Henry County Ambulance Fees May Increase

It looks like Henry County is mulling over another increase in the fees to transport patients in ambulances.  They are wanted a sizeable increase on the heals of a 2012 increase.  This will put a sure burden on the poor and those with no insurance.  One can picture it now a patient is being transported to the hospital having a heart attack or stroke and the paramedics learn they have no money or insurance.  They pull along the side of the road and place the patient on the ground and drive away. 

 

This could bring about a new wave of transportation for the sick or injured who have little money.  There could be a Uber service set up using pick up trucks with covers on the back.  They can stock it with first aid, oxygen tanks they can get, and go on eBay and buy a portable defibrillator.  Call the Uber driver for a fraction of the cost of the paramedics and a need fixed.  Now that is the American way to take care of a problem and make a little money also.

The Staff

Henry County's Dam Problems

The Henry County Board of Commissioners will be voting on special tax districts for dams in Henry County.  The tax district would apply to communities that border lakes and would be applicable to Category 1 dams — dams that can cause loss of human life — and Category 2 dams, which are those that have the potential to impact county roads or other public infrastructure. Properties within the district would be taxed to pay for bonds acquired by Henry County to assist property owners in dam rehabilitation and repair.  There are nearly 30 Category 1 and just over 50 Category 2 dams in Henry County, according to the draft ordinance.  A study had been in the works since 2013 to look at what can be done to revitalize dams that could pose a threat.  Several people spoke from Lake Dow and they said the dam is a Category 1 dam because there are residents in the flood release below the dam.  The dam is not dangerous to the extent it is ready to break; it has a problem with the spillway.  The water from upstream is gathering too quickly in the lake because of the building of homes from upstream.  This problem about the dams has been an issue for years now.  It was brought to our attention several years ago by the late Leon Forrer who had already looked at the State reports on the safety of dams in Henry County.  For some reason, this has been a very slow process on something that could pose a serious life threat if the dams were to fail.

Staff of the Community News Blog

Your Property Taxes

The Henry County Board of Commissioners recently voted to keep the millage rate for the county the same.  There was talk that they might go up 1 millage point as requested by the staff.  But the problem is that you and I will still be paying more this year for property taxes because the assessments for the properties in the county have gone up this year.  Thus, if the commissioners didn't want to raise the property tax they should have rolled back the current millage rate so that it would reflect the same tax amount as last year.  They all knew the assessment values went up and knew that it was a sure thing for a property tax increase.    

The Henry County Board of Education also met recently to say they would leave their millage rate at the maximum of 20 mills.  This will generate over $7 million for the BoE.  The BoC will get just over $5 million dollars more and the total will be $12 million for the county as a whole in an increase this year.  The BoE could have rolled back the millage rate as well to help, but they all voted for it to remain the same.

The increase in taxes is going to hurt everyone, not just one sector.  And this once again shows that Henry County needs some real companies with high paying jobs to come to the county to help offset some of these taxes that the homeowners are saddled with on their backs.  At over 38 mills the county is one of the highest taxed counties in the state.  There is more tax money coming in through SPLOST, unseen taxes in the fuel you buy, the food you eat and the products you purchase daily.  And the BoC is proposing to put another tax on you through something called T-SPLOST for roads to be fixed.  If they start this tax it will never end.  With all the regulations, taxes, resolutions, fees and other things that bring in money for the municipalities and the county, one would think that Henry County would be more affluent than it really is in the eyes of others.  It is just merely a county being filled with multi family homes, and warehouses many of which remain empty.  You would also think with all the money going into the school system that the county would have one of the highest rated school systems in the state.  But they have 31 out of 53 schools that are failing and that is not a good sign when the funds are there.

You hear people coming to the county that have no idea what is happening here that say they want and they want, but they are only going to get what the people have to put in the bank account for the system.  Henry County is rapidly becoming a county doomed to have too much of the same thing over and over.  Too much fast food, too many strip malls with the same stores, and too many parks that have to be maintained.  Yet, the county wants to grow more and more by bringing in people by the thousands.  Somewhere it would be wise to put a moratorium on new homes and businesses until things are truly fixed in the infrastructure.  But the blame game has been going for some time.  It was those people's fault from 20 years ago that didn't plan right for what has happened.  No, they didn't plan right, but people came anyway.  

Look for your property assessments to go up again next year.  That is a cash cow that the BoC and BoE don't want to lose.  And don't forget the water department they get 2 mills of your property tax on your bill each year.  Yes, it is the most taxed place in the region currently and what do you really have to show for it.  Monstrous traffic, ill people, crime and poor services.  Stockbridge won't even put together it's own police force with it's surplus funds.  They would rather spend it on trails and walking paths.   

Remember also, that crime follows more people in the population.  That is a given fact.   When the crime rate continues to rise it will deter good companies from wanting to build in Henry County.  They need to put a sign as you enter the county that this is the highest taxed county in this area to remind people while they wait in traffic.  T-SPLOST is not the answer, but halting the influx of people would give the county an opportunity to catch up with the infrastructure.  But they won't.  They want that extra money.  Remember this when election time rolls around once again and these folks want to keep their jobs.  Find those that will want to be good stewards of your money and do the right things for the people.  But from the election results of the last decade, it is a poor chance that things will change.

The Staff

Frequently Asked Questions About Nash Farm Battlefield

This should provide some answers to questions about Nash Farm.  These were gathered through FOIA.  

Frequently Asked Questions About

Nash Farm Battlefield

1. How much did Henry County pay for Nash Farm?

A. In response to a 2005 court order, Henry County paid $8,077,000.00

through a deposit into an escrow account at Superior Court. The funds

were subsequently withdrawn by the seller.

B. Other costs associated with the condemnation proceedings:

 1. Dillard & Galloway (Attorneys) - $3,945.00

 2. Childer’s & Associates (Appraisal) - $12,000.00

 3. Bernes & Company (Consulting) - $3,450.00

 4. Daily News (Advertising) - $478.69

 5. Atlanta Peach Reporters (Court Reporters) - $545.00

 6. Donna K. Bell (Court Reporter) - $1,434.24

 7. Bradford Realty Group - $5,000.00

 8. M. H. Biggers - $600.00

 9. Judge Brown, Special Master - $300.00

Total amount of other costs associated with the proceedings: $27,752.93

2. How much has Henry County spent making improvements to Nash Farm

since 2005?

A. Henry County Department of Transportation has created walking trails,

a parking lot, and a left hand turn lane at Nash. The total amount spent

by DOT on labor and supplies is $105,785.64.

B. Henry County Building Maintenance and Parks and Recreation departments

have been making improvements to nearly all structures on the

property. Building Maintenance has worked on the main house, the

caretaker’s house, the Zachary house, the barns, and other structures as

Continued on next page 

Frequently Asked Questions About Nash Farm Battlefield

2. How much has Henry County spent making improvements to Nash Farm

since 2005?

Continued

well. Some of the work was done by prisoner labor from Spalding

County to help keep labor costs down. The total amount of labor and

materials is $101,553.97.

C. Donations have been collected by “Friends of Nash Farm” since Henry

County purchased the property. They have also had people donate their

time to work at Nash Farm. The total amount of donations spent on

restoration by “Friends of Nash Farm” is $18,199.08.

 1. A total of 112 volunteers have given of their time and talents at

Nash Farm.

D. A Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant of $25,000.00 paid for

an archaeological study of Nash Farm by TRC, Inc. - $14,987.35; and an

archaeological survey by The Lamar Institute - $9,993.76 (The Lamar

Institute donated $2,000.00 of labor during the survey).

E. A Georgia Department of Community Affairs grant of $10,000.00 is currently

available for the installation of a septic system and restrooms at

Nash Farm. To date, $6,000.00 has been spent for a Level III Soil Survey

for an on-site waste water management system by Construction Materials

Services, Inc.

Total expenditures to date: $256,538.69

Minus DCA grant for archaeological study and survey: $25,000.00

Minus DCA grant for soil survey for septic system: $6,000.00

 $225,538.69

3. What were the revenues received and expenses incurred during the large

events held at Nash Farm between January 1, 2007 and February 25, 2008?

A. The Georgia Independence Day Festival, held on July 3 and July 4,

attracted an estimated 15,000 people, received $25,256.59 in revenues

and incurred $54,453.92 in expenses.

Loss - $29,197.63.

B. The Cotillion Ball and the Battle of Atlanta attracted 1,500 people, received

$6,273.70 in revenues and incurred $751.00 in expenses.

Profit - $5,522.70.

C. Moonlight and Folktales, held Nov. 14-15, attracted 157 people, received

 $568.00 in revenues and incurred $3,912.30 in expenses.

Loss - $3,344.30.

D. Starry Night Drive-Ins, held Feb. 10 and Nov. 17, attracted 550 people,

 received $1,564.05 in revenues and incurred $3,926.32 in expenses.

Loss - $2,361.95.

Continued on next page 

Frequently Asked Questions About

Nash Farm Battlefield

3. What were the revenues received and expenses incurred during the large

events held at Nash Farm between January 1, 2007 and February 25, 2008?

Continued

E. Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, held Mar. 30, attracted 1,500 people, received

 $200.00 in revenues and incurred $6,910.21 in expenses.

Loss - $6,710.21.

F. Simply Southern Jubilee, held April 14-15, attracted 130 people, received

 $2,789.00 in revenues and incurred $17,666.71 in expenses.

Loss - $14,877.71.

 Total Expenses: $87,620.46

 Total Revenues: $36,651.38

Total Losses: $50,969.08 Total Attendance: 18,837

4. What other activities are ongoing at Nash Farm?

A. Henry County Parks and Recreation is currently conducting dog training

classes, square dance classes, and day camps at Nash Farm.

 1. Dog Training Classes: Attended: 45. Revenues - $3,150.00.

Expenses - $2,362.50. Profit - $787.50.

 2. Square Dance Classes: Attended: 477. Revenues - $238.00.

Expenses - $00.00. Profit - $238.50.

 3. Day Camps: Attended: 1,336. Revenues - $64,794.45. Expenses -

$37,324.70. Profit - $27,469.80.

 4. Therapeutic Recreation Special Needs Prom: Attended: 138.

Revenues - $2,400.00. Profit - $2,400.00.

.

 Total Revenue: $70,582.25

 Total Expense: $39,687.20

Total Profit: $30,895.05 Total Attendance: 1,996

B. A variety of organizations have held meetings at Nash Farm, with a total

attendance of 4,430. Among the meetings was a field trip by 1,000 students

from Luella Middle School. Other groups included the 30th Georgia Cavalry

School, 30th Georgia Winter Encampment, Arbor Day, Army Warrior Training,

Georgia DOT, Development Authority, Convention and Visitors Bureau,

Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Work Day, Friends of Nash Farm, Henry

County Soccer Association Coaches Meeting, Boy Scout Campout, Hampton

Youth Club Registration, Georgia Veterans Board Cavalry Leadership, County

Department Trainings and Meetings. 

5. Have the meeting facilities at Nash Farm been rented?

A. Seventeen organizations and/or families rented the meeting facilities in

2007, with total revenues being $4,800.00.

6. What is the total attendance for all events at Nash Farm?

A. Total attendance to date is an estimated 25,263.

7. Has Nash Farm received any grants?

A. 2006: Georgia Department of Community Affairs Grant of $25,000.00 for

Archaeological Study done by TRC and Archaeological Survey done by

The Lamar Institute. Grant completely paid for the study and survey.

B. 2007: Georgia Department of Community Affairs Grant of $10,000.00 for

septic system and  restroom facilities. To date, $6,000.00 of grant has

been spent.

Blog Staff.

Stockbridge Once Again Involved In Federal Lawsuit

The following was published by the Henry Herald.

Stockbridge business owner files federal complaint against council member, city

By Asia Ashley

aashley@henryherald.com

Jun 19, 2017 Updated 2 hrs ago

STOCKBRIDGE— Stockbridge Councilman Elton Alexander and the city of Stockbridge could wind up in federal court over alleged First Amendment rights violations, retaliation and defamation.

The lawsuit, filed May 31 by attorney LaTonya Wiley in United States Northern District Court of Georgia, stems from a 2016 incident in which BBQ Masters owner Arick Whitson said Alexander allegedly asked Whitson for free food from his restaurant.

Whitson filed an ethics complaint with the city on Jan. 31, alleging that Alexander attempted to use his position as a council member to get $60 worth of free food from BBQ Masters. The lawsuit indicates the incident occurred in May of 2016 at the the North Henry Boulevard restaurant.

When Whitson refused, the suit claims that Alexander stormed from the restaurant and days later sent code enforcement to Whitson’s business to issue warnings for code enforcement issues. He says city’s code enforcement officer repeatedly harassed him by performing “warrant-less inspections at BBQ Masters,” issuing criminal warning notices, and “summoning Mr. Whitson to meetings to discuss manufactured ‘problems’ at BBQ Masters.”

After moving to a new location on Ga. Highway 138 in late 2016, Whitson claimed the harassment continued, stating in the lawsuit that the city delayed issuing him building and sign permits as retaliation. The city also denied his alcohol permit application without explanation months after filing his ethics complaint, the lawsuit claims.

“The aforementioned retaliatory, harassing denials delayed the opening of BBQ Masters thereby causing financial harm to Whitson and BBQ Masters,” states the complaint.

Since filing the complaint with the city, and speaking about the alleged infractions in the media, Whitson claims the attacks continued, but in a more public manner.

In the lawsuit, Whitson alleges that Alexander called BBQ Masters “a dump,” and “unsanitary,”over social media and in emails and accused Whitson of being a domestic violence offender who has engaged in “revenge porn.”

The lawsuit states Alexander has publicly called Whitson a convicted sex offender with “compulsive psychopathic behavior” and stated that Whitson was involved in a bad check incident.

The lawsuit denies that any of the accusations are true.

The lawsuit accuses Alexander of retaliating because of Whitson’s exercise of constitutionally protected speech, and “damaging Whitson’s reputations through an unfounded campaign of public disparagement accompanied by the deprivation of plaintiff’s property rights as secured by the 14th amendment.”

It further alleges, in part, that Alexander’s actions were sanctioned, condoned and authorized by the city and that the city “failed to properly train its officials and agents from violating the law in the manner decided herein.”

“As a direct and proximate result of defendants’ actions, BBQ Masters has been deprived of rights to which it was entitled and suffered business damage and loss of income and revenue as a result thereof,” the lawsuit states.

City Attorney Michael Williams declined to comment on the lawsuit, but said the city received the court summon late last week and plans to respond within the required 21 days. Alexander also declined to comment.

The lawsuit is seeking a judgment directing the city to issue requested permits, appropriate compensatory damages in an amount to be determined at trial, equitable relief against the city as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1871, and punitive damages against Alexander in his individual capacity.

We Are Headed For Dangerous Times In Henry County Georgia

I was at the Henry County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 6, 2017, when everyone was up in arms about the flag being removed at Nash Farm and the subsequent closing of the Civil War Museum at the park.  There was a woman from the NAACP who was

there saying she would rather see the Black Nationalist flag being flown there.  She would rather see it over the United States flag.  This is nothing but communism.  That group has had those leanings since it's inception.  This Black Nationalist flag is followed by the Nation of Islam led by Louis Farrakhan a devoted hater of the United States and what it stands for.  These people are pushing for the takeover of Henry County by Muslim Clerics and Sharia Law.  This is not American, but many of these pushing this idea are un-American anyway.  I find it very distasteful and offensive to see this flag in our nation.  Remember the man who was picked by the 2nd district commissioner to be on the parks and recreation board is an advocate of Ramadan which is the month-long Muslim holiday.  Do you want Henry County to become a Muslim haven like has happened in Europe?  Look how wonderful that is working out with terror attacks and murders daily.   You get what you vote for in these backward counties that have been turned upside down by a shift in ways of thinking and by those who want to be something and are nothing more than street thugs.  There should be a sign at the Clayton County line that reads Welcome to Henry County the Land that Allah is building.

Maurice Lowenstein

The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following a link on this site.  Any article sent by citizens are their own property.

NAACP Offends American Veteran At Nash Farm

I was at the Nash Farm rally against the Confederate Flag on June 3rd presented by the Henry County NAACP.  Being a member of the Clayton County Branch, I went in support of keeping the Confederate Flag down and out of sight.  But something happened while I was there that seriously damaged my viewpoint.  I served the United States in the Navy during Desert Storm.  I am proud of and will always defend the flag of the United States.  But I heard one of the key members of the Henry County Branch stand up there at the podium and say that she would rather see the "national flag" flying over the park.  The flag she referenced is the African American freedom flag that is used by the Nation of Islam.  This bothered me much.  I will be damned if I will follow under the national flag that honors terrorists.  I have rescinded my membership in the NAACP of Clayton County and do not want to be affiliated with any branch of that organization since the true idea is coming out.  True Americans should stand against what is really happening here in this matter.  People are being brainwashed daily about the Confederacy and their flag.  This is nothing more than "hate."  And they are supposed to be against hate.  What do they think the followers of Islam did to this nation on 9/11 and have continued to do since then around the world including the recent terror attacks in London.  Don't stand there blindly following what these people are doing.  It is a shame and disgrace to now realize that the NAACP was once a good thing but now has morphed into a cult of racial divisiveness that is fed on hate.  And wanting the flag that is followed by the nation of Islam is surely nothing less than hate.

  

Former Member of the NAACP