Health & Wellness Sponsored section âş PAGE 26
Lambert leads state Graduation rates highest in Ga. âş PAGE 19
Armed robber on the loose Sheriffâs office asks public for information âş PAGE 2
Cheering to win
Riverwatch MS takes home trophy âş PAGE 34
November 12, 2014 | forsythherald.com | 75,000 circulation Revue & News, Johns Creek Herald, Milton Herald & Forsyth Herald combined | 50¢ | Volume 17, No. 45
Open at last After months of waiting, Avalon finally opens their doors. See the special section, pages 7 â 15.
CHARLIE HOLLOWAY/STAFF
Commission considers reducing distance to sell alcohol near school, church By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. â Restaurants in Forsyth County may soon be able to start selling alcohol 20 yards from schools and churches. At the Nov. 6 Forsyth County Commission meeting, commissioners discussed reducing the setback distance requirements for alcohol consumption on the premises licenses (whether distilled spirits, beer or wine) from 100 yards to 20 yards from schools and churches.
The distance would be measured as a straight line from property line to property line. If passed, the decision would repeal the conflicting ordinance. âAnytime there is any type of ordinance modification or amendment, there has to be two public hearings that are required to be held,â said Jodi Gardner, director of communications for Forsyth County. Currently, the ordinance states that all
See ALCOHOL, Page 36
Cumming City Council proposes 2015 budget By KATHLEEN STURGEON kathleen@appenmediagroup.com CUMMING, Ga. â The city of Cummingâs proposed 2015 budget will include increases for more police, the capital projects fund and equipment. On Nov. 4 at noon, the Cumming City Council held a special called meeting to introduce its proposed 2015 budget. Mayor H. Ford Gravitt proposed general fund revenue and expenditures for 2015 of $13,094,000. Gravitt also proposed water and sewer revenues and expenditures of $14,965,000, bringing the total to $28,059,000. The 2015 total transfer from general fund came out to $1,670,790, an increase of $247,450. Last yearâs total transfers from the general fund were $1,423,340, while 2013 was $745,250. City Clerk Jeff Honea said the water and sewer budget will both see increases over 2014. âThe increases can be attributed to a variety of factors such as increased water and sewer customers, more businesses and more residents in the city,â said Honea. âAs more people and businesses move in, obviously we have greater costs associated with providing services to them.â These funds come from a variety of sources, said Honea. âSince the city of Cumming does not levy any property taxes,â said Honea, âthe cityâs revenue for the general fund comes from sources such as business licenses, permit and building fees, municipal
As more people and businesses move in, obviously we have greater costs associated with providing services to them.â JEFF HONEA City Clerk
court fines, its percentage of the special purpose local option sales tax and revenues from the Cumming Playhouse, fairgrounds and recreation departments. The revenue for the water and sewer budget comes from all the fees paid by residents and businesses to be provided water and sewer services.â Honea also said that as the only government entity in the county that can withdraw water from Lake Lanier, the city sells raw and some treated water to Forsyth County. âMany people outside the actual city limits are also in the cityâs water and sewer service area,â said Honea.
See BUDGET, Page 6
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