Barrow Journal

The new budget for Winder’s upcoming fiscal year includes several rate and fee increases.

In addition to higher water and sewer rates announced last week, the FY2011 budget includes a $1 “per cart” monthly fee increase for garbage service and a new “environmental protection services” fee.

At a public input meeting Monday about the new budget, finance director Leslie Henderson said the new fee would cover the cost of implementing state-mandated environmental programs in the city.

The costs of the programs during FY2011 is budgeted at $760,000. [Full Story »] 

Winder’s city government today at 5 p.m. will hold a public input session on its proposed budget for FY2011, which begins July 1.

The budget includes multiple rate hikes: 7-percent increases in the monthly base charges for water and sewer; 15-percent increases in the volume usage rates for water and sewer; a $1 per month increase in the garbage rate; and a new environmental fee based on the amount of impervious surface on each piece of property. Impervious surfaces are items on top of the ground that do not allow water to pass through.

The "Environmental Protection Services" fee will show up on county property tax bills, according to the proposed budget. The amount has not been set. It is to cover the cost of implementing state mandated services for stormwater; fats, oils and grease disposal; and watershed protection.

The water and sewer rate hikes go into effect Sept. 1. [Full Story »] 

The loss of Winder city administrator Bob Beck was keenly felt this week as the Winder City Council met for the first time since his April 27 death.

Mayor Chip Thompson at Monday night’s council work session struggled to retain not only his composure as he talked about the loss, but also his own power after council newcomer Bob Dixon challenged the mayor’s statement that he would be the one to select the new administrator with advice from the council.

Dixon immediately demanded that the entire governing body be directly involved in selecting Beck’s replacement.

“Mr. Mayor, I’m going to say this,” Dixon said. “I fully expect the council to be involved in this search.”

He said he appreciated the fact that the mayor would be the “point person” in filling the vacancy, but he said he personally plans to interview each of the final candidates at least three times. [Full Story »] 

In an unusual public statement at Monday night’s session of the Winder City Council, councilman Bob Dixon apologized for the city’s inadequate public notification of two all-day budget sessions last week.

Dixon also set the city administration straight about who is in charge of the city government.

Dixon, who has been on the council for only three months, campaigned last year on a platform of improved communications and open government.

Winning his seat by a landslide, he acknowledged to the Barrow Journal this week that he feels a mandate to make changes in the operation of the city government and to communicate with the public about those changes. [Full Story »]