Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA –Appointing authorities for the DeKalb County Ethics Board are seeking nominations to replace five board members who recently resigned, leaving the board without a legal quorum. The board is supposed to have seven members and two alternates, but has been plagued with turmoil to the point that it could not function. Chairwoman Alex Joseph announced her resignation on Feb. 9, citing concerns over a culture of bullying and lack of transparency and accountability—the same reasons others say they have resigned. Joseph said that several meetings have been called into executive session, out of the public’s view. State Rep. Karla…

ATLANTA – Today, Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) announces that the Georgia House of Representatives has passed its version of the Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget. The budget provides raises for all state employees and teachers and makes strategic investments in healthcare, education and public safety. “I want to thank our House, particularly our Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett and his committee, for their work on this balanced budget that invests wisely for the needs of a growing, thriving state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I also want to thank Governor Kemp for providing a strong budget recommendation from which to build our…

DECATUR, GA— The DeKalb County Board of Ethics will conduct a Special Called meeting on Monday, March 13, at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/88137432677. Join by phone at 602-333-0032 or 888-270-9936 and use conference code 171493.  Agenda  Call to Order and Welcome to the Public Adoption of Agenda III. Administrative Items Nomination and Election of an Interim Chairperson Operations Update Addressing the immediate need to retain outside litigation counsel for pending litigation. Addressing the immediate need to retain a lawyer for general counsel purposes. Board Comments/Future Action Items Announcement of Cancellation of the Regular…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA– DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson reminds homeowners to apply online for homestead exemptions before the April 1 deadline. Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy the home in the county, including the City of Atlanta portion in DeKalb. Special exemptions are also available for eligible seniors ages 62 and older, disabled residents, and disabled veterans. “Homestead exemptions provide significant savings for property owners who own and live at their primary residence,” says DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson. “Homeowners who do not have an…

The Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) is warning the public of driver licensing telephone scams that have resurfaced targeting our more senior customers.  Drivers are being contacted by individuals asking for money to keep their driver’s license from being suspended or cancelled. Common Department of Motor Vehicle  scams also utilize social media, email and texting. “DDS has seen an increase in common scams involving driver licenses that are designed to steal personal information and money from recipients. DDS employees do not contact customers by social media, phone or email unless the customer has initiated an inquiry,” said DDS Commissioner…

CONYERS, GA—The Conyers St. Patrick’s Day shenanigans will step off on Friday, March 17, at 5 p.m. with the World’s Fastest-Growing St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Olde Town Conyers. The parade, a Conyers tradition since 1980, will be led by Grand Marshal Mayor Vince Evans and accompanied by bagpiper Henry Frantz playing classic Irish tunes. Local businesses, organizations and school groups also will participate. Dancers from the Drake Irish School of Dance in Norcross will perform during the parade and at the Olde Town Pavilion in Randal S. Mills City Center Park following the parade. Anyone who wishes to participate…

Rescheduled march 15, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.