Barrow Journal

BY REP. TERRY ENGLAND
Tuesday of this week marked the 30th day of our 40 day legislative session. This is a crucial day because it is the day that a bill must have passed at least one body in order to have a chance of becoming law. This is always a busy day as we rush to get key legislation passed in time to be considered by the Senate before the session ends.

Before I get to the tax cut, I would like to comment on a piece of legislation that I have been criticized locally for sponsoring. HB 1281 deals with outdoor watering restrictions that are placed by local authorities, whether it is cities or counties. [ Full Story » ] 

Public Works Director Terry Darragh told the Barrow County Board of Commissioners at Tuesday night’s meeting that the county’s water situation has improved.

But at least one commissioner voiced opposition to state efforts led by local legislator Rep. Terry England that would override local government decisions on water restrictions.

Darragh said the Bear Creek Reservoir is now full and drought conditions have improved to Level 3. Limited outdoor watering and the filling and maintenance of pools will be allowed under the lesser restrictions. [ Full Story » ] 

The City of Winder will not meet the state mandated ten percent reduction in water usage, utilities director Wesley Skinner told council members at Monday night's work session.
The mandatory 10 percent reduction is calculated based on last year's usage. The withdrawal permit for this summer will be based on water usage from April through September of 2007.

[ Full Story » ]