Rockmart seeks to change residency requirements for Municipal Court

From Staff Reports

Rockmart council members have approved a revision of the ordinance requiring the magistrate judge is a resident of Polk County.

The revision also includes setting a specific term of one year in office, and provides for removal provisions as required by State law and have an effective date and remove conflicting provisions of the City Charter. Prior to the vote, a public hearing was held on the matter.

Andrew Roper is the current magistrate judge. His term will expire on Dec. 31, 2016.

Council members, during the July meeting, also gave the green light to a malt beverage and wine package for the Big Bear, located at 503 N. Piedmont Ave.

The following items listed from the June meeting were also given final approval:

A report from City Clerk Pam Herring, who discussed the growing use of credit and debit cards for paying utility, tax bills and other fees of the City. She reminded the group her initial request was that the City would cover those convenience fees.

The cost is now averaging around $650 per month and the new software will allow passing the convenience fees on to those using the credit cards. Individuals still have the option of paying by cash, check and bank drafts at no extra charge.

FY2017 Budget, Budget Schedule:

City Manager Jeff Ellis said the fee schedule includes the normal 5 percent increase on garbage in January and 5 percent increase water and sewer in July. Due to the increase in the mandated fees for debt service and ongo-

Capital Operating and Fee ing additional costs the recommendation was to increase the sewer fee from 1.25 percent to 1.5 percent of the water charges. These additional funds will be used to retire debt.

He highlighted the budget for the General Fund at $5,851,573 with a contingency of $120,867, stating the Mayor and Council control this. The Water Sewer Fund budget is $4,558,941 with a contingency of $161,335, which is monitored for emergencies.

He noted the FY2017 budget also includes 2 new employees added in the General Fund and 1 in the Water Sewer Fund. He said there was a $10,000 amount to help increase the pay for the library personnel. There is also 3, 1 percent increases for all full time staff.

The recommended FY2017 Capital Budget, Operating Budget and Fee Schedule were approved.