ends meet.

Hackinson then suggested letting departments cut out those things that volunteers can do.  She added that in tough times Park & Rec can be run by volunteers.

Chairman Raber said, “If we make any more cuts, we will have to cut public safety.”

Commissioner Stowers added, “According to the YMCA, we have the best Park and Rec anywhere around.”

Human Services Director Fran Sullens pointed out that a number of positions had been eliminated from county government, there had been no salary increases for four years and the insurance deductibles had been increased to $400.

Hackinson who was still standing at the podium, responded that she has to have a $5000 deductible in order to afford any insurance at all.

Tax Commissioner Rachel Pruitt assured the audience that all excess expenses had been cut from her department.

Then Raber was going again, “We bust our buns working for you!  I’ve been chosen to be State Wrestling Championship Chair this year.  Everything is an open book.  We can’t hide anything.”

Jim Neal said, “You are the last line against this thing.  Many of us are fighting to keep what we have.  I don’t like to see cuts but we need to use cuts everywhere except fire and police that are essential (services).”

The Lumpkin County Trails Committee worked successfully for five years as a required public involvement for trails grants.  A single experienced county resident contractor had worked with the committee to lay out a route for the trail with switchbacks that would make the trail accessible to almost anyone who could walk.  Numerous volunteers who had training in trail construction had committed to help construct such a trail.

Public concerns were disregarded and public input eliminated when commissioners hired an independent contractor at a much greater cost to the county.  You see, when the trail was built, Lumpkin County had more money than it had sense.  The building boom was still going full force with property values and taxes still rising.

The hired contractor designed and constructed a trail straight down a steep hill toward and within a few feet of the reservoir.  It’s no wonder the EPD finally questioned the wisdom of a silt fence to protect the reservoir from a mudslide down that hill.

Unfortunately, the county now seems to have made the situation worse by widening the trail into an un-surfaced road that will need constant attention.  Rip rap added at the edge of the water may prevent erosion of the bank; but it doesn’t stand a prayer of stopping dirt that will be washed down the hill.  See the pictures.

During trail construction, members of the public were concerned about dirt entering the reservoir.  In response to those concerns, Lumpkin County Trails Committee members requested an opportunity to look at the work that was being done.  Immediately following their visit to the site accompanied by the contractor and numerous county employees, the Trails Committee was abolished.  Or to be more accurate, a determination was made that the committee never existed.  County employee members of the trails committee are well aware that the grant for our reservoir trail would have been lost without the efforts of that committee.

In the current economy, the county can no longer afford to kick volunteers to the curb.  This is our government.  Public land belongs to all of us.  If you are an elected official who does not value and respect volunteers, you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Maybe it is time for you to move on.

You created a disaster around our reservoir where we wanted a lovely winding trail that would be accessible to anyone who can walk.  Your so-called improvements have made it wider and much more likely to erode.  You have created pollution instead of protecting our water reservoir.  Where is the EPD?  Hopefully they will soon be all over you.

Numerous recommendations were made to the commissioners on how the budget might be reduced including more furlough days, eliminating employees, eliminating the county contribution to employee retirement, reducing the size of government and going to a four day work week.  Karen Bowden, Commission Bowden’s wife, pointed out that County Manager Stan Kelley had offered budget options that did not require a tax increase.

Ronald Caldwell asked, “What can we do without?”  Melvin Turner pointed out that 10% of taxpayers are being furloughed 365 days a year.” Jeff Clymer said, “You are trying to make employees happy instead of the taxpayers.”

Missy Wymer pointed out that Raber’s statement about every department being asked to reduce their budget by 10 % was misleading.  She pointed out that budgets of most departments had actually been increased.

Greg Puetz pointed out that there is a $379,000 increase in the proposed 2011 Budget over the current budget. He said that the budget needs to be written so that people can understand it.  He is familiar with such budgets, but finds our budget difficult to decipher.

County Finance Dept. representative, Mark French, responded to requests about the amount of department cuts with percentages ranging from 25% in one department to only 13% for Park & Rec.  He said only about half the departments actually had reduced budgets.

Commissioner Scott said he vigorously opposed cuts to essential service like EMS.  The audience unanimously opposed cuts to essential services, however, they clearly wanted cuts to non-essential services.

Lori Lee Hackerson asked, “What about next year?”  Commissioner Scott acknowledged that this budget only applies a band aid. Hackerson replied, “Then we need to take a scalpel (to it).”

Jeff Clymer told the commissioners that they will make next year’s budget decisions even worse if they raise taxes this year and put more people out of business.  He pointed out that a tax increase this year will reduce the number of property owners who will be around to pay taxes next year.

Robert Small praised people for speaking out and said we have to get over being intimidated by elected officials.

Taxpayers clearly expect government employees to cope with the same kind of income reductions that they have.  Numerous persons talked about how they are having to make do with less.

The only person in the room who claimed to be having great financial success was the chairman who bragged that he had just invested in another great financial enterprise.  John Raber, who has spoken out supporting tax increases every year that he has been on the Lumpkin County Commission, is clearly out of touch with his constituents.

Many people spoke during the meeting.  Please send corrections to <Emily@lumpkinsunshine.com> if the names are not correct.  If you would like to comment on this article, you may register as a USER on the Homepage and submit the comment.  To prevent SPAM, Users must be approved by the Administrator before a comment can be posted.  Emily Lewy

Please note the change in time.

All county residents are encouraged to attend and participate.  We expect to have a lively discussion of the county budget.

Can we afford to expand the Senior Center during a budget crisis?

Should our county government  promote spending on ball fields at a time they are considering reductions in fire department personnel?

Do you realize that you will pay more for homeowners insurance if the fire department cuts are made?

What is important to you?  The commissioners need to know what you want.  Start talking about cuts now and make certain that you are heard before the budget is finalized.  Don’t complain about a tax increase after it has passed if you don’t speak up and tell the commissioners  where cuts can be made.

Discussions on the county budget at the last meeting resulted in the conclusion that we do not want emergency services and public safety reduced.  There were no recommendations on where the budget should be cut due to lack of information about the budget, yet, our commissioners will be voting on a budget that they don’t even get to see until June.

You would be shocked to find out how little your commissioners know.  They will see the proposed budget for the first time at the June 3 Work Session beginning at 9:00 AM.  They will meet with the Budget Committee on June 7 and June 11 to set the final budget.  We’ll post the time as soon as we get the information.

The millage rate will be determined based on the approved budget and published on June 30.  Official (required) PUBLIC HEARINGS on the PROPOSED BUDGET will take place on July 8, 12 and 15.  Do you really think your comments will matter by that time?

Join us for lemonade, cake and lively discussion.

Following the commission vote to not approve one particular site in Yahoola Creek Park for a Dog Park, they agreed to have a committee appointed to consider proposing a site.

The motion for the vote was very strange because it limited consideration by the commissioners of any other site.  Dog park proponents had been clear that they could work with almost any area within Yahoola Creek Park.

Dog park proponents have committed to pay for all improvements to the property, to establish and enforce stringent regulations, and to manage the park with no financial support from or legal liability for the county.  They have been very clear that they would not be interested in investing in a park that is not close to downtown Dahlonega.

During the first meeting of the Blackburn Park Concept Committee, County Manager Stan Kelley stated that we needed to develop the Concept Plan to get direction for the $900,000 from SPLOST for Park & Rec.  He said, “Yahoola Creek Park is done.”  Presumably, this means that no more ball fields will be developed in Yahoola Creek Park.  If indeed, that is the case, it ought to be easy to designate an area for a dog park.

Dog Park Committee members:

Commissioner Bill Scott who bitterly opposed the dog park was selected by

Commission Chairman John Raber to chair the Dog Park Committee.

Alan Roach from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Department

Sandy Steele, dog park member

Jane Mullinex, Wendell Caldwell, Brenda Norrell

Too bad this was scheduled as an early morning meeting.  It is important for as many people as possible to attend and find out what is going on.

Q.  What is a fragmented politician?
A. A fragmented politician is one who has single focus vision and is incapable of or not desirous of understanding the total picture because of levels of education, social awareness, greed, global awareness, desire for power, and inability to be a team player.  The fragmented politician is not capable of realizing that he or she is first and foremost elected to serve the good of all the citizens and not an overzealous few.  The fragmented politician will not or cannot understand that his or her decisions are based on the beliefs of those who seek to divide and demoralize rather than enhance and promote.  The fragmented politician may well think that he or she is anointed and not elected.  A fragmented politician does not play or work well with his teammates.
 

We greatly appreciate the weekly opportunity provided by The Dahlonega Nugget to learn about this elected official.  How sad that Raber does not recognize himself.

According to Commission Chairman John Raber’s column, My thoughts on the dog park and other current local topics, once infrastructure needs are assured “a prospective employer views the quality of life in every community.  That quality of life is reflected in how much criticism, envy, jealousy, happiness, trust, fellowship, etc. is manifested via the negative blogs, letters to the editor, and news stories.  If it is not a feel-good community, the chances of landing that good employer is slim to none.”

John Raber criticizes newspaper editors, bloggers and other writers for timely discussion of issues.  He would have us give up First Amendment rights so that his version of all things can be accepted as truth.  The First Amendment was made the first to ensure that no government would be able to stifle public discussion of issues.  Elected officials hold their positions for a limited period of time.  We, the people, will speak out as long as this republic endures.

No one would doubt that quality of life is a major factor in selection of a site for a quality business.  Those companies seek out places that have an open government actively supported by the community.

A government that limits public information and restricts volunteer participation is out of touch with the community.  John Raber appears to control the Board of Commissioners by illegally withholding timely information.

We need to know: “Are the commissioners failing to receive information because they are not doing the job; or, is the information actually being withheld by the chairman?”

A Mandamus action to compel district commissioners to do their job is a solution for the public if commissioners refuse to keep up with what is going on.  Commissioners who are denied timely information by the chairman may use Mandamus to compel Chairman Raber to follow the law.

To gain the trust and support of the community, changes have to be made in the way our county commission operates.  More needs to be done to provide timely, factual information to the people.

Lumpkin County will be an attractive place for business only if we value honesty, truth and First Amendment rights.

The BOC, not the Chairman, is the successor to the Sole Commissioner of Lumpkin County. The BOC is the governing authority of Lumpkin County.  According to the enabling legislation, the Chairman calls meetings, presides, represents county government at ceremonial functions, submits motions to the BOC for action, makes appointments with approval of the BOC, and performs duties delegated by the BOC or provided by law or ordinance.

The Chairman does not hire, fire, or have control over either the County Manager or the County Attorney.  Only the BOC has that authority.  The Chairman is out of line if he resolves issues and/or makes decisions with the County Manager or the County Attorney without the presence or prior approval of the BOC.

Based on Chairman Raber’s remarks during the March Work Session, he is making decisions, reaching conclusions and establishing policy with the County Manager and County Attorney.  He lets the commissioners know what is going on at his leisure.  Last fall, he dropped an unconstitutional petition issue on the commissioners the night before they were to vote on it.  He pushed them to vote when they didn’t have a clue what they were voting on.

Not only are Lumpkin County citizens denied information required by the state’s Open Meetings law, our elected commissioners are regularly denied timely information they need to make informed decisions.  As recently as the March Work Session, information possessed by Raber and staff was not made available to commissioners prior to the meeting.

Lumpkin County voters need to demand accountability from county government.  What will it take for the voters to realize that our county commission is operating in violation of state law?  Do our voters care enough to demand that our county government operate within the law?

Frustrated citizens are going around saying that the BOC is not working.  The chairman’s buddies are lobbying to change back to a sole commissioner.  The real problem is that we have a chairman who thinks he is a sole commissioner.

Lumpkin County residents need to let district commissioners know that we support them and expect them to do the job they were elected to do.  If we, the voters, fail to support our commissioners, we deserve to suffer the consequences.

We cannot wait for some future election to have responsible government.  Speak up!  Tell the commissioners what you expect of them.

This project has the potential to create the county’s second major park and open the first recreation area in southern Lumpkin.  The beauty of this project is that we’re reclaiming roads, trails and pavilions that already exist.

Commissioners pointed out numerous caveats to the project.  They can decide to not accept the grant when and if it is offered in the Spring.  They can postpone doing the work because the grant allows two years from the time of acceptance.

They can delay the project by delaying acceptance of a Master Plan for the park.  The committee appointed by Chairman Raber is made up of the principal of Blackburn Park School, one private citizen and county employees.  Although appointed some time ago, the committee has yet to even meet.

Concern about county employee time to monitor the project could very likely be reimbursed from the $100,000 grant.  NGCSU interns may be available to help with management at no cost to the county.

Safety of the public in Blackburn Park was discussed as a major problem.  That’s interesting since public safety has not been an issue in Yahoola Creek Park.  Audience members volunteered that they already walk on the Blackburn property without concern for their safety.

Public safety is an illusive issue.  The presence of police may deter crime; but there can never be enough to prevent it.  Criminals usually commit their acts when and where they feel safe from detection.  Having a lot of people in the park to monitor and report illegal activity would be the best way to prevent it.

During a Work Session discussion of the project, Chariman Raber had expressed concern about Sheriff Jerrards’s offer of inmates to do volunteer work in the park.  He cautioned against the use of child molesters and rapists in the park.  Surely he jests.  He must know that would never happen.  State guidelines do not allow violent inmates to work among the public.  Our Sheriff certainly would not allow these folks out in any case.

One person told me after hearing Raber’s comments that the presence of inmates in the park accompanied by a duputy actually makes her feel safe when she is walking alone.

Reclaiming Blackburn Park is not a done deal.  However, we are one step closer.  Let the commissioners know what you want the park to be.  Commissioner Scott says we have lots of trails in Lumpkin County and questions whether we need any more.  It appears that he only hears from those who want more ball fields.

It is important to stay in touch with all the commissioners.  They make decisions based on what the people want.

A free press is essential for our form of government to survive.  Without the strength of character and bravery of Benjamin Franklin and other publishers of that time our form of government would never have been created.

Standing up for truth, honor, justice and the American Way when those ideals are not greatly valued by those in power requires qualities that go unnourished in most communities.  Reporter Matt Aiken of The Dahlonega Nugget is our Superman for speaking the truth and not backing down when challenged.

Editor/Publisher Wayne Knuckles of The Dahlonega Nugget is to be commended for being an honorable member of an old fashioned press that is not cowed by pompous people in power.

I sincerely believe that showing “backbone” will be good for the newspaper.  Respect is justifiably lost when the public perceives the press to be a pawn of special interests.  I know enough about what is going on to be able to say that The Dahlonega Nugget rarely gets the facts wrong.  However, on numerous occasions in the past, issues that ought to have been reported never made it to print.

“The People” under our form of government must know what their government is doing.  Discussion of issues during Work Sessions are supposed to allow the public and press time to knowledgeably communicate with commissioners and others about the issues. Public influence is eliminated from decision making when facts are made public after official action takes place.

Our multi-member county commission is required by law to discuss all issues in public as they are being considered.  The only exceptions are for purchases of real estate and certain personnel or legal matters.  Those limited exceptions exist to protect interests of “The People” not to be opportunities for elected officials to hide behind closed doors.

Rights not demanded are lost.  “The People” are out trying to make a living.  The press and those of us who actually attend meetings have a responsibility to alert others when rights are ignored.

Every issue on the agenda must be discussed so that a member of the public who is not usually present can understand.  The media should not need private conversations with elected officials to get the facts.  Private conversation and special treatment can lead to collusion between the press and elected officials; or even more likely, denial of access to those who dare stand up to those presumed to be powerful.

“The People” must demand that government comply with provisions of the law to prevent the media from becoming pawns to gain access to information.