Author: On Common Ground News

DECATUR, GA– DeKalb County is delaying a planned 10% increase in water and sewer rates, originally scheduled to begin on July 1, 2025. County officials announced Monday(June 30) that the delay will allow time to finalize a partnership contract with the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, which will serve as the County’s official customer advocate. The County also plans to complete and distribute public education materials before the rate hike begins.  DeKalb County wants to ensure customers are informed about the support and resources available to them before the rate increase begins. Approximately 180,000 DeKalb County residential customers will be impacted…

DECATUR, GA–DeKalb County has completed the acquisition of 4380 Memorial Drive, after leasing the 24-acre site for 25 years. The site houses key government operations including the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office and the DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections Office. The $18,095,000 acquisition was financed through a 10-year, tax-exempt bond issued by the DeKalb Urban Redevelopment Authority. “After renting this property for 25 years, DeKalb County now owns it and that’s a major win for our future,” said DeKalb CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. “We’re looking forward to making this site work for the community as part of our long-term commitment to…

CONYERS, GA — Big Haynes Creek Nature Center (BHCNC) has been spotlighted as one of the top hiking destinations near Atlanta in the newly released. Guide, “Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out,” by outdoor experts Jonah McDonald and Zana Pouncey. To celebrate the honor, the community is invited to the Nature Center’s outdoor classroom for a meet-and-greet and book signing on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m.,  followed by a walk with the authors designed for all ages and skill levels. This event is part of the authors’ book tour, which features stops at highlighted trails throughout the metro area.  Pouncey, an…

SNELLVILLE, GA– The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a vehicle that was stolen during hired transport.   On June 6, the owner of a matte gray 2025 Mercedes GLS arranged for it to be transported out of state. A transportation company was hired, and a subcontracted service provider arrived to pick up the vehicle from a residence in the 4000 block of Horder Court in unincorporated Snellville. The vehicle never arrived at its intended destination and is now considered stolen. It is equipped with distinctive 24-inch Forgiato wheels. Anyone who has any information to share in…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A crucial court hearing is scheduled for July 10 concerning a citizen’s lawsuit that could potentially return nearly $1 million in taxpayer money to the county treasury.  Ed Williams, a longtime government accountability advocate who chairs Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, is representing himself in the case that challenges pay raises and allowances granted to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2018. Williams contends the pay raises were approved in violation of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act and are unconstitutional under state law.  “The upcoming hearing is significant. The case was dismissed in May 2021. I appealed that…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th holiday travel period.  The suspension of lane closures will begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, July 3, and will continue until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. During this time, construction-related lane closures will be suspended to ease potential congestion, reduce delays, and increase safety for motorists across the state due to the holiday. Georgia DOT is committed to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and our staff. While on the roads, be mindful that crews may still be…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Voters will have a chance to hear from the two Democratic candidates who are in the runoff for the Public Service Commission (PSC) District 3 seat.  The powerful PSC, comprised of five seats, is responsible for regulating the state’s utilities (electricity and natural gas), setting utility rates for Georgia consumers and approving infrastructure projects such as power plants, grid upgrades and natural gas pipelines. Two seats are up for elections this year.  Keisha Sean Waites and Peter Hubbard will discuss their platforms for the statewide position during a virtual town hall meeting on July 1, 7 to 9 p.m. (To…

WASINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has joined a growing bloc of lawmakers supporting efforts to impeach President Trump following the U.S. military strikes on Iran, which is at war with Israel. The U.S. attacked three key nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22. So far, 79 House members dubbed the “Courage Caucus” have voted to move the Trump impeachment proceedings forward.  The move follows the introduction of House Resolution 537 on June 24 by Rep. Al Green (TX-09). The resolution charges President Trump with conducting a unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional military strike against Iran. Green filed the resolution under Rule…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County government is inviting local entrepreneurs to an event to share resources and learn how they can grow their small businesses. The South DeKalb Pop-Up Business Incubator event will be held on Aug.  28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur.   This free, hands-on event is designed to support local entrepreneurs with practical tools, expert guidance, and networking opportunities.  To register for the event, click the link: https://bit.ly/44yN8s9

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Stay informed about the Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ meetings, Planning and Zoning hearings, advisory councils, town halls and more.  Below is the July schedule, locations and times for public meetings concerning Rockdale County. To view the meetings online: Rockdale County Government Facebook Page | https://www.youtube.com/@Rockdale23 |  https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/board-of-commissioners-meeting-videos Rockdale County Tax Commissioner, Board of Assessors, Board of Commissioners and Public Schools   Tax Town Hall Meeting   This town hall will include an informational session on tax appeals, HB581, and the tax process for 2025. For more information, please contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at 770-278-7600.   Tuesday, July 1, 2025 At 6:00…