Slow spending, development
To the editor:
I am thankful that our County opens up public forums and discussion for all the latest issues, but they shouldn’t see any kind of lack of attendance by the public as the go-ahead to do what they want anyway. The latest battle is over property tax increases.
Thanks to Commissioners Harkness and Tench, who seem to be the only ones that have our (the public’s) backs. Commissioners are there to speak for us and go to battle for us. It seems to be a constant battle for them against higher taxes, runaway frivolous budget requests, and rampant development. We are getting “too big for our britches” and need to live within our means.
I figure if the county doesn’t get their way with property tax increases, then they will say they need more development (for more tax base) to build more subdivisions and large apartment complexes (scarring our beautiful hills of Habersham). My husband and I saw 300 acres for sale on rural Shoal Creek Road (a dirt road between New Liberty and Highway 197).
Next thing you know, developers with mouths watering will snatch it up and build as many houses on it as they can, changing the landscape of that scenic and beautiful area. This is just one example of rampant development that is happening everywhere in this county.
There were supposed to be Planning and Development meetings in various places, about rampant development this week (according to Adam Hazell of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission), and also a survey went out to get public input.
I don’t think anyone knew about the survey and I’m not sure if the meetings were held or not (with the focus being on property taxes this week). To our county officials, just know that no one wants higher taxes and no one wants rampant development destroying our beautiful hills of Habersham.
Teresa Lewallen
Demorest
Charge more highway fines
To the editor:
We have a deadly situation with Highway 365/441. We all know that.
I have not seen the numbers but I assume the city of Tallulah Falls with its new radar speed limit monitors creates big money. They receive a cut of the fines collected. I do not know if Habersham receives any part of the fines collected as I don’t know where the county line is in the city of Tallulah Falls.
I assume the business that manufactures them chooses places to locate the monitors, collects the fines and disburses the contracted cut to Tallulah. Tallulah has no skin in the game. Tallulah receives around 10 percent of the fines collected. Tallulah does not have to maintain. I assume there were no other companies competing for the business.
Habersham should consider the same solution for 365/441, immediately.
Habersham should investigate the business model of owning our radar units, collecting all the revenue generated, and maintaining the condition of the units. Without a doubt this would slow down traffic, save lives and make money. The naysayers have not one leg to stand on.
Reduction in injuries and deaths would immediately be evident. The need to “extend” on and off ramps would not be necessary, and it will bring in money. Our commissioners should act immediately. Cut the need for committee reviews and pass this legislation.
Wilson Elder
Mt. Airy