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NEWSLETTER SIGN UPlpanter@barrowcountynews.com
Barrow County has some issues.
Members of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce gathered on Tuesday to partake in Eggs & Issues, a breakfast meeting where prominent members of the community come together to discuss the issues they feel are of great importance to the county.
The event, sponsored by Jackson EMC, was hosted by Jimmy Terrell, the chair of the Chamber’s governmental affairs committee.
Some of the issues presented at the meeting included concerns over transportation, education and spending on the state level.
The Chamber expressed concern over the Hwy. 316 corridor.
"A transportation plan that includes Barrow County, the Barrow-Gwinnett-Clarke/316 corridor and the I-85 region has been on the legislative table each of the past two [Georgia Legislative] sessions. Yet inaction by our legislators has done nothing but create more problems," the committee’s report read. "We urge you, our elected officials, to push for relief, or at least the beginnings of relief, of our transportation problems, by devising a plan to bring to the citizens tangible results."
The Chamber also stated it would like something done for Lanier Tech, like expand its facilities.
"No other county in the state of Georgia has spent more local monies, with as little state support, as has Barrow County, in its efforts to enhance our workforce," the Chamber said.
The Chamber also called out the state’s education system, saying it has lagged behind and "has been a black eye for the state."
Mayors in the county also were able to discuss what issues they felt were important.
Auburn Mayor Linda Blechinger said she was concerned about he state budget and what its budget cuts would do to local government.
"We would like to see a priority on sales tax collection," Blechinger wrote.
In addition, she stated that she has concerns about water and water resources.
In addition, she stated that she has concerns about water and water resources.
Pat Graham, Braselton’s mayor, also wanted to know how state budget cuts would affect her city and Barrow County.
She also addressed school funding.
"The school funding formula called QBE was established more than 10 years ago and intended that 80 percent of school funding would be provided by the State and 20 percent provided by our local property taxes ... This year the State funding is slightly over 50 percent, which has placed an increased tax burden on local property owners ... When can we expect the State to live up to its original obligation and fund education at the 80 percent level?" Graham asked.
Statham Mayor Robert Bridges was concerned with the water situation.
"We need assistance in developing water supply options and the evaluation of water supply alternatives. We acknowledge the fact that reservoirs can have detrimental impacts on the
environment," Bridges wrote. "How can we build additional reservoirs and mitigate the impact on our local environment?"
Winder Mayor Chip Thompson also said he would like to see the state "provide assistance in developing new water resources and conservation methods."
Thompson also said that transportation is an issue with Winder, as well as downtown development and infrastructure support.
Barrow County Board of Commission Chairman Danny Yearwood said his biggest concerns were how the state would handle its current budget downfall, and how the state can stop wasteful spending.
Barrow County Schools Superintendent Dr. Ron Saunders also gave his concerns at the Eggs & Issues forum.
He is concerned about possible layoffs due to the QBE formula, and funding.
"During these times, we think it is very prudent that the legislature does not legislate mandates to local systems without proper funding," he wrote.
After the pertinent issues were brought up, local legislators had a chance to respond to the concerns.
Terry England, the House Representative for the 108th district, spoke about the budget, saying that the state’s current funds are comparable to the 2000 or 2001 budget.
He said that he also felt the state needed to take a longer look at education and plan for a long-term vision.
Representative Tommy Benton, from the 31st district, said that he felt Georgia’s schools were not bad.
As a former educator, he said the schools had gotten away from teaching what they needed to be teaching, citing the standardized tests that are used to gauge students’ progress nowadays.
Senator Ralph Hudgens, who represents the 47th district, also was in attendance. He will be seeking the Insurance Commission post in the next election, and thanked attendees for allowing him to serve them.
He also said that he knew that times were hard and that balancing the state budget would probably result in a reduction in services.
