At this week’s Council meeting, I was proud to call for a motion approving a resolution for a referendum on the retail sales of alcohol on Sundays from 12:30pm – 11:30pm. With a second by Councilman Kris Yardley, Flowery Branch became the second jurisdiction in Hall County to put Sunday Sales on the ballot and the Council did it with a unanimous vote! The referendum is set to be on the November 8, 2011 ballot in conjunction with the City Council elections already scheduled. Be sure to help your friends and family register to vote in this important election if they aren’t currently registered or have recently moved into the city. The deadline to register is October 11, 2011.
The Council also discussed reordering the priority of funding under SPLOST VI. One of the hallmarks of SPLOST VI is the installation of a water and sewer line from the Cinnamon Cove plant off Gaines Ferry Road to McEver and eventually, onward to Atlanta Highway. I am a strong proponent of this plant. By delivering water and sewer services to these underserved areas, Flowery Branch can attract much needed development and jobs to our city as well as diversifying our commercial base. However, I want to take as many steps as possible to lower the total amount of loan debt needed to finance the plant and attempt to construct the facilities necessary as soon as possible. Along those lines, I will be looking at how revenues from SPLOST VI can be used in order to accomplish those goals.
Finally, the first draft budget for the next fiscal year was presented to the Council. In line with the budget process, I have been hosting open phone sessions to listen to you and your thoughts on the budget and the priorities for Flowery Branch. The next open phone session will be this Tuesday, May 24, 2011 from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. Call me at (770) 967-6681 during this time and I will be available to talk to you about your budget! If you would like to see a copy of the draft budget, send me an e-mail at amandasfb@flowerybranchga.org I look forward to hearing from you!
Amanda
