Author: On Common Ground News

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA– In its first major vote of the year, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners(BOC) on Jan. 3 approved its 2023 budget of $2.27 billion. The board’s resolution consists of a $1.78 billion operating budget and a $488 million capital improvements budget, which includes funds from the County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program. Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson said the budget addresses challenges facing the county, including hiring and retaining a qualified workforce, inflation, and supply chain disruptions. “Our vision is to ensure Gwinnett is the preferred community where everyone thrives, and this budget takes strides…

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County homeowners will have the option to apply online for special homestead exemptions beginning Jan. 3, 2023. Seniors ages 62 and older, disabled residents and veterans may still file in person or submit their documents by dropbox. DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson announces the transition from in-person, paper-based application submissions to online application process for special homestead exemptions. Special exemptions are additional tax savings for eligible senior citizens ages 62 and older, disabled veterans and disabled residents. Age and income requirements must be met to qualify for all senior exemptions. “Providing the highest level of customer service continues to…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—The DeKalb-Peachtree Airport Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 9, at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/84958022051.  The meeting can be joined by phone at 602-333-0032 or 1-888-270-9936 and using the conference code 482992. The meeting agenda follows: APPROVAL OF December 12, 2022, MINUTES INFORMATION/OLD BUSINESS DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Mario Evans Airport Master Plan Update –  www.pdkmasterplan.com NOISE REPORT – Korey Barnes December 2022 and 2022 Annual Noise and Operations Report OTHER III.  NEW BUSINESS PUBLIC COMMENTS

CONYERS, GA—A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club is tentatively scheduled to reopen on Monday, Jan. 9. The facility was closed after several pipes burst due to subfreezing temperatures. Repairs are underway to clean up water damage inside the building, officials stated in a letter to parents.   “While we recognize this closure presents an inconvenience and hardship for many families, the safety of our Club members and staff remains our top priority. Once restoration is complete and it is safe to reopen our Blue doors, we will notify families and staff immediately,” the letter stated. For questions or concerns,…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—Gwinnett Police Robbery Detectives have issued warrants for a woman accused of robbing two banks a day apart. Detectives have identified the suspect as Janae Samantha Fareaux, age 22.  On Dec1 4, a woman entered the Wells Fargo bank at 1028 Killian Hill Road, Lilburn and demanded to go to the vault.  She left without getting any money, authorities said. On Dec. 15, the same woman entered the Truist Bank at 2171 Pleasant Hill Rd. and passed the teller a note.  The suspect left with over $2,000 from the bank. Fareaux was last seen wearing a long black…

ATLANTA, GA—DeKalb County community activist Teresa Hardy is being elevated in her religious life in the New Year. Hardy will be ordained as a deacon on Jan.15, 2023, 3 p.m., at Salem Bible Church, 2283 Baker Road N.W., Atlanta. She will be among several elders and ministers who will be ordained on that Sunday afternoon at Salem, which is under the leadership of the Rev. Jasper W. Williams, Jr.  and Pastor Joseph L. Williams. As a deacon, Hardy will serve the pastors and membership at Salem in carrying out the church’s mission and vision as well as assisting with pastoral…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA–A highly contagious strain of dog flu has been spreading in several U.S. cities and is circulating in the Atlanta area. DeKalb County is awaiting test results for the dogs at DeKalb County Animal Services.  Pet owners should monitor their own dogs for symptoms, which may include coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, and lethargy, and contact their veterinarian if their pet appears ill. If your pet is showing symptoms, please keep them isolated from other dogs for 28 days to prevent further spread of the disease.For more information from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, click here.

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb Clerk of Superior Court, located in the DeKalb County Courthouse at 556 North McDonough Street, will remain closed until further notice due to a water pipe bursting and flooding multiple areas in the Judicial Tower.  Clerk’s Office Courthouse employees will work remotely during the cleanup and repairs. The Board of Equalization’s office remains open. All hearings for the Board of Equalization during this time will be held as scheduled. Although the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office will be physically closed during emergency repairs, the website  www.dksuperiorclerk.com remains available 24 hours a day for filing criminal, civil, real estate, tradenames…

ATLANTA — The Atlanta City Council will consider legislation during the Jan. 3 meeting to request that the mayor’s Office of Violence Reduction and the Atlanta Police Department develop a program to provide firearm safety storage, or lock boxes, free of charge to qualifying Atlanta residents to deter accidental shootings and reduce the theft of unsecured firearms and related crimes (22-R-4798). The Council will also consider legislation authorizing a special procurement agreement with Grady Memorial Hospital to operate the Center for Diversion Services in accordance with the intergovernmental agreement between the City of Atlanta and Fulton County for an initial term…

All Gwinnett County government offices, with the exception of those operations required for the comfort and safety of residents, will be closed for the New Year’s holiday on Monday, Jan. 2, and will reopen during normal business hours Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023. A Magistrate Court judge will be available at the Gwinnett County Detention Center during the holiday. Trash and recycling collection in unincorporated Gwinnett County will not be delayed. The Gwinnett County Solid Waste Management Call Center and the hauler call centers will be closed Jan. 2. Residents can visit GCSolidWaste.com to find their hauler’s contact information. Residents who…