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As the 2009 state legislative session approaches, Rep. Terry England foresees several issues being up for discussion including school issues, transportation, trauma care and taxes. [ Full Story » ] 

The unemployment rate in Barrow County hit 7.9 percent in November, nearly double the rate from November of last year and higher than the overall state average for the month. It’s also one of the highest rates in the area as the economic slowdown is shedding thousands of jobs. [ Full Story » ] 

The City of Auburn finished FY08 in the black according to preliminary numbers by the city’s internal accounts. City administrator Ron Griffith reported to the city council recently that the town took in more money than it spent during the year and that an audit would be completed by Feb. 15 of the city’s operations. [ Full Story » ] 

Despite a warning that county funds likely would not be available for the project, the Barrow County Airport Authority voted Tuesday to pursue its own funding avenues for installation of an approach lighting system at Northeast Georgia Regional Airport. [ Full Story » ] 

A judge’s ruling Monday has put plans for a new hospital in Braselton into doubt.

Piedmont Judicial Circuit Judge Robert Adamson ruled in favor of Barrow Regional Medical Center in a lawsuit that challenged the state’s granting of a “certificate of need” (CON) to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for a new 100-bed hospital in Braselton.

Adamson ruled that the state’s review process of the CON application had been “arbitrary and unreasonable.” Adamson said the events leading up to the state granting a CON for the Braselton facility had not been handled correctly.

“The actions of the (state) Board in affirming the grant of a CON under these circumstances is inconsistent with the rationale of the CON program,” Adamson said. He ruled that state’s process “was without adequate review” and had not allowed BRMC an opportunity to fully respond.

The judge also said the state had “recklessly” assumed that the fast growth in the North Georgia area would be enough to support the hospitals business plans.

If NGMC does pursue a Braselton hospital, it likely that the CON process will have to start all over again.

A private investment firm from New York has been in contact with Barrow County leaders about the possibility of buying the Northeast Georgia Regional Airport and making into a regional facility for “light” passenger aircraft. No offer has been made and the discussions are in the very early stages, said those close to the situation.
[ Full Story » ] 

A vote on changing the city charter in Auburn will not take place until 2009. [ Full Story » ]