Author: On Common Ground News

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Dozens of citizens gave the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners an earful at two public hearings held on Aug. 2 concerning the county’s proposal to raise the property tax millage rate by 45.42 percent. County officials stated in a news release that the increase would result in a millage rate of 20.758 mills, an increase of 6.483 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 14.275 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $250,000 is approximately $551.06 and the proposed tax increase for non‐homestead property…

ATLANTA– As schools and childcare programs across the state prepare for the start of the 2022-2023 school year, Gov. Brian P. Kemp and Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs have announced that all eligible childcare teachers and staff in Georgia will receive a second $125 “Back-to-School Supply Supplement” through the American Rescue Plan. A previous supplement was distributed in Spring, 2022. “As we head into a new school year, we will not stop working to provide our educators with the tools they need to set their students on successful paths of lifelong learning,” said Kemp. “We hope this Back-to-School Supply Supplement will…

GWINNETT COUNTY, GA—The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on Tuesday (Aug. 2) adopted the same general fund millage rate as last year—6.95 mills. Prior to the vote, the Board held three public hearings and accepted comments through the county’s website. “At the root, today’s decision will allow the county to operate keeping the Gwinnett Standard in mind, while reducing the use of reserves,” said Chairwoman Nicole Hendrickson. “Most homeowners in Gwinnett benefit from the Value Offset Exemption, which means they will not see an increase in the county government portion of their tax bill.” Property taxes are based on millage rates…

Glenn Morgan and his wife, Valerie, returned to Atlanta on Sunday evening (July 31) after a four-day family reunion in New Orleans, where several family members call home. As a child, Glenn spent summers with his cousins—the Denson family—in New Orleans and has fond memories of the times he shared with their large family. He was looking forward to this year’s reunion and was not disappointed. Not even the rain showers dampened the fun. During the reunion, family and friends—who came from Georgia, Florida, Alabama and New York—had a dress-up-in-White Night, T-shirt Day, and a Mardi Gras-style  banquet. The family…

ATLANTA – Gov. Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Candice Broce today announced a new statewide marketing campaign to help recruit and retain more foster parents for youths in state custody. “My administration has taken great strides to support foster parents in the critically important mission of caring for Georgia children in need,” said Gov. Kemp. “Our state believes in protecting life at all stages, and we’re committed to achieving this goal. We hope this new campaign reaches more who are ready to answer this call.” “Our state appreciates the generous families and…

COLUMBUS, OH – One of the nation’s largest discount retailers continues to expose employees to the risk of injuries by flagrantly ignoring workplace safety regulations, this time with hazardous conditions found at two Ohio locations, in Maple Heights and Columbus. Since 2017, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and state OSHA programs have conducted more than 500 inspections at Family Dollar and Dollar Tree – operated by their parent company, Dollar Tree Inc. – and found more than 300 violations. During these inspections, OSHA routinely find exit routes, fire extinguishers and electrical panels dangerously obstructed or…

DECATUR, GA – DeKalb County Superior Court has begun using a mandatory electronic system for filing criminal cases via Tyler’s Odyssey eFileGA. Effective Aug. 1, attorneys and those who are representing themselves can open cases and file documents from a user-friendly, secure website 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Superior Court bench issued “Order Implementing Electronic-Filing for Criminal Cases” on Aug. 1, 2022, made effective on the same date. The following cases are excepted from the Order: documents filed pre-indictment; indictments; accusations; any other case initiation filings; Sealed documents; Ex Parte Matters, or any other pleading imposing…

Update: DeKalb crews contain sewer main break DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) crews contained a 24-inch-diameter sewer main break off Bouldercrest Road near Interstate 285. Contractors mobilized a bypass pump at approximately 11 p.m. on Monday night, Aug.1, to stop the sewer spill and have begun the repairs. Officials said the break is being investigated and appears to be due to severe bank erosion on the South River. DECATUR, GA— DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management (DWM) crews have located a 24-inch-diameter sewer main break off Bouldercrest Road near Interstate 285, officials said Monday night (Aug.1).…

DEKALB, GA–DeKalb County Public Library Board of Trustees will hold a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 8, at 4:30 p.m. This meeting will be conducted via teleconference (Zoom). The Finance Committee will meet at 3:30 p.m. To listen in on the meeting, please request the link from weissingera@dekalblibrary.org no later than noon on the date of the meeting. For more details on the agenda and about listening in, click here.  

Notice is given that per the agenda attached, the Rockdale Board of Elections will hold a Special Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 at 4 pm. The purpose is to conduct a hearing and determine whether 39 voters who are using Post Office Boxes as their residential address for voter registration purposes, should remain registered voters.  Georgia Election Code § 21-2-216, Qualifications of electors…states in part that “(a) No person shall vote in any primary or election in this state unless such person shall be: (4) A resident of this state and of the county or municipality in which he or she…