VOLUME 23,NUMBER 13
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JUNE 24, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Former DeKalb official, contractor plead guilty to reimbursement scheme
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orris Williams, former DeKalb County Deputy Chief Operating Officer, and businessman Douglas Cotter have pleaded guilty to a check reimbursement scheme to defraud DeKalb County. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced the conviction by guilty plea after court proceedings on June 22. Williams, 52, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor obstruction charge for his role in the scheme. Cotter, 54, entered a guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of theft by taking and was ordered to pay $4,000 in restitution immediately. The charges against Cotter and Williams date back to 2011 when Williams served as Chief of Staff for the Board of Commissioners. According to the investigation, Williams intercepted a $4,000 check from Water Removal Services to then-Commissioner Lee May. The check was commissioned by Cotter, a county contractor affiliated with the water removal company. The check was touted as a reimbursement for overpayment for services at May’s home following damage caused by a broken county pipe. The check was given to Williams, endorsed by an unknown signatory, and cashed at an establishment owned by Cotter’s family. May has long maintained he knew nothing about the check and was never criminally implicated. The scheme came to light after a tip from an anonymous source. Though originally indicted as a felony case, the State agreed to a plea agreement involving misdemeanor charges in an effort to protect the identity of that source, along with other prosecution factors. “This case involved an anonymous key witness whose information was integral to our prosecution. After balancing all factors, we chose to proceed in this manner, in part, to avoid exposing this person’s identity and jeopardizing their livelihood, in addition to potentially dissuading future whistleblowers from coming forward with information in high-stake cases for fear of public exposure,” said District Attorney Sherry Boston. “We believe the restitution paid by defendant Cotter, the acknowledgement of criminal wrongdoing by both defendants, who are no longer employed by or engaged in business dealings with our county, along with the other terms of the plea agreement, is a just result.” According to the plea agreement, Cotter and Williams were each sentenced under the First Offender Act to 12 months’ probation, ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, and perform 80 hours of community service. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Timmons, assigned to the Anti-Corruption Unit, with assistance from Senior ADA Bernard Ussery and Deputy Chief Investigator Tracey Enderson. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Daniel Coursey presided over the case.
DeKalb Pastors Alliance prepare homeowners for EPA’s phase-out of Freon
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he DeKalb Pastors Alliance is partnering with energy companies and financial institutions to get the word out to homeowners the R-22 refrigerant commonly known as Freon will be phased out across the country beginning in 2019. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will require energy efficient air-conditioning systems in homes. Freon will be replaced by the environmentally-friendly Puron. “There will be no more Freon. We’re trying to be proactive to let homeowners know. The bible says we perish for lack of knowledge and we want to make sure everyone is educated about the changes,” said Pastor Steven Dial, executive director of the DeKalb Pastors Alliance. The Alliance held a news conference on June 22 at Clarkston First Baptist Church in Clarkston to announce the launch of the “Smart Home Energy” initiative to educate residents of DeKalb County. The Alliance has teamed up with National Sustainable Energy Group, Atlanta Gas Light, Georgia Power, Genesis Credit, Goodman Manufacturing, UtiliPro and Wells Fargo to create the initiative. “The pastors understand the importance of our communities being educated on the environmental law and how it will be cost effective and beneficial to all to utilize energy efficient HVACs,” said Pastor Dial. “We don’t want people to get gouged by companies. We’re providing information on companies that offer the best prices for the conversion. Percy Brooks’ company, National Sustainable Energy Group, for example, is offering a rent-to-own program to homeowners who need a new AC system
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but cannot afford to pay for one up front. Brooks estimates the federal phase-out will affect about 70 percent of homeowners in DeKalb. Pastor Dial said the Alliance will be promoting incentives that are being offered such as Georgia Power’s $250 rebate on new AC units. “There are 150,000 parishioners under the leadership of pastors who are involved with the DeKalb Pastors Alliance. We are asking every pastor to make public service announcements and to hold workshops to educate their members and the public at large,” Pastor Dial said. The Alliance, he said, includes more than a dozen churches. Many homeowners already have pur-
chased new AC units, said Brooks. Dial reported some of his congregation members who have benefited. “Three of my members have already purchased new units and their power bills went down. We want people to know that not only are the changes good for the environment but a cost savings to homeowners,” said Pastor Dial, who is planning a Unity in the Community Revival in September to also get the word out. To learn more about the DeKalb Pastors Alliance and the Smart Home Energy initiative, email dekalbpastorsalliance@ gmail.com or contact Dr. Steven N. Dial, Sr., executive director, at 404-288-1910.
MARTA launches “Artbound” program, unveils logo
ARTA passengers soon will be able to enjoy the visual arts and performances at the public transit’s stations throughout the year. MARTA kicked off the initiative, Artbound, with an event on June 19. Performances by Moving in the Spirit Dance Company and cellist Jenn Cornell accompanied by Emrah Kotan highlighted some artistic elements MARTA’s Artbound initiative will bring to customers beginning this year. In addition to the performing arts, officials announced upcoming restorations project at the Decatur MARTA station and a new art installation piece slated for H.E. Holmes MARTA station. “From mosaics to murals, we are redefining the ridership experience here at MARTA by intentionally integrating art throughout the entire system,” said MARTA’s GM/CEO Keith Parker. “This new commitment to the arts allows us to engage our customers in a bold, exciting and often entertaining new way.” In 2016, MARTA’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to support the investment in transit-center art with a goal of improving the overall customer experience throughout the system. Beginning with FY17, $2.5 to $3.5 million---up to 1% of MARTA’s annual budget-- is allocated for art-related programs, art-focused community activities and system-wide art restoration projects. In December 2016, the Authority hired
Arts Administrator Katherine Dirga to curate and oversee the transit systems arts program. Since that time, MARTA has developed a comprehensive approach to engaging the region’s diverse artistic community inclusive of commissioned art pieces as well as the performing arts. “Whether people are traveling northbound to southbound or eastbound to westbound, we want all of our customers to experience what Artbound is about,” said Dirga, who previously served as manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport’s arts program. “Our approach is to install
high-quality, captivating pieces that transcend various artistic genres and reflect, in some way, the vibrancy and history of the community.” An art commission will help select artists, and contests also will be held to select art. Parker said there are to be several ways to participate. One of the first projects will be a commission at the westernmost train station, which will highlight the legacy of Hamilton Holmes as one of the first students to integrate the University of Georgia. For more information on Artbound, contact Katherine Dirga at kdirga@itsmarta.com.
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Stonecrest approves vehicle allowance for mayor, financial services agreement
he Stonecrest City Council unanimously approved a $650 monthly vehicle allowance for the city’s mayor and an agreement to enter into a financial services contract with Ed Wall of Piper Jaffray & Co. to help cover the city’s expenses. The council approved both on June 19. The allowance for Mayor Jason Lary, not to exceed $7,800 annually, was approved for two years—the duration of his first term. Although the allowance would start this month, payments wouldn’t be issued until the city’s funds become available. “This is not a blank check,” said Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who introduced the motion for the vehicle allowance. Adoma said “basic accounting” principles would be used to track the allowance and provide transparency. The council agreed to enter into an agreement with Piper Jaffray & Co. to set up TANs (Tax Anticipated Notes), which would provide cashflow to the city until its revenues come in from other sources. Through the TANS, the city would borrow about $1.5 to $2 million and pay an estimated $15,000 to cover attorney fees, issuance of the bond and interest. The loan would be repaid by Dec. 31 of every year. Jaffray & Co. is expected to begin working on the TANS immediately after a contract is signed, Mayor Lary said. Hotel/motel tax approved The City Council also adopted an ordinance that paves the way for the newly-formed city to collect money from the hotel/motel occupancy taxes currently received by
DeKalb County government. Steve Fincher, an attorney for the city, says this is the first ordinance that provides additional revenues for Stonecrest. Under the ordinance, the city will collect 8 cents per dollar. Three of the 8 cents will go to the city’s General Fund, which can be used as the city deems necessary. The remaining five cents will be used to contract tourism and trade activities (advertising and events) and tourism products (convention centers and attractions). The city will begin collecting the taxes in September, two months after being passed by the county. 2.5 cents must be spent with a destination and tourism organi-
Rockdale Tax Office earns national recognition for Innovative Service Rockdale Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart-Washington and the Rockdale Tax Office have been recognized with a 2017 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of Civic Education and Public Information. The Tax Office’s TextConnect service, which launched in January, allows residents to communicate directly with staff via smartphone text messaging. “I am so proud of my staff for earning this special recognition and for the dedication they show every day in serving Rockdale County,” said Commissioner Smart-Washington. “This is our third NACo award and we will continue to strive for the highest Tisa Smart-Washington levels of accessibility, efficiency and professionalism.” The Tax Office was further selected as part of NACo’s 100 Brilliant Ideas at Work initiative. The 100 Brilliant Ideas at Work recognition is part of NACo President Bryan Desloge’s presidential initiative, which highlights ideas that illustrate the best innovations in county government. “These brilliant ideas can serve as examples for counties across the country. Though no two of America’s 3,069 counties are exactly alike, many face similar challenges and can learn from one another’s ideas and experiences,” said Desloge. NACo will recognize award-winning counties at its 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition July 21–24 in Franklin County, Ohio. For more information about the TextConnect, residents may call the Tax Office at 678278-9833.
to increase as we add hotels and motel rooms as the city develops,” said Thibodeaux, a Stonecrest resident who served on the Stonecrest City Alliance and chaired the Governor’s Commission on the City of Stonecrest. Stonecrest resident Lisa Wright said she, too, is glad the city will be able to begin collecting the hotel/ motel tax in September. “We definitely need revenue streams and we definitely need tourism marketing dollars. I’m grateful that we can start in September. Let’s get the money,” said Wright. 10.
More Stonecrest stories , page
PRESS RELEASE ANNOUNCING A PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX INCREASE The City of Stonecrest Mayor and Council today announces its intention to establish the 2017 property tax millage rate at 1.0 mill, representing the initial tax levy of the city. Each year, the board of tax assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment. When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that a rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA. On June 27, 2017 at 10:00am and 6:00pm and on July 5, 2017 at 10:00am.
NOTICE OF PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
Rockdale sets EMA public meetings The Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) will conduct two public kick‐off meetings to start an update process of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Rockdale County. The meetings will be held on Thursday, June 29, 3 until 4:30 p.m. and again from 5:30 until 7 p.m. at the Rockdale County Fire Rescue Training Annex located at 2150 Iris Drive, SW, Conyers. The Hazard Mitigation Plan update is required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to keep Rockdale County eligible for federal mitigation assistance for future disasters. Citizens, businesses and interested parties are invited to attend and participate in this planning effort, which will include both Rockdale County and the City of Conyers. For more information, contact Bill Cate with the Rockdale County Emergency Management Agency at 770-278-8420 or via email at bill.cate@rockdalecountyga.gov. Thank you.
zation that the city does not control and the remaining 2.5 may be spent as the city chooses. The destination organization will be selected at a later date. Joel Thibodeaux, who spoke in support of the hotel/motel tax ordinance during the public hearing, said the adoption would not only help to promote the city of Stonecrest and increase tourism in the city but would also give the new city much needed revenues.. “I stand in support of this ordinance as it fits directly with the plans that the city alliance had when forming the city. This is not a tax assessed on residents, but rather on visitors to the city that we’ll be able
The Mayor and Council of the City of Stonecrest has tentatively adopted a 2017 millage rate which in its entirety will result in an increase in property taxes as this represents the initial tax levy of the City. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA., June 27, 2017 at 10:00am and 6:00 pm. An additional public hearing and adoption of the millage rate will be held at a City Council Meeting at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA July 5, 2017 at 10:00am. This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 1.0 mills, an increase of 1.0 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 0 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $200,000 would be $0 (due to Homestead Exemption) and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $200,000 is approximately $80.00.
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Coming Up Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan
Fresh On DeKalb Mobile Market brings fresh produce to the community
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he DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market will be held on Thursday, June 29, 12 – 2 p.m. at the Redan-Trotti Library, 1569 Wellborn Road, Lithonia. The mobile market provides access to healthy, affordable food for communities where access to fresh regionally-grown fruits and vegetables is limited. The Mobile Market accepts EBT (SNAP benefits), credit cards, checks and cash. The DeKalb Mobile Farmers Market is a program of DeKalb County Extension Services. For more information, call 770-482-3821.
ATLANTA
Grab a bite to eat at Food Truck Friday Enjoy a lunchtime stroll on Friday, June 30 at Five Points MARTA Station for Food Truck Fridays on Broad Street Plaza, 12 Broad St. NW. Food Truck Friday will feature street food from several area vendors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.atlantadowntown.com.
Children’s Museum offers series for autistic children Families with autistic children are invited to attend a special event on Saturday, July 1, 9 a.m., at Children’s Museum of Atlanta, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive NW, Atlanta. Sensory-friendly Saturdays offers a sensory modified setting to accommodate families with children on the autism spectrum or children with sensory processing disorders. Accommodations include limited admission and sound and lighting adjustments. Admission is $5 per person for non-members and free for members. For reservations, call 404527-3693 or purchase your ticket online at www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
DEKALB
Clarkston Library presents Taste of East Africa Join the Clarkston Library for a cultural immersion program entitled “One City, Many Stories: East Africa” on Saturday, July 1, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Clarkston Library, 951 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. Learn about and celebrate the diverse culture and food of East Africa, which includes the countries of Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Uganda, and Kenya. The program also will include a special ceremony to celebrate the end of Ramadan. This event is open to the first 60 participants. For more information, call 404-508-7175.
GWINNETT
Castles and catapults workshop set Gwinnett County Library invites children and their caregivers to learn about the history of castles on Tuesday, June 27, 1 p.m., at the Snellville Library branch, 2740 Lenora Church Road Snellville. Kids will get a chance to design and construct their own castle and will also get to see if it can withstand an attack from a handmade catapult. The program is open to children ages 6-10. Due to space limitations, large groups such as day camps and schools cannot be accommodated. For more information, call 770-978-5154.
Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation to host shark attack beach party
Kick off the summer with a Shark Attack beach party on Tuesday, June 27, 6:30 - 9 p.m., at Mountain Park Aquatic Center, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain. It’ll be a night filled with entertainment, fun games, shark fin races, crafts and some shark bait snacks. All ages are welcome. The cost is $6 per person for county residents. For more information, call 678-277-0870 or register online at gwinnettparks.com.
ROCKDALE
Conyers sets “Celebrate Community” parade Join the city of Conyers for an Independence Day parade on Saturday, July 1, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., in the parking lot of Conyers First United Methodist Church, 921 North Main Street NW, Conyers. The parade route will travel a little more than a half-mile in the residential section of historic Olde Town Conyers. Neighbors are encouraged to watch the parade or participate by decorating wagons, strollers, golf carts, pets and more. The parade salutes the Conyers community as well as the birth of the nation. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Olde Town Events Coordinator Sandy Fowler at 770-929-4239 or sandy.fowler@conyersga.com.
July 4th fireworks hike set Join a ranger for an evening hike to the top of Panola Mountain on Sunday, July 2, 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., at Panola Mountain State Park, 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge. As the sun sets, enjoy panoramic views of Stone Mountain and Atlanta’s Independence Day celebrations from a distance. After the trek back down the mountain, hikers will be greeted with a campfire and s’mores. Admission is $20 plus $5 parking. Call 770-389-7801 for more information.
Please check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.
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DeKalb CEO Thurmond to give third water billing update
DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will detail progress made toward addressing the water billing crisis during his third update meeting on Thursday, June 29, 6:30 p.m., at Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. Before the meeting, DeKalb County water billing representatives will be available to assist customers with new water billing disputes and general water billing questions. Representatives also will be able to verify whether the customer is in dispute process. Customers also will be able to learn whether their bills are still being held for evaluation. DeKalb County water billing representatives will Michael Thurmond not be able to access the billing system, provide specific acDeKalb CEO count information or review the current dispute status. In addition to the question-and-answer period held during the update, citizens can submit questions on It’s in DeKalb’s Facebook page or Twitter account, @ItsInDeKalb. Due to time constraints, not all questions may be answered at the meeting. Questions should be general in nature; CEO Thurmond will be unable to answer specific account questions. For specific account information, call Utility Customer Operations at 404-378-4475. The update will be available live on It’s In DeKalb’s Facebook page and live-tweeted with the hashtag #NewDayProject. Also, it will be broadcast on Comcast Cable Channel 23 for residents living in DeKalb County and livestreamed at www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dctv. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/waterbilling.
Mike Glenn hosts 38th basketball camp for the deaf, hard of hearing
Former NBA player Mike “Stinger” Glenn held the 38th annual “Mike Glenn Basketball Camp for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing” athletes in Decatur. The weeklong camp started on June 18 and concluded on June 23 at Clairmont Presbyterian Church and the Church at Decatur Heights. “Our goal as always is to provide our campers with a fun-filled week that could be considered the best week of their lives,” said Glenn. The camp offered practice sessions, drills, scrimmages at Clairmont Presbyterian Church culminating with an All-Star game at the Decatur Recreation Center. “Last summer at our 37th annual camp, we had the privilege and pleasure of welcoming campers and coaches from the Wisconsin School for the Deaf,” Glenn said. “I appreciate the extra effort of Coach Trulove and Coach Eldred who took it upon themselves to drive members of their team all the way to Georgia. I must also recognize and thank a former camp participant, Franklin Ash, who drove his nephew all the way from Michigan and gave him the opportunity to participate in the camp. Franklin also served as a proud coach as he reunited with staff members who remembered him from fifteen years ago.”
JUNE 24, 2017 • PAGE 5
Johnson pushing film diversity caucus to break down barriers
Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) have announced the formation of the Congressional Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent and Film Diversity. The new bi-partisan caucus aims to focus on increasing opportunities for minorities in the film and television industries. The three representatives, all serving as co-chairs, plan to add to its congressional membership in the coming weeks. “Last year, I challenged the Academy to be diverse and inclusive. This year, Oscar nominees were more diverse and that’s good, but the underlying problem has not gone away: Minorities are underrepresented in all key roles in both behind and in front of the camera,” said Rep. Johnson. “The motion picture industry has long been a crucial ally in the fight for Congressman Hank Johnson justice and served as a long time vehicle to give people a better understanding of other people and cultures around the world. This industry has the potential to break down barriers and stereotypes. The Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent, and Film Diversity is going to keep the spotlight on the importance of diversity.” “I joined the Congressional Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent (CAST) and Film Diversity with my colleagues, Rep. Hank Johnson and Rep. Raul Ruiz, to initiate a movement that helps create diversity in Hollywood. Minorities are severely under-represented within the film industry and there is room for more faces that accurately represent our nation,” said Rep. Ros-Lehtinen. “It is important for our youth to have role models that they can relate and look up to, serving as inspirations for their future dreams whether to be actors/actresses, directors, or writers. By working together in Congress, we can unite in a bipartisan manner to provide further opportunities to minorities in the film industry.” “When our children and young people see their stories, their communities, their experiences, and their culture portrayed on the screen in a positive light, they are inspired to live their dreams. There’s no better way to fulfill this vision than by increasing the diversity of on camera and off camera roles, so that actors and writers reflect the diverse community who watch their programs,” said Rep. Ruiz. “I am honored to co-found the Congressional Caucus for Advancement of Studio, Talent, and Film Diversity to promote diversity in film and television in community across the country.”
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Children invited to select Hairston Park playground
DeKalb County children are invited to help select Hairston Park’s new playground on Saturday, June 24, 11:30 am. Friends of Hairston Park is hosting a special planning meeting seeking input from citizens about the park’s planned upgrades at the Mainstreet Community Center, 5001 Mainstreet Park, Stone Mountain.
Three Hairston Park playground renderings will be presented at the June 24 planning meeting Hairston Park is a 45.7-acre park located in the Greater Hidden Hills community. Children attending the meeting will review three playground renderings presented by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs. The rendering with the most votes will be selected as Hairston Park’s preferred playground. Attendees will also learn more about Friends of Hairston Park, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events. On July 7, DeKalb County will break ground on updating Hairston Park to include new water fountains, picnic tables, grills, shrubs, a pavilion and dog park fencing. District 4 Commissioner Steve Bradshaw and Friends of Hairston Park led the initiative and park upgrades should be completed by fall 2017. For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, DeKalb County Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.
DeKalb Chamber seeking Membership Development Director The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is seeking a highly energized, self-motivated Membership Development Director. The Membership Development Director will be responsible for recruiting new members; retaining existing members; generating revenue through sponsorship sales; managing Small Business Council and Member Engagement Committee; and facilitating member-related programming. Application review begins June 2017. Position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants should email their resume, references and cover letter to Kim Childs at kchilds@dekalbchamber.org. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization with the mission to support, promote and sustain business development in DeKalb County. For more information on the DeKalb Chamber, visit www.dekalbchamber.org or call 404-378-8000.
DeKalb County announces Human Services grant application period The DeKalb County Human Services Department will host a meeting for organizations seeking information on the 2017-18 grants application process on June 28, 10 a.m., at the DeKalb County Extension Office Auditorium, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur. Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to be awarded a grant funded by the county general fund and Victim Assistance fund. Designed to supplement existing programs and activities, the grant program provides opportunities for partnerships with local organizations that can successfully address identified needs of DeKalb County residents. The Human Services Grant Program is competitive and the total amount of awards allotted each year is based on the availability of funds. Examples of appropriate service areas for the Human Service Grant Program include, but are not limited to, prevention and intervention of violence against women; youth development (to include addressing safety and/or risky behaviors, education needs, homelessness and economic well-being); building family unity and sustainability; supporting individuals with disabilities and/or senior adults to live inclusive lives within their communities; homeless intervention/prevention; and cultural arts/historic preservation. Agencies that receive Victim Assistance grant funds must meet the county’s eligibility criteria and must also be certified to provide Victim Assistance programming through the State of Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Completed applications are due July 28, by 5 p.m., to be considered for fiscal year 2017-2018 funding. For more information, call Lisa Thomas, Human Services Department grants coordinator at 404-270-1180. For information on obtaining Victim Assistance Program Certification, contact the State of Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council at 404-657-1961.
Rockdale’s Katrina Young elected GSBA President
Katrina McCollum Young, a member of the Rockdale County Board of Education, has been elected President of the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) for the 2018-2019 term. During the upcoming year, she will serve as President-Elect. Representatives from 133 school boards in Georgia met June 9-10 in Savannah to approve the legislative positions of the association and to elect GSBA’s officers. “We congratulate Katrina Young on her selection as upcoming President of the Georgia School Boards Association,” said Jim McBrayer, chairman of the Rockdale County Board of Education. “Mrs. Young has served on the Rockdale County Board of Education for many years and has expanded her role in advocating for public education through various Katrina Young positions with the Georgia School Boards Association. Her selection as GSBA President is a testament to her commitment to providing quality education to all children in Georgia. We are proud to have one of our own serve as a leading voice for public education in the state and beyond.” “I’m extremely excited and very grateful for the opportunity to serve as GSBA President,” said Young. “I believe our future depends on the quality of education our children receive. My goal is to continue to be a fierce advocate for children by championing a public education system that meets the needs of Georgia students and by building trust and support for public education. I’m passionate about school improvement and academic achievement because our children deserve an educational environment that prepares them for life, career, military or college.” Young continued, “It has been a very rewarding experience to be part of a dynamic and professional organization. Our GSBA Executive Director is highly respected among her peers. The GSBA staff is outstanding and are experienced professionals and skilled leaders in the educational arena. I look forward to continuing a strong, collaborative working relationship with the GSBA team.” Young, who was first elected to the Rockdale County school board in 2006, is GSBA Vice President for the 2016-2017 term and served as GSBA District 4 Director for two previous terms, representing Rockdale, Newton, DeKalb and Decatur City school systems. She serves on various committees at GSBA including the Executive Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, Georgia Vision Project Steering Committee, Governmental Operations Committee, Recognition Committee, as a Risk Management Fund Trustee, and as a National School Boards Association delegate. In addition to Young’s appointment for the upcoming year, Tom Odom, chair of the Oconee County school board, was installed as president. Frank Griffin, chair of the Lee County School Board was installed as vice president. Ron Hopkins, Chair of the Jefferson City School Board, begins a three-year term as treasurer.
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JUNE 24, 2017 • PAGE 7
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
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y now, Rockdale County property owners should have already received their assessment notices in the mail and had an opportunity to review them. On some notices, nothing changed from last year. On other notices, the changes may mean changes on the tax bill that will be mailed in the fall. For property owners who appealed the value of their assessment by the June 12 deadline, the question may be “now what?” Chief Assessor Lamar Sims shared the appeal process with me. Once a homeowner has filed an appeal with the Board of Assessors, either in person or by mail, a time for an
I’ve appealed my value, now what?
Tisa Smart Washington Rockdale Tax Commissioner appraiser to visit and appraise the property will be scheduled. The appraisal may include a review of the outside and/ or the inside of the property. Once the appraisal is com-
plete, a value is determined. If the property owner agrees with the value, the appeal is closed. However, if the owner disagrees, the case is assigned to the Board of Equalization (BOE). There is no cost to you for using the services of the BOE in an appeal. The BOE, which is a voluntary group of citizens, will hold a hearing with Board of Assessor’s staff and the property owner to determine the value of the property. During the hearing, property owners may provide evidence that supports their claim of value. The BOE will listen to all evidence presented and determine a value. If the property owner agrees with that value, the appeal will be
MOWR Star: Rockdale student graduates high school with two college degrees
Smith Meach, who recently graduated from Heritage High School in Rockdale County, earned not just one but two associate degrees with honors from Middle Georgia State University along with his high school diploma. Meach received the college degrees as part of the Move On When Ready (formerly Dual Enrollment) program. Meach was recognized for Outstanding Academic Excellence in his Modern Language Associate of Arts degree and as a graduate of the Honors Program for his Associate of Science degree in Natural Science. Meach was also named the STAR Student by the Rockdale and Conyers Rotary clubs for having the highest SAT score in the senior class at Heritage High. Meach will enter the University of Alabama this fall as a college junior. For more on the Move On When Ready program at RCPS, go to www.rockdaleschools.org/mowr
settled. However, if the owner stills disagrees, the owner has 30 days to file an appeal in Superior Court. Both the BOA and the property owner have the right to appeal the decision of the BOE. There is a $25 fee to file an appeal to Superior Court. Once a determination of value is made by the Judge of Superior Court, the appeal is settled and the value is final. Once an appeal is settled, the determined value will be used in calculating the tax bill for that year. Under State law, the Board of Assessors cannot alter the decision of the BOE or Superior Court for an additional two years without an on-site inspection of the property.
If an appeal is not settled by the time tax bills are mailed, property owners are required to pay at least 85 percent of the bill, although they could pay more. Once the appeal is settled, either the bill for the balance or a refund will be mailed. Refunds will be mailed to the property owner or, in the case of escrow accounts, refunds will be paid to the bank, depending who paid the property tax bill. If you have questions about the appeal process, call the Tax Assessor’s Office. For questions about your tax bill, contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office. We will be happy to provide you with answers.
Growing leaders: 14 graduate RCPS LEAD Academy
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) recently celebrated the graduation of 14 members of the 2017 LEAD Academy Aspiring Leaders program. The LEAD Academy participants are RCPS teachers, coaches, and support personnel who complete hours of workshops, assessments, assignments, independent online courses, and shadow administrators during the school year in order to prepare themselves to apply for school leadership positions. The 2017 graduates are: Aja Camp - Sims Elementary; Rachel Carvalho - Heritage High; Kimberley Donaldson - Rockdale Career Academy; Kelli Dozier - Sims Elementary; Ailia Gilbert – C.J. Hicks Elementary; Antoinette Johnson - Rockdale County High; Sherea Johnson - Conyers Middle; Olan Kidd - C.J. Hicks Elementary; Christy King - Pine Street Elementary; Dr. Rochelle Mungin - Professional Learning Department; Miranda Peck - Barksdale Elementary; Keyaneshia Richmond – C.J. Hicks Elementary; Dr. Gretchen Torbert (not pictured) - C.J. Hicks Elementary; Kenneth Vaughn - Shoal Creek Elementary; pictured with RCPS superintendent Richard Autry.
Students learn sports medicine basics at RCPS Athletic Aide Camps
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) recently held the 11th Annual Student Athletic Aide Camps to train students in the basics of sports medicine to prepare them to become athletic aides with school sports teams. The camps also expose students to sports medicine and athletic training career fields. The camps – conducted by RCPS Athletic Rockdale County High School rising seniors Mariana Carrasco and Deja White practice wrapping for sprained limbs in the beginner level Rockdale County Public Coordinator Schools Student Athletic Aide Camp held June 12-15, 2017. Kechia Rowles at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels – teach students about concussion recognition, stabilizing and supporting sprains and fractures, recognizing signs of injury and illness, human anatomy and physiology, as well as emergency first aid such as CPR, defibrillator application, and the Heimlich maneuver. Students interested in learning more about the program can contact RCPS Athletic Coordinator Kechia Rowles atkrowles@rockdale.k12.ga.us.
PAGE 8•JUNE 24,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
I AM A FATHER
Hundreds of people turned out for the third annual “I am a Father” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, June 17 held at the Porter Sanford Performing Arts & Community Center in Decatur . The goal of the event is to celebrate fathers and “strengthen families one mile at a time.” PHOTOS BY SKYY WONDERS AND MACKENZIE MORGAN
Stephenson
Over 100 Stephenson High School students from the class of 2007 showed up for their 10-year class reunion held on June 9 and 10. The weekend included a meet-and-greet at a downtown Atlanta lounge and ended with a family and friends cookout at their old stomping ground -- Stephenson High School, located in Stone Mountain.
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GPTC to offer new manufacturing training program
Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) announced the roll-out of its new Advanced Manufacturing Lab before a packed crowd of invited guests from the four-county area: DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton and Morgan counties. The new lab, which will be located on the college’s Newton campus, is designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing manufacturing sector careers. Attendees at the June 19 roll-out included Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Deputy Commissioner Matt Arthur; community, business and top manufacturing leaders; K-12 school superintendents; CEOs of the region’s career academies; and elected and appointed officials from throughout the college’s four-county service area. “We get it. Forward-thinking businesses such as those represented here today, combined with educational institutions that train their workforces, such as Georgia Piedmont Tech, recognize the importance and significance of the digital industrial interface - the ways in which man and machine interact like never before in human history,” GPTC President Jabari Simama said during his opening remarks. “A properly trained workforce is a competitive advantage for our business partners. It is our job, with our business and community partners’ support, to develop the talents of our students with the proper training and equipment to ensure they are job ready upon graduation.” Commissioner Gretchen Corbin of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) endorsed the new program, saying it will be a top-notch program. “TCSG is pleased to provide nearly $1 million from its World Class Lab fund to bring state-of-the-art technology to Newton County to ensure that industries in the area will have the best facilities for training their workforce today and in the future,” Corbin said. “Technical training and apprenticeships have proven to prepare workers better for entering industry ready-to-work. That’s what we do best in the Technical College System.” TCSG’s Deputy Commissioner Matt Arthur said the new program gives Georgia a competitive edge. “Congratulations to the business community, Dr. Simama, and the rest of the team at Georgia Piedmont,” said Arthur. This lab represents the type of partnership between the college and business and industry that gives Georgia a significant competitive advantage in the global marketplace.”
JUNE 24,2017 • PAGE 9
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Stonecrest Councilwoman Adoma selected for Leadership DeKalb Councilwoman Diane Adoma, District 5, has been selected as an upcoming member of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2018. Leadership DeKalb was founded in 1986 by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce to educate community leaders and to address issues facing the growing population. Leadership DeKalb’s purpose it to connect leaders and inform them on matters that are vital to the county and enhances their leadership skills. This is a great honor for Councilwoman Adoma and one that will create new and exciting future opportunities. The program will run from August 2017 until June 2018.
Councilman Clanton gives update at Stonecrest District 1 Town Hall
Diane Adoma
From the Desk of Stonecrest City Councilman George Turner, District 4 Thank you to the 50-plus dedicated citizens who braved the heavy rainstorm and came out to support and participate in our first town hall meeting for District 4 on June 15. There was an extremely heavy rainstorm from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. causing loss of power and several downed trees. We also acknowledged two of the architects of the cityhood movement, Mr. Joel Thibodeaux and Ms. Michelle Emanuel. City Manager Michael Harris was on hand to answer several questions and Officer Adams of Code Enforcement made himself available.
George Turner
We offered a background of the South Lithonia Neighborhood Coalition, Inc. (SLNC). For the last 15 years, it has been a source of neighborhood involvement for a great part of what is now District 4. It was strictly voluntary and now that we are a city, we finally have elected local representation at the neighborhood level, which has been so important to the coalition. The SLNC intends to continue its work. We explained the various layers of representation for City Council District 4: • 4th District City Council of Stonecrest, George Turner • 4Th District, federal level, Congressman Hank Johnson • 4th District for the GA Department of Transportation, Robert Brown • 5th District for DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, Mereda Davis Johnson • 5th District for DeKalb County School Board, Vicki Turner • 7th District for DeKalb County Board of Commissioners (Super District) Gregory Adams • 90th District State House, Georgia General Assembly, Pamela Stephenson • 10th District Georgia State Senate, Emanuel Jones • 43rd District Georgia State Senate, Tonya Anderson • Your local Homeowner Associations All attendees were reminded of the function of the Governor’s Commission for transition to Cityhood for Stonecrest. Now that the inauguration has taken place, the commission is officially dissolved. However, the commission put together a report with recommendations that are still awaiting action.
Stonecrest Councilman1` Jimmy Clanton, Jr., District 1, held a town hall meeting on June 20 at Stonecrest Library to share updates on the new city. Dozens of constituents came out in the stormy weather to hear from Clanton, county officials, Stonecrest City Manager Michael Harris and Mayor Jason Lary. Officials fielded questions concerning code enforcement, public safety, business licenses and other issues. An overview was presented on DeKalb County’s homestead exemption and millage rate by the property tax assessor. Clanton said more information would follow at homeowner group meetings and that he would announce those meetings once dates have been solidified. Clanton is planning to hold another District 1 Town Hall meeting on July 10, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Stonecrest Library. All Stonecrest residents are invited.
Jimmy Clanton, Jr.
To view George Turner’s full report, visit www.ocgnews.com (Local News) or email gturner@stonecrestga.gov..
NOTICE
The City of Stonecrest Mayor & City Council does hereby announce the millage rate will be set at a City Council Meeting held at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA., on Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 10:00a.m. and pursuant to the requirements of 48-5-32 does 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 2017 TAX DIGEST AND 5 YEAR HISTORY OF LEVY CITY OF STONECREST 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Real & Personal
0
1,196,001,654
0
1,196,001,654
Motor Vehicles Mobile Homes Timber - 100% Heavy Duty Equipment Gross Digest
0
0
0
0
Less M& O Exemptions
421,075,461
Net M & O Digest State Forest Land Assistance Grant Value
0
Adjusted Net M&O Digest
0
0
0
0
0
774,926,193
0 0
0
0
Gross M&O Millage
0
774,926,193
0.000
1.000
Less Rollback (LOST) Net M&O Millage Total Taxes Levied Net Taxes $ Increase Net Taxes % Increase
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
1.000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$774,926
$0
$0
$0
$0
$774,926
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
#DIV/0!
0.00%
0.00%
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JUNE 24,2017 • PAGE 11
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