NEWEST COUNTY CHAIRMAN PITTS SWORN IN

Robb Pitts is sworn in as chair, is ‘ready to get to work.’

Robb Pitts was sworn in Friday is the newest chairman of the Fulton County Commission.

Pitts, who had been a member of the board of commissioners from 2003 to 2014 and was president of the Atlanta City Council prior to that, said he was “really excited” about being back in public service.

“I don’t take the responsibility lightly,” Pitts said, after he recited the oath of office administered by Fulton County Chief Probate Judge Pinkie Toomer. “I’m ready to get to work.”

Pitts said he has already been in touch with Atlanta mayor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, and he expects to have a better relationship with her than the strained one former commission chairman John Eaves shared with outgoing mayor Kasim Reed.

Pitts’ first priority, he said, is ensuring that the county can meet its financial obligations after tax bills were delayed for several months. Chief Financial Officer Sharon Whitmore said Friday she thought the county would bring in enough tax money before the end of the year to do so.

Other priorities for Pitts include fixing the property tax appraisal system, building a new animal control facility, completing the library master plan, marketing Fulton County internationally and encouraging Fulton to be a leader in allowing autonomous vehicles.

“That’s a lot to say grace over,” Pitts said.

He said he looks forward to working with other commissioners to accomplish the list, and more. District 4 Commissioner Natalie Hall was also sworn in Friday. The swearing ins mark the first time since Commissioner Joan Garner’s death in April that the county board has had all seven members.

Robb Pitts