TOWN HALL DRAWS A LARGE CROWD
Officials meet with citizens of former city of Ranger
An informational town hall meeting for citizens of the former City of Ranger drew a relatively large crowd to the town’s Community Center this week.
Gordon County Government officials, joined by State Representative Matt Barton, R-Calhoun, provided information and answered questions in an informal meeting with citizens following the recent stripping of Ranger’s municipal status by a bill passed during the last legislative session.
“Hopefully we can answer some of your questions,” County Commissioner Kevin Cunningham told a crowd of 50 or 60 citizens as he thanked them for coming out.
Though commissioners are each elected by countywide votes, Cunningham’s District 5 covers Gordon County’s eastern portion to include Ranger.
“You have a unique community,” County Administrator Jim Ledbetter said.
“We don’t want to disturb your way of life, but we want to provide you with government services like other citizens of Gordon County.”
At the moment, everything within the former Ranger city limits is considered a “special district” within the county, according to local legislation.
“The reason for that is so the money and the rules, and so forth, of Ranger ... still apply to Ranger until we get through this transition
and get things figured out,” Ledbetter said. “Right now, the operations for the upkeep of (the Community Center) and the park ... falls on Gordon County, and we’re trying to make a good faith effort to show you we’re getting on top of it.”
The funds held by the City of Ranger were recently turned over to Gordon County Government, according to officials.
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