OCG News July 12, 2019

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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 15

JULY 12, 2019 Stay connected

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Melody Maddox takes helm as second in command at DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office

D

eKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann has appointed a new secondin-command. Melody M. Maddox was sworn in on July 11 as Chief Deputy Sheriff of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office. She fills the position held by Chief Deputy Reginald B. Scandrett, who retired on June 30 after 30 years with the sheriff's office.

Maddox will oversee the management of the agency's law enforcement operations, including the Field, Courts, Training and Reserves Divisions, and the DeKalb County Jail.

A Decatur resident, Chief Deputy Maddox was Chief of Police for Georgia Piedmont Technical College in DeKalb County since 2016. She managed a team of sworn

officers and civilian personnel responsible for public safety and security for students, faculty, visitors and facilities on the college's six campuses.

A Georgia P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer, Maddox began her law enforcement career with the sheriff's office in 1996 as a Detention Technician in the Jail Division. In 1997, she joined the

DeKalb County Police Department where she held positions of increasing responsibility for ten years as Master Police Officer, Chief Aide & Crimes Analysis Officer, and Field Training Officer.

She completed training programs in Emergency Management and

SEE MADDOX page 9

DeKalb commissioners unanimously approve CEO Thurmond’s mid-year budget proposal The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners on July 9 approved CEO Michael Thurmond’s proposed Fiscal Year 2019 mid-year budget, which includes property tax relief for homeowners in gentrifying neighborhoods. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the amended midyear budget proposal.

“DeKalb County’s property tax relief plan will help mitigate the negative impact of rising home values and property taxes in our rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods,” said CEO Thurmond.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gentrification is defined as the transformation of neighborhoods from low value to high value.

Displacement occurs when longtime or original neighborhood residents move from a gentrified area because of higher rents, mortgages, and property taxes.

Thurmond added, “The EHOST credit significantly reduces property tax liability, which is a major contributor to problems associated with gentrification and declining affordability. Senior citizens and

MAKING THE COUNT DeKalb citizens, leaders prepare for 2020 U.S. Census

CEO Michael Thurmond

fixed and low-income homeowners challenged by gentrification will be the primary beneficiaries of our tax relief package.”

DeKalb County’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is the only local sales tax measure in the state of Georgia that exempts food and drugs from the penny sales tax levy. Therefore, the regressive impact of the sales tax on seniors and fixed and lowincome residents, who spend a disproportionate amount of their

SEE BUDGET page 9

By Mackenzie N. Morgan OCG News Staff Writer More than 200 local leaders and citizens of DeKalb participated in a 2020 Census round table at the Maloof Auditorium on July 8.

Hosted by Commissioner Larry Johnson, constituents across the board came to learn about the Census and how to make next year’s count, count.

Residents, leaders, clergy and elected officials representing DeKalb’s diverse population attended the brainstorming session offering resources and insight with

a common goal: getting a 100 percent response rate for DeKalb.

Johnson, who was appointed chair of DeKalb’s 2020 Complete Count Committee, urged the public to do their part and make sure everyone gets counted in next year’s Census. DeKalb could receive $985 million per year for 10 years, if it reaches a 100 percent response rate on the 2020 Census.

DeKalb lost about $275 million from a 72 percent response rate in the 2010 census, according to county officials.

“The census governs much of our everyday quality of living

SEE BUDGET page 9

PAGE 2 • JULY 12, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb Sheriff’s Office arrests parents in infant prescription overdose death The DeKalb County Sheriff's Office has arrested the parents of an infant who died after ingesting an overdose of prescription drugs at their home.

The DeKalb Sheriff's Office Fugitive Unit arrested Rachelle Rattrey, 24, and Tabares Tony Wadley, 26, both of Decatur, on charges of Rachelle Rattrey Tabares Tony Wadley felony second degree murder, felony second-degree child cruelty, and possession of an ounce of less of marijuana.

According to arrest warrants issued June 25, 2019 say that the 1-yearold male victim was found to be unresponsive when emergency services answered a 911 call to the residence on Bermuda Run Court earlier this year.

A search warrant executed in March indicated the presence of numerous prescription drug containers on the floor of the residence along with less than an ounce of marijuana.

The suspects were arrested on July 9 at DeKalb County Magistrate Court and transported to the DeKalb County Jail, where they were placed into custody.

RCSO arrests two suspects in fatal July 4 shooting of Conyers man The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) has arrested two men in the fatal July 4 shooting of Aaron Huff, 19, of Conyers.

Olufemi Emmanuel Akporido was arrested on July 5 around 9:25 p.m., after leading deputies on a chase into DeKalb County. The vehicle Akporido was in rolled over on Mall Parkway near Olufemi E. Akporido Justin N. Coddington the Mall at Stonecrest and he had to be extracted, Deputy Lee Thomas said.

Five days later, a second suspect, Justin Nash Coddington, was arrested on warrants on July 10 around 12:30 p.m. in Stockbridge without incident, Thomas said The two men are accused of fatally shooting Huff at 3508 Tiffany Drive,

SEE SHOOTING page 10

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PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com

On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.

On Common Ground News P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 www.ocgnews.com

JULY 12, 2019 • PAGE 3

City of Stonecrest welcomes Clarence Boone as economic development director The City of Stonecrest has hired Clarence Boone, II as its new economic development director.

Boone, who has 27 years of experience in brand development across a variety of industries, formerly worked as sales manager for Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau from 2012 to.

The City of Stonecrest has hired Clarence Boone, II as its new Economic Development Director.

Boone has 27 years of experience in brand development across a variety of industries. He served as a sales manager for the Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau from 2012 through June of this year. Boone was responsible for developing strategic business opportunities and economic impact formulas for several market segments during his tenure with Discover DeKalb.

“I’m definitely pleased to join the city of Stonecrest. I see a lot of potential that is yet to be realized and I look forward to utilizing my skills toward that growth,” said

Martha’s Vineyard (By Sarita Mason) Clarence Boone, II

Boone.

Boone said the city of Stonecrest is well positioned to attract business and it has ample commercial and industrial real estate available.

“Stonecrest is highly desirable by many companies due to its location, cooperative business environment, very convenient access to interstate highways and proximity to the world’s most traveled airport— Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” said Boone.

Mayor Jason Lary introduced Boone at the Stonecrest City Council meeting on July 8. Boone

HOFBG calls for ban on vacation homes in Rockdale, sets town hall meeting

By Sarita Mason For On Common Ground News Homeowners for Better Government (HOFBG) in Rockdale County say disturbances and shootings have prompted them to call for an all-out ban on short-term vacation rentals. HOFBG is inviting other homeowner groups in Rockdale to join them for a town hall meeting to discuss the issue on July 18,7 p.m., at the Philogia Masonic Lodge, 1005 Milstead Ave. NE, Conyers.

“We want a ban on short-term vacation rentals,” said Don Meyer, founder of Homeowners for Better Government (HOFBG). “Short-term vacation rentals have destroyed our neighborhoods and have put our public safety and quality of life at risk and we want them gone.”

The group has invited Sheriff Eric Levett and others for a discussion and Q&A at the town hall

SEE HOFBG page 11

SEE BOONE page 11

DeKalb completes 50 miles of resurfacing, on track to finish 100 miles this year Residents across DeKalb County are experiencing a smoother commute now that contractors have finished resurfacing 50 miles of the worst streets and roads in the county. The paving is funded by DeKalb’s one-cent special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

Arenda Hansard lives in the Carlisle Commonwealth community near Stone Mountain.

“There were some bad roads but now it’s easier to go in and out of the neighborhood,” said Hansard. “They did a good job and we are satisfied with what is being done with the additional penny.”

To date, the DeKalb Board of Commissioners have approved two resurfacing projects totaling $40.9 million to target the first 100 miles of the worst-rated roads in the county. These first two projects account for a third of the approximately 300 miles planned for paving through SPLOST funds.

Brian Thompson, who regularly travels on Rockbridge Road, has also seen results from the penny-funded paving.

“The road is in good shape; a lot better than it was before,” he said.

“The work went fast once they got started,” said Thompson.

DeKalb County will receive an estimated $388 million in SPLOST revenue over six years to improve county roads, infrastructure, libraries, parks and public safety.

Citizens can follow the progress of SPLOST road resurfacing by visiting www.dekalbsplost.com and clicking “Project Map.” CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, JULY 16TH 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.

LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:

V-19-002 Colin Jones 3585 River Rock Road RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District To encroach into the rear yard setback for the construction of a deck. *Applicant was administratively held from June BZA hearing.

DeKalb County Board of Health Provides Back-to-School Services

We are Here for Your Health!

Friendly, affordable health services, including: • • • •

Childhood Immunizations (Form 3231) Hearing, Vision, Nutrition, and Dental Screenings (Form 3300) Birth Certificates for Children Born in Georgia Sports Physicals Extended Hours for ALL Services at ALL Centers Saturday, July 13 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Mon., July 29, Tues., July 30, & Thurs., August 1 Mon., August 5, through Wed., August 7 8:15 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Normal Business Hours Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Clifton Springs Health Center East DeKalb Health Center North DeKalb Health Center T. O. Vinson Health Center

(404) 244-2200 (770) 484-2600 (770) 454-1144 (404) 294-3762

For More Information: (404) 294-3700 www.dekalbhealth.net

PAGE 4 • JULY 12, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rep. Hank Johnson launches 2019 Congressional App Challenge

Sankofa drive-through food pantry offers fresh produce July 20

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) is inviting both middle and high school students who live or attend a school in the Fourth Congressional District to demonstrate their technology skills by developing a mobile application or game.

“Science and technology are transforming our world and we must do all we can to ensure our kids are taking part in and helping shape the changing economy,” said Johnson. “I’m proud of the students who participate in the challenge. This competition Congressman Hank Johnson has showcased some of the Fourth Congressional District’s brightest young minds as they take on cutting-edge technology that is becoming an increasing part of all our lives.”

The deadline to submit to the Congressional App Challenge is Nov.1, 2019. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of coding experience. Students of all skills are strongly encouraged to participate and to learn how to create their own apps.

Winners will be selected on Dec.1 by a panel of judges and will receive Congressional recognition for their achievements in STEM and Computer Science on Dec.9. Their apps will be featured on a display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., on house.gov, and on the Congressional App Challenge website.

The CAC was created because Congress recognized that STEM and computer-based skills are essential for economic growth and innovation, and that the U.S. has been falling behind on these fronts. By some estimates, the U.S. may be short by many as a million programmers by 2020. These are high-paying, high-demand jobs.

To maintain American competitiveness, it’s crucial that the U.S. invests in our youth now and helps them acquire these valuable skills.

For more information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/ or call 770-987-2291.

Sankofa Community Food Pantry will host its third drive-through food pantry on Saturday, July 20, 12 to 3 p.m. at 1240 Sigman Road N.W., behind the plaza.

A variety of fresh produce and dry food items will be available to the public at no cost, while supplies last. ID is not required to obtain food and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call 678-517-2538.

Online registration for new DeKalb students now open Families who are new to the DeKalb County School District (DCSD) can now access the district’s new online registration system.

Parents or guardians can visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org/onlineregistration and navigate through a series of prompts to enter the information needed for school assignments and support services for their student. Officials say the new and secure system will make registration available on most Internet-enabled devices, reducing the probability of a trip to a school or registration center.

Parents of students returning to the same school must submit updated information to the school before the ending of the school year or during summer registration.

Online registration requires: 1. Parent Guardianship 2. Proof of residence in the DeKalb County School District – a current utility bill (gas, water, electric) or rent/lease agreement (or mortgage) in the parents’ name, or an affidavit will be needed 3.Certified copy of birth certificate, Passport, or I-94 (Kindergarten & firstgrade students must provide a birth certificate) 4. Immunization Certificate – form 3231 5. Hearing, Vision, and Dental – form 3300 6. Social Security card (you may complete a waiver) 7. School transcripts (if applicable) DCSD will also operate an in-person Online Registration site for those who need direct assistance. The site is located at the former Avondale High School located at 1192 Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates.

The online registration site will be open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., July 8-25.

For more information, contact the Online Registration Call Center at 678-676-0998 or visit www.dekalbschoolsga.org.

Conyers City Hall groundbreaking set for July 18 Conyers Mayor Vince Evans and members of the Conyers City Council will officially break ground on the new Conyers City Hall to be located at 901 O’Kelly Street on Thursday, July 18, at 10 a.m.

Representatives from Reeves Young and Precision Planning, Inc., the firm providing architectural and design services, also will be on hand for the brief program and ceremonial groundbreaking.

The public is invited to attend. Guests should park in the rear parking lot of the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green Street ,or the Travis Street Parking Lot at 900 Green Street and walk to the groundbreaking site.

Golf carts will be available to shuttle guests.

Construction on the estimated $13.5 million, 38,000-square-foot building is expected to begin in August and be completed in the early fall of 2020.

Health TRUST Rockdale accepting applicants for second 2019 grant cycle Health TRUST Rockdale, the grant-making division of the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County (HARC), will accept applications Aug. 1-6 for its second grant cycle of 2019. Nonprofit or government agencies working to improve the physical and mental health of Rockdale residents are encouraged to apply.

Participation in a pre-proposal conference/orientation session is mandatory for all new applicants. Previous grantees also should register for a pre-proposal conference if they are seeking funds for a program or project not previously funded. If seeking repeat funding, applicants should notify the director of their intent no later than July 31. Proposals will not be accepted for this cycle from agencies that fail to contact HARC prior to the July 31 deadline.

“I am excited about the upcoming grant cycle and the continuation of our partnership with other organizations committed to addressing the healthcare needs of Rockdale residents,” said HARC Chairman Aldren Sadler, Sr., noting that HARC has invested more than $3.8 million in charitable healthcare projects and programs since launching its grants program in May 2010.

“The Authority is honored to support the wonderful work of our grant recipients,” said Sadler. “They provide much needed physical and mental health services to uninsured and underinsured residents of our community.

They meet needs that would otherwise go unmet and, by doing that, they are changing and even saving lives.”

Agencies interested in applying for a grant during the upcoming cycle should contact HARC Executive Director Julie Mills at 770-922-1441 or jmills@healthtrustrockdale.org For the grant program guidelines and deadlines, visit www.healthtrustrockdale.org.

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JULY 12, 2019 • PAGE 5

Rockdale County

PAGE 6 •JULY 12, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

BUDGET continued from page 1

DEKALB COUNTY AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL VALUE 2009 -- 2019

disposable income on essential items, is abated.

DeKalb homeowners will benefit from $119 million in property tax relief generated by the Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax Credit (EHOST). The EHOST tax credit will deliver an average tax cut of $889 to owners of homes valued at $250,000.

The county will also roll back the Combined Countywide Operational rate, from 10.364 mills in Fiscal Year 2018 to 9.952 mills in Fiscal Year 2019, reducing the rate by 0.412 mills. The projected value of the millage rate rollback is $12 million, which will provide a property tax reduction of $41.20 on properties valued at $250,000.

The benchmark millage rate for unincorporated DeKalb will remain at 20.81 mills.

DeKalb County’s Fiscal Year 2019 midyear budget includes the following adjustments: • Fire Rescue: $576,456 for partial year funding of 20 paramedic positions to staff three ambulance units to be deployed throughout the county; a net increase of $633,603 to fund maintenance and repair at fire stations, medical supplies, and six vehicles for new fire inspector positions.

• Parks and Recreation: $733,890 for additional landscape and path maintenance, expansion of the youth STEAM program, and the development of a ten-year parks master plan.

• Beautification and Code Compliance: Beautification and Code Compliance will become standalone budget units. An additional $275,000 was recommended for Beautification to service 36 new locations from September to December.

• DeKalb Emergency Management Agency: $92,393 for funding of additional personnel.

• 311 Citizen Help Center: $69,273 for partial year funding of additional full-time customer service representatives due to increased call volumes.

• Facilities Management: $1.1 million for facilities repairs and maintenance.

DeKalb County’s Fiscal Year 2019 midyear operating

Thermice Jordan Bevelle budget is $1.3 billion and projects an end-of-year tax fund balance, or rainy-day fund, of $110 million. This amount will cover county operations for 2.02 months, which accomplishes one of the administration’s top fiscal priorities—building reserve revenues that will finance two months of county operations.

CENSUS continued from page 1 and how much federal funding we get for things like our roads, sidewalks, schools, construction, youth summer job initiatives, senior home repairs. We can’t afford not to be counted,” said Johnson.

Taken every 10 years, the U.S. census determines the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives, a process called apportionment. The decennial census is the largest mobilization and operation conducted in the United States and requires years of research, planning, and development of methods and infrastructure to ensure an accurate and complete count. It is the determining factor for how more than $675 billion of federal funding is distributed to each state and its municipalities each year.

“Everybody can influence somebody. Our goal here is not to reinvent the wheel, but to empower our constituents with the knowledge and tools to make sure DeKalb gets counted,” Johnson said.

For more information, visit www.census.gov.

MADDOX continued from page 1

What’s Your Church Flow?

Let Us Know!

Send us your photo of an outfit that you enjoy wearing, your name and where you worship and we will share it with out readers in churchesnow.org. The digital magazine is a publication of On Common Ground News.

Please e-mail editor@ocgnews.com.

Information Command Systems Training and she is a P.O.S.T. Certified General Instructor in ethics, integrity and professionalism as well as Defensive Tactics.

Her professional affiliations include the Georgia Association of Women in Public Safety, the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the National Sheriffs' Association, the DeKalb Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

She received her bachelor's degree from Morris Brown College and her master's degree from Central Michigan University. A graduate of Newburgh Theological Seminary and Bible College, she is a member of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2017. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Maddox serves with Women to Women Personal Awareness and Safety Training, and she has been honored for her career achievements and community volunteerism by numerous civic and business organizations.

March 3, 1971July 9, 2019

C

ONYERS— Thermice Jordan Bevelle passed away on July 9, 2019 after suddenly becoming ill. She was 48.

Mrs. Bevelle’s background in print and broadcast journalism afforded her a 28-year career in communications.

Diane Larche’, a publicist who knew Mrs. Bevelle through her work as a journalist, said Bevelle always went the extra mile to be helpful and she prided her work ethic.

“She was as sweet as could be. She will be missed,” said Larche.

Thermice and Everett Bevelle married in 2003 and made their home on a horse farm in Conyers.

Thermice was born on March 3, 1971 in Aiken, South Carolina to the late Mary Jordan and Elijah Simpkins III. Thermice was a 1989 graduate of Aiken High School and a 1993 graduate of Georgia Southern University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism.

In addition to her husband, Everett, Mrs. Bevelle is survived by a brother, Joseph Settles; and stepchildren, Joi Bevelle and Eversen Bevelle.

Thermice’s journey has returned her to her beloved Aiken, SC. A private funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2019, 11:30 a.m., at the JacksonBrooks Chapel in Aiken, SC.

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JULY 12, 2019 • PAGE 7

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PAGE 8 •JULY 12, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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JULY 12, 2019 • PAGE 9

PAGE 10 •JULY 12, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale Constitutional Corner

Rockdale BOC Meeting Schedule

Did you miss your jury duty in Rockdale?

Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 9 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Combined Work Session and Voting Session: Tuesday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – (or following the public hearing) Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 23, 6 p.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Public Hearing: Tuesday, July 30, 6:30 p.m. – Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers Millage Rate Called Meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Work Session: Tuesday, Aug. 6, 10:15 a.m. (or following the called meeting) – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Voting Session: Tuesday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. – Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers Work Session: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 7 p.m. – CANCELLED Budget Retreat – Wednesday, Aug. 21, and Thursday, Aug. 22 Zoning Public Hearing: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. - CANCELLED Voting Session: Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10 a.m. – CANCELLED

F

Here’s what to do

irst of all, don’t panic. We will work with you.

BUT, you must communicate with us. As soon as you can, contact the Jury Clerk at 770-278-7902 or Jury@ RockdaleCountyGA. GOV as noted on your Jury Summons. Let us know what happened. If you are eligible to be excused, you may be asked to submit some paper work and then you are done.

If you are eligible to serve, we may be able to simply reschedule you for a future Jury date.

If you do not communicate with us, a series of not so pleasant things can happen: • First, you will receive a subpoena to be present at a Show Cause Hearing (also known as Failure To Appear Hearing) before the Chief Superior Court Judge. You are notified that failure to comply is deemed Contempt of Court.

• Second, if you still have not responded, you will receive a certified letter directing you to contact the Jury Clerk within five days of receipt of the letter.

• Finally, if you still have not responded, the Sheriff will

By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts

serve you with an order to appear on charges of Indirect Criminal Failure to Appear.

Under no circumstances will we call you and threaten you with arrest. We will never demand that you pay a fine by phone or at the Clerk of Courts Office. If you ever receive such calls, contact Law Enforcement promptly because it is likely a scam.

If a Jury Summons arrives for someone who no longer lives at that address, please let us know so that they can be removed from the Rockdale Jury Master List. Your assistance would be most appreciated. We are here at your service. Do not hesitate to call with your questions or concerns.

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NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) has tentatively adopted a 2019 millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by 7.14 percent. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held in the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The time and place of an additional public hearing on this tax increase is the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, Georgia 30012 on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 20.19 mills, an increase of 1.345 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 18.845 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $100,000 is approximately $33.63 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $300,000 is approximately $161.40.

FATAL continued from page 2 Conyers. Deputies responded to a call about the shooting at 3:32 p.m. after neighbors reported hearing gunshots and seeing people fleeing from the house. Investigators have not released any information concerning what led to the shooting.

At On Common Ground News press deadline, investigators also had not released the identity of a second victim in the shooting. The Sheriff’s Office said the victim remains hospitalized and the identity is not being released at this time.

Further, the BOC will hold a Called Meeting on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. in the Assembly Hall, 901 Main Street, Conyers, 30012, for the purpose of setting the 2019 Millage Rate.

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners does hereby announce that the 2019 millage rate will be set at a meeting to be held at the Assembly Hall located at 901 Main Street, Conyers, GA 30012 on Tuesday, August 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 do hereby publish the following presentation of the current year's tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

CURRENT 2019 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY ($ in 1,000's)

COUNTY WIDE

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Real & Personal Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber-100% Heavy Duty Equipment

2,127,752 169,054 1,938 0 0

2,195,024 114,533 1,897 0 0

2,323,248 86,580 2,027 0 0

2,436,480 64,396 2,019 0 0

2,667,125 49,581 2,269 0 0

2,862,970 40,312 2,308 0 0

Gross Digest Total Less M&O Exemptions Net M&O Digest

2,298,744 387,457 1,911,287

2,311,454 397,547 1,913,907

2,411,855 416,759 1,995,096

2,502,895 415,582 2,087,313

2,718,975 428,044 2,290,931

2,905,590 432,138 2,473,452

20.24 0.00 20.24

20.19 0.00 20.19

20.19 0.00 20.19

20.19 0.00 20.19

20.19 0.00 20.19

20.19 0.00 20.19

38,684

38,642

40,281

42,143

46,254

49,939

-43 -0.1

1,639 4.2

1,862 4.6

4,111 9.8

3,685 8.0

Gross M&O Millage Less Rollbacks Net M&O Millage Net Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase

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JULY 12, 2019 • PAGE 11

Stone Mountain native serves aboard nation’s newest floating airport NORFOLK, VA – A Stone Mountain native and 2007 Miller Grove High School graduate is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the service’s newest aircraft carrier. USS Gerald R. Ford.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Kingsberry is an aviation machinist's mate aboard the ship, which is named after the 38th President of the United States, and U.S. Navy veteran, Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr. As a Navy aviation machinist's mate, Kingsberry is responsible for working on aircraft engines.

"What I do is similar to your regular neighborhood mechanic, except I do my job on an aircraft carrier at sea,” said Kingsberry.

The ship is 1,106 feet long, weighs more than 100,000 tons and has a flight deck that is 256 feet wide. Approximately 2,600 men and women currently make up the ship's crew, which includes everything from washing dishes to handling weaponry.

The aircraft carries more than 70 attack jets, helicopters and other aircrafts, all of which take off and land aboard the carrier at sea, making it often a first response to a global crisis because of its ability to operate freely on any of the world’s oceans.

Kingsberry credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Stone Mountain.

“I learned about the importance of hard work and always trying to improve myself,” said Kingsberry.

Kingsberry is honored to carry on the tradition of military service in his family, which includes his father who served in the Air Force; his grandfather who served in the Navy; another grandfather who served in the Marines; an uncle who served in the Air Force; and a cousin who serves in the Army.

Jesse Kingsberry

BOONE continued from page 3 started in the position on July 1.

“We are excited to welcome Clarence Boone to the city. He has exceptional talent and skills in sales, marketing, branding, business analysis, business development and building relationships,” said Lary.

Prior to working for Discover

DeKalb, Boone began his career in sales with Empire Distributors in 1992. He climbed the corporate ladder, eventually serving as a District Sales Manager from 19952011. In that capacity, Boone was responsible for overseeing a sales team and generating more

than $30 million in annual sales.

His geographical responsibilities included urban, general and rural markets with a multi-national client base. He was responsible for leading the company’s sales force in launching several nationally-known brands during his career. In 2011,

he retired from the company.

Boone earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration management from Georgia State University. Boone was raised in Atlanta. He lives in DeKalb County with his wife, Lania, and son Clarence Boone, III.

HOFBG continued from page 3 meeting.

The meeting follows complaints by several residents who raised concern about nuisance rentals at the Rockdale Board of Commissioners following the April shooting at a short-term vacation rental in the Martha’s Vineyard subdivision in Conyers. Five people who rented a home through Airbnb Inc. were arrested on drug and weapons charges, multiple felony counts and warrants in other states following the shooting.

Kc Krzic, Rockdale County’s Director of Planning and Zoning, said short-term and longterm vacation rentals are not allowed under the county’s Unified Development Ordinance. The county, however, is looking at what can be done to protect residential communities from nuisances that such properties sometimes create.

Many residents argue that the vacation rentals are businesses illegally operating without a license in residential areas. Homeowners also are using the same argument against homes that are being used for events and large-scale parties.

Krzic, who has been conducting research on the issue since last year, said she believes that oversight and accountability are critical. “…The key to creating a quality of life that neighboring residents expect is having oversight and accountability, such as identifying the properties, owners, responsible parties, and dates of rentals,” said Krzic.

Rockdale BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt said the county plans to present a plan of action to the public by Sept. 1.

“We’re working aggressively to come with a concrete plan that works for the entire county by doing research on the problem short-term rentals have created,” said Nesbitt.

As Rockdale grapples with vacation rentals, other cities are creating tougher legislation to regulate “party houses” that bring noise, crowds, and other problems to residential communities.

Recently, the city of Atlanta proposed regulating “party houses” in residential neighborhoods. City officials said they want to

ensure residential safety and planned to seek public input to determine what should be done.

“The proposed regulations are common sense measures to ensure our neighborhoods are safe, friendly and livable for all who call Atlanta home,” said Atlanta Mayor Keisha Bottom. “This is about ensuring accountability for unlawful party and event planners who create nuisance and disorder in our communities.”

Atlanta Councilmember J.P. Matzigkeit echoed Bottom’s concerns, saying legislating “party houses” is critical.

“Party houses in residentially-zoned areas are illegal and must end,” said Matzigkeit “This legislation is a critical piece to stopping party houses and preserving the quality of life for our neighborhoods.”

Other cities such as Sandy Springs and South Fulton also have regulations requiring hosts to pay a business license fee and the hotel-motel tax.

Dunwoody has outlawed renting a space for less than 30 days.

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PAGE 12 •JULY 12, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

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