PROPOSED TAX INCREASE IN PIKE CO.

The Pike County Board of Commissioners today announces its intention to increase the 2018 property taxes it will levy this year by 4.12 percentage over the rollback millage rate.

Each year, the board of tax assessors is required to review the assessed value for property tax purposes of taxable property in the county. When the trend of prices on properties that have recently sold in the county indicate there has been an increase in the fair market value of any specific property, the board of tax assessors is required by law to re-determine the value of such property and adjust the assessment. This is called a reassessment. When the total digest of taxable property is prepared, Georgia law requires that the rollback millage rate must be computed that will produce the same total revenue on the current year’s digest that last year’s millage rate would have produced had no reassessments occurred.

The budget tentatively adopted by the Pike County Board of Commissioners requires that a millage rate higher than the rollback millage rate, therefore, before the Pike County Board of Commissioners may finalize the tentative budget and set a final millage rate, Georgia law requires three public hearings to be held to allow the public an opportunity to express their opinions on the increase. All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearings on this tax increase to be held at the Pike County Courthouse Courtroom, 16001 Barnesville Street, Zebulon, GA 30295 on September 12, 2018 at 9:00am and 6:00 pm and on September 19, 2018 at 9:00 am.

TOWN HALL MEETING ON TAXES THURSDAY IN SALEM

UPSON COUNTY COMMISSIONER LORENZO WILDER WILL BE HOSTING A TOWN HALL MEETING THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 30TH 7PM AT SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH FEATURING TAX COMMISSIONER ANDY CHASTAIN AND CHIEF TAX APPRAISER CHARLES MCKEEHAN—ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT TAX ASSESSMENTS , TAX MILLAGE RATES , CALCULATION AND DELINQUENT TAXES. PUBLIC INVITED.

COMMISSIONER PAUL JONES WILL HOST A 2ND TOWN HALL MEETING AT THE ROCK RANCH, TUESDAY SEPT. 4TH AT 7PM .

TAX COMMISSIONER CHASTAIN SAYS THE 2018 UPSON COUNTY TAX DIGEST IS SCHEDULED TO BE APPROVED AUGUST 29, AND IF APPROVED TAX BILLS COULD BE MAILED-OUT AS EARLY AS AUGUST 31ST WITH A DUE DATE OF NOV. 15TH.   

PIKE CO. SO CHILD MOLESTATION ARREST

Pike County Sheriff’s Office Investigators have arrested Vincent Godley, 75 years of age, for 2 counts of aggravated child molestation, 2 counts of aggravated sexual battery and 2counts of aggravated sodomy. An investigation ensued after a report concerning Godley and his possible involvement in the molestation of a child.

During an interview with Godley he admitted to numerous sexual acts involving two children, both under the age of ten.

5 INDICTED FOR UNITED BANK ROBBERY WOODBURY

D’Asis Sheffield, 20, of Greenville, Ga., the final defendant of a five-member armed robbery conspiracy, was arraigned yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III following Sheffield’s arrest on federal charges of armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Sheffield and his four co-defendants, Antavious Bray, 29, of Greenville, Ga., Derrick Scott, 26, of Manchester, Ga., Dontavius Prather, 22, of Greenville, Ga., and Shaneka Copeland, 35, of Manchester, Ga., were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 15, 2018.

“Sheffield attempted to evade capture after terrorizing innocent victims and endangering their lives during this armed robbery,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Fortunately, thanks to the assistance of the public and the hard work of law enforcement, Sheffield and his co-defendants will now have to answer for their crimes. This case demonstrates that all citizens play an important role in keeping our communities safe.”

According to United States Attorney Pak, the charges, and other information presented in court: Three of the defendants, Sheffield, Bray, and Scott, allegedly entered United Bank in Woodbury, Georgia, shortly after noon on June 28, 2018. The robbers had covered their faces to disguise their identities, and they were armed with two handguns and a semi-automatic rifle.

After entering the bank, the men ordered two bank employees to lie face down on the floor. Bray allegedly stood over them with the semi-automatic rifle, while Scott and Sheffield pointed handguns at a teller and demanded that she fill a backpack with money. The men then exited the bank through a back door, but thanks to the quick response of the City of Woodbury Police Department, their getaway driver, Prather, fled before he could pick up Sheffield, Bray, and Scott. At that point, the three robbers ran into the nearby woods on foot.

After hiding in a nearby house for several hours, Bray and Scott were captured by the FBI. Sheffield, the third robber, remained unidentified and at large until local news stations played a clip of him in the backyard of a residence without his face concealed by a mask. Several tipsters then identified Sheffield, who the FBI arrested shortly thereafter.

D’Asis Sheffield, Antavious Bray, Derrick Scott, and Dontavius Prather, were charged with armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Bray and Scott were additionally charged with possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense. Shaneka Copeland was charged with being an accessory after the robbery.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation

THOMASTON CONNECTION TO LL WORLD SERIES

THERE'S A THOMASTON CONNECTION TO THE PEACHTREE CITY TEAM IN THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES UNDERWAY IN WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA.

WILL AND CHARLIE --THE TWIN SONS OF BROOKE CLEM---DAUGHTER OF RETIRED UPSON COUNTY CHIEF TAX APPRASER—PAT FALLIN—ARE ON THE TEAM AND BROOKE'S HUSBAND RANDY IS 3RD BASE COACH.

PEACHTREE CITY ELIMINATED TEXAS MONDAY IN EXTRA INNINGS 7-6 AND A THROW BY OUTFIELDER CHARLIE MADE THE ESPN TOP 10 PLAYS —AND 2ND BASEMAN WILL WAS INVOLVED IN A STELLAR DOUBLE PLAY.

PEACHTREE CITY IS SCHEDULED TO PLAY MICHIGAN TONITE AT 7;30 ON ESPN —.

THOMASTON MAN DIED OF BURNS

AN UPSON COUNTY MAN, STEVE “ BUD” ROLAND, AGE 42 HAS DIED OF BURNS SUFFERED IN AN EXPLOSION AT THE ARI PLANT IN ORCHARD HILL IN SPALDING COUNTY—AUGUST 7TH.

ROLAND SUSTAINED BURNS OVER 90% OF HIS BODY AND A 2ND EMPLOYEE HAD 2ND DEGREE BURNS ON HIS ARMS—AFTER AN EXPLOSION IN THE MIXING ROOM OF THE PLANT THAT PRODUCES BUG REPELLENTS AND AEROSOL SANITIZERS.

BOTH MEN WERE UNDERGOING TREATMENT AT THE BURN UNIT AT GRADY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN ATLANTA.

COGGINS FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS FOR STEVE “ BUD” ROLAND.

NEWS RELEASE FROM D.A. COKER, COLD CASE MURDER

BENJAMIN D. COKER

DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Griffin Judicial Circuit

08/16/2018

PRESS RELEASE

Today in front of the Honorable W. Fletcher Sams, defendant William “Bill” Moore entered a guilty plea for the murder of Timothy Coggins on October 7, 1983. He entered a plea to Voluntary Manslaughter and Concealing the Death of Another. He was sentenced to 20 years to serve, followed by 10 years on probation. He is banished from the Griffin Judicial Circuit. The family of Timothy Coggins and law enforcement were all in agreement with this guilty plea.

Timothy Coggins was killed over 34 years ago in a field off Minter Road. Law Enforcement closed the original investigation after two months. Special Agent Jared Coleman with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Captain Mike Morris with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office opened the case in December of 2016 and conducted hundreds of interviews. These two agencies, along with the Spalding County District Attorney’s Office, and the Fire Department used a Hydrovac system to excavate a well on the defendant’s property. It was the first time in the State of Georgia that such a system was used for well excavation. In the well, a white tank top, shoes, a chain, and a knife were some of the items recovered. Moore’s co-defendant, Franklin Gebhardt, was convicted by a Spalding County jury in June of this year and sentenced to life in prison.

District Attorney Coker said of the result, “[t]oday marks the end of a long and arduous journey for the family of Timothy Coggins. My heartfelt thanks goes out to law enforcement for their work on the case. May Timothy rest in peace, and may his family begin to heal.”   

FDR PROGRAM AT GORDON STATE COLLEGE

ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, GORDON STATE COLLEGE COMMEMORATED THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VISIT OF PRESIDENT FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S VISIT TO BARNESVILLE TO THROW THE SWITCH FOR THE R.E.A. TO BRING ELECTRICITY TO RURAL LAMAR COUNTY. ZOOM RADIO WILL REPLAY THAT PROGRAM SUNDAY AT 6AM.

UPSON BOC SUPPORTS 5TH JUDGE

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING THE UPSON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO WRITE A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF A 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE FOR THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT—THE LAST COUNTY IN THE CIRCUIT TO DO IT.

THE BOARD HAD SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT IT—BUT THEY WERE APPARENTLY ANSWERED BY JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS AT A COMMISSIONERS RETREAT LAST WEEK.

ACCORDING TO JUDGE SAMS A 5TH JUDGE WILL COST UPSON COUNTY AN ADDITIONAL $8900—BUT IT INCLUDES 7 STATE-FUNDED POSITIONS.

AUGUST 9TH THE GA. JUDICIAL COUNCIL VOTED TO RECOMMEND ADDITIONAL JUDGESHIPS FOR THE GRIFFIN CIRCUIT AND GWINNETT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT AND SENT THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE 2019 SESSION.

A STATE REPORT SAID THE 4 JUDGES IN THE GRIFFIN CIRCUIT WERE DOING THE WORK OF 5.6 JUDGES.  

AGENDA CITY OF THOMASTON RETREAT AUG 10

CITY OF THOMASTON

Mayor and City Council

2018 Planning Retreat – Thomaston-Upson Senior Center

August 10, 2018 - 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Opening of Meeting and Call to Order with Prayer.

2. City Finances/Projections/Amendments.

3. Proposed FY2018 Tax Millage Rate.

4. Service Delivery Strategy Negotiations.

5. Public Safety Complex.

6. Armory/Public Works Facilities Improvements.

7. Street Paving – TSPLOST Transportation Tax.

8. Storm Water Utility – GIS Mapping Progress.

9. Lighting at the Greatest Generation Memorial Park Tennis and Pickleball Courts.

10. Summer Program – Park Street.

11. Discussion of Forming a Youth Council.

12. Recording of City Council Meetings.

13. Changing Meeting Time for Council Meetings.

14. Other Business.

15. Adjournment.

GEORGIA HUMANITIES

Georgia Humanities Announces Crossroads: Change in Rural America Host Sites Six communities around the state chosen to host traveling exhibition (Atlanta, GA)— Georgia Humanities is pleased to announce the selection of six communities to host Crossroads: Change in Rural America, an exhibition that examines the evolving landscape of rural America. The sites are: Blue Ridge, Cuthbert, McRae-Helena, Monticello, Summerville, and Thomaston. Between August 2019 and June 2020, Crossroads will be on view for six weeks in each community. This traveling exhibition is part of the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program, a national/state/local partnership to bring exhibitions and programs to rural cultural organizations. Crossroads explores how rural American communities changed in the 20th century. From sea to shining sea, the vast majority of the U.S. landscape remains rural, with only 3.5% of the landmass considered urban. Yet since 1900, the percentage of Americans living in rural areas dropped from 60% to 17%. The exhibition considers that remarkable societal change and how rural Americans have responded. Designed for small-town museums, libraries, and cultural organizations, Crossroads will serve as a community meeting place for conversations about how rural America has changed. With the support and guidance of Georgia Humanities, the host communities will develop complementary exhibits, host public programs, and facilitate educational initiatives to raise understanding about local history, explore the joys and challenges of living rural, examine how change has impacted their community, and prompt discussion of goals for the future. The exhibition is part of Museum on Main Street (MoMS), a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, state humanities councils across the nation, and local host institutions. To learn more about Crossroads and other Museum on Main Street exhibitions, visit www.museumonmainstreet.org. Support for MoMS has been provided by the U.S. Congress. The Georgia tour of Crossroads is presented by Georgia Humanities, the Center for Public History at the University of West Georgia, and Georgia EMC. The schedule for the Crossroads tour will be announced later this year. To get involved with Crossroads, contact Laura McCarty (ltmc@georgiahumanities.org), president of Georgia Humanities, to learn about sponsorship and programming opportunities. About Georgia Humanities Georgia Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that gathers, preserves, and shares our state’s distinctive stories through a range of cultural and educational programs and resources. Georgia Humanities partners with scholars and educators across the state to bring people together in learning and conversation. Founded in 1971, Georgia Humanities is the statewide affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more, please visit www.GeorgiaHumanities.org.

UPSON SHERIFF DAN KILGORE ANNOUNCES AN ARREST

On August 7th, 2018 Corey Keith Calvert, 19, of Yatesville Ga. was arrested for eight counts of entering auto. Numerous items were stolen including several guns. Some items have been recovered and we are working to recover others. On July 30th 2018 Calvert entered a 1996 Chevrolet S10 truck on Oak Ridge Drive Thomaston, a 2004 Hummer H2 and a 2004 Ford Truck on Pine Ridge Drive in Thomaston. Between July 19th and August 5th 2018 Calvert entered a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder on Glendale St. in Yatesville Ga., A 1995 Chevrolet S-10 truck and a 2002 Ford on Glendale St. Yatesville Ga., a 2008 GMC Acadia on Empire St. Yatesville Ga. , and a 2008 Ford truck in Yatesville. Calvert is currently booked in the Upson County Jail on entering Auto and Probation Violation charges.

FLORIDA MAN ARRESTED FOR ROBBERY

THOMASTON POLICE CHIEF MIKE RICHARDSON SAYS A FLORIDA MAN WAS ARRESTED AFTER HE GRABBED THE POCKETBOOK OF A FOOD DELIVERY LADY AT FAIRVIEW APARTMENTS ON AVE. F.

19 YEAR OLD TOMMY LANE OF PALM BAY, FLORIDA MIGHT HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A SET-UP. A DELIVERY THE DAY BEFORE WAS A STIFF AND THE NEXT DAY A CALL FROM THE APARTMENTS AND LANE WAS WAITING TO GRAB THE DELIVERY LADY'S POCKETBOOK AND THEN HE FLED.

K-9 RYDER WAS DISPATCHED TO CHASE HIM DOWN AS HE TRIED TO GET OVER A FENCE NEAR THE GA. STATE PATROL POST.

SPALDING CO. SUPPORTS A 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

AT TUESDAY'S REGULAR MEETING—THE SPALDING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO WRITE A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF A 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE IN THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT.

CHIEF JUDGE CHRIS EDWARDS WHO ADDRESSED THE BOARD SAID THE CIRCUIT QUALIFED—AS AN AT NEED CIRCUIT—BECAUSE OF CASELOAD. A 5TH JUDGE WILL COST SPALDING COUNTY $20,000 MORE THAN CURRENTLY FUNDED --- JUST OVER $85,000 BUT THE COURTS WILL OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY—HE SAID. THE GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL MAKE THE FINAL DECISION ON FUNDING A 5TH JUDGE.

COUNTY ATTORNEY JIM FORTUNE REPORTED THE CITIZENS ETHICS COMMITTEE CLEARED BOTH COMMISSIONERS GWEN FLOWERS-TAYLOR AND DON HAWBAKER OF ETHICS VIOLATIONS DURING A RECENT HEARING. FLOWERS-TAYLOR CALLED ON THE BOARD TO REVIEW ITS ETHICS RULES AND DISCUSS THE GROUNDS FOR VIOLATIONS.

INTERFOR ANNOUNCES EXPANSION IN UPSON CO

INTERFOR CORPORATION (“Interfor” or the “Company”), one of North America’s largest lumber manufacturers, announced its Thomaston mill will be part of Phase II of the Southern Investment Strategy approved by its Board today. This announcement builds on Phase I of the Southern Investment Strategy, two strategic capital projects, announced in November 2017, at the Meldrim (Georgia) and Monticello (Arkansas) sawmills. Combining Phases I & II, Interfor is undertaking major modernizations and rebuilds at five sawmills in its US South platform to modernize technology, increase efficiency and boost production. The total combined cost of Phases I & II is expected to be $305 million and the projects are designed to increase production capacity by approximately 425 million board feet per year and enhance product mix and grade outturns.

“Forestry has always been a key economic driver in Georgia, and Interfor’s commitment to our state is significant,” said Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. “Projects like this open the door for more opportunities for our workforce. The impact that Interfor will have in Georgia goes far beyond jobs and investment, and I look forward to their continued growth.” “We are capitalizing on embedded opportunities in the South,” said Duncan Davies, President & Chief Executive Officer at Interfor. “That includes an attractive fiber basket, proximity to major end use markets, a supportive business environment, and sawmills with untapped potential.” This capital investment will also protect and improve jobs in Thomaston and the surrounding area. “Well capitalized and efficient mills are better able to weather changing markets. This capital investment means we’re also investing in our people through internal training programs to build the skilled workforce we need to run these modern and efficient sawmills,” said Davies.

“It’s incredibly exciting that a company of the size and caliber of Interfor would choose our community for such a large and important expansion project,” Kyle Fletcher, Executive Director of the Thomaston-Upson Industrial Development Authority, said. “Interfor’s investment represents Page 2 of 2 one of the single largest investments by a company that our area has ever seen. We are thrilled with the news.” “As a company, Interfor is committed to building value every day—by hiring, partnering and investing in local communities to grow our global business. This investment means the Thomaston sawmill will consume more timber which is good news for local loggers and timberland owners,” said Bruce Luxmoore, Vice President, Southern Operations at Interfor. “We are excited to be investing in Thomaston and look forward to a long and strong partnership with the state and the local community.” “We are proud to have Interfor in our community, and we pledge to do whatever we can to make Interfor-Thomaston a tremendous success,” added Fletcher.

The two other sawmills affected by the announcement are Eatonton (Georgia) and Georgetown (South Carolina) which will also see significant investment. The three projects combined will increase production capacity by approximately 275 million board feet per year, and enhance product mix and grade outturns. This is in addition to the two projects announced last fall at Meldrim (Georgia) and Monticello (Arkansas) sawmills. All capital investment projects are expected to be completed in various phases during 2019-2021

TWO MORE SUSPECTS ARRESTED UNITED BANK ROBBERY

ACCORDING TO THE FBI, TWO MORE SUSPECTS IN THE JUNE 28 ROBBERY AT UNITED BANK IN WOODBURY, WERE ARRESTED FRIDAY MORNING.

D'ASIS SHEFFIELD OF WOODBURY, AGE 20, AND DONTAVIUS PRATHER, 22 ARE APPARENTLY THE FINAL SUSPECTS INVOLVED IN THE STICK-UP USING AN ASSAULT RIFLE.

TWO OTHER SUSPECTS, DERRICK R. SCOTT, 26 OF AUGUSTA AND ANTAVIOUS BRAY, 29 OF GREENVILLE WERE TAKEN INTO CUSTODY HOURS AFTER THE ROBBERY.

EDWARDS NOMINATED VICE-CHAIR AM BANKERS ASSOC.

THE CEO OF UNITED BANK—JAMES J. EDWARDS JR. IS AMONG THE SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR AMERICAN BANKERS ASSOCIATION OFFICERS , 2018-19 , FOR ELECTION AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OCT. 21-23. IN NEW YORK.

MR. EDWARDS HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.

JEFFREY M. SZYPERSKI CEO OF CHESAPEAKE BANK NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT AND LAURA LEE STEWERT OF SOUND COMMUNITY BANK IN SEATTLE NOMINATED FOR CHAIR-ELECT.

BIBLE STUDY FIRST BAPTIST ZEBULON

The Grace Bible Institute, a ministry of First Baptist Church, Zebulon announces its Fall 2018 classes.  Dr. Mike Halsey will teach The Parables of Jesus and Dr. Gene Yancey will teach the Gospel of John.

Classes are held on Tuesday nights at the First Baptist Church, on Concord Street, Zebulon.  The Parables class begins at 6:00 PM and the John class will begin at 7:30.  Classes are 90 minutes in length and can be taken for college or seminary credit or may be audited.  College and seminary credits are earned through Grace Biblical Seminary.

Classes will commence on Tuesday, September 11 and end on Tuesday, December 11.  For more information or to enroll, phone 678-920-8986.

A FEMALE CHARGED WITH MURDER

On Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at 10:42 p.m., The Griffin Police Department responded to a report of a subject shot at 817 Sunnybrook Dr. The victim has been identified as Steven Andrew Freeman (age 23), who sustained a single gunshot wound to the upper chest area. Freeman was transported to Spalding Regional Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, Mary Katherine Higdon (age 24) of Griffin, was arrested and charged with Murder and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime.   

PIKE BOC SUPPORTS A 5TH JUDGE FOR GRIFFIN CIRCUIT

AT TUESDAY'S MEETING THE PIKE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO WRITE A LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR A PROPOSED 5TH SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE FOR THE GRIFFIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT.

DISTRICT COURT ADMINISTRATOR WILL SIMMONS AND SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE FLETCHER SAMS EXPLAINED TO THE BOARD THEY ARE IN THE 2ND STAGE OF THE PROCESS AFTER A STATE STUDY REVEALED THE 4 JUDGES ARE DOING THE CASELOAD WORK OF 5.6 JUDGES. LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM PIKE, UPSON, SPALDING AND FAYETTE COUNTIES ARE NEEDED TO PROCEED.

JUDGE SAMS STATED THIS IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CIRCUIT TO GET A 5TH—STATE PAID JUDGE, A STATE PAID ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, AS WELL AS A LAW CLERK, A STATE PAID PUBLIC DEFENDER, A STATE PAID ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY, A STATE PAID ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISSTANT FOR THE D.A.'S OFFICE AND A STATE PAID INVESTIGATOR FOR THE D.A.

ACCORDING TO JUDGE SAMS—THE GRIFFIN CIRCUIT HAS QUALIFIED FOR A 5TH JUDGE FOR THE 3RD YEAR—MORE THAN ANY OTHER CIRCUIT IN GEORGIA—AND TWO OTHER COUNTIES—COBB AND GWINNETT HAVE WITHDRAWN THEIR REQUESTS—SO THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO GET AN ADDITIONAL JUDGE—AND IT WILL COST PIKE COUNTY ONLY $8000—AS HE PUT IT—LOTS OF BANG FOR THE BUCK.

COUNTY ATTORNEY ROB MORTON ADVISED THE D.A.'S OFFICE AND THE PUBLIC DEFENDER HAVE REQUESTED MORE HELP AND THIS WAY IT COULD BE FUNDED WITHOUT IMPACTING TAX PAYERS.

THE GA. GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY ON A 5TH JUDGE—IF FUNDED IN THE 2019 SESSION THE NEW JUDGE COULD BE SEATED IN 2020.