By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Relay for Life has been rescheduled for May 17.
Bad weather conditions were predicted and in fact came to fruition mid-day April 19 with severe thunderstorms and even a tornado warning.
Sarah Burnheimer, an Athens-based American Cancer Society Staff Partner, said the postponement will give them an additional month in which to make the night’s entertainment even better.
They currently have bands, singers, games, inflatables, and a Super Cancer Fighter contest planned, she said.
Pam Benford, Morgan County School Social Worker, serves as survivor chairperson. She said a small reception for the survivors is planned as well.
Visit RelayforLife.org/MorganGA or on Facebook look for Relay for Life of Morgan County, GA.

Printed in the May 2, 2013 edition.

By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Members of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Madison heard good news regarding its depot project: it’s on track and moving forward.
The DDA is in the process of receiving a historic Central of Georgia Railroad Co. train depot. The group plans to move it across the railroad tracks and in return build a replacement building for the railroad company.
DDA Executive Director Monica Callahan said they have received all of the old architectural plans for the depot. They now can use the plans for fundraising purposes, on their website, in press and print materials.
She added that they have had the site plans reviewed as well. They also have received the bill of sale and the lease in the mail.
“It’s a nice culmination of done, done, done, and done,” she said.
She added that phase one of the depot project also involves actually relocating the depot, building it a new foundation, stabilizing it, and securing it.
“That project is set up and moving forward,” she said.

Printed in the May 2, 2013 edition.

By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of Madison heard an update regarding its request for surplus property from the City of Madison: city council approved that request during that group’s April meeting.
DDA Executive Director Monica Callahan reminded those present that the DDA had asked for surplus property in the West Washington Street Gateway and in the Second Street area.
Parcels asked for and received include land by the McDowell Grocery Warehouse, by the Richter Cottage, and by Walker Rose.
Chair Shandon Land commented on the outcome.
“This is really a win-win for us and for the city,” she said, adding that the city will receive tax money from the properties once the DDA sells it and it is developed.
Callahan shared that previous surplus properties requested by the DDA and the subsequent development of those properties have made healthy returns for the city.
“When you did Walker Rose the city had paid $55,000 for the property,” she said. “It went on the tax rolls for about $1.4 million when the project was completed.”
Another project had similar results, she said.
“Jefferson Square Parkside: the city had paid $123,000 for the land, it was in two parcels,” she said. “The resulting development was on the tax rolls for $5.5 million.”

Printed in the May 2, 2013 edition.

By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

Madison Finance Officer Karen Guinn shared the monthly financial reports from July 2012 through March 2013 during the city council’s work session last Friday.
During the meeting she noted that the budget amounts do not reflect the budget amendment, which council approved during its meeting last Monday.
About 75 percent of the way through the year the general fund stands at 62.8 percent for expenses, she said. Revenue stands at 74.9 percent for that fund.
She noted that the water and sewer fund is in pretty good shape with revenue at 74 percent with expenses at about 50 percent while the gas fund stands at 74.7 percent for revenue and 59.8 percent for expenses.
City Manager David Nunn explained that water is a cyclical sale; he expects water sales to increase in the coming months.
Sanitation stands at 79.3 percent for revenue, which Guinn called “steady,” while expenses are at 56 percent.
She noted that the city’s sales taxes have increased since February. According to documents she provided, the city received $49,758.67 in February while it received $68,114.09 in March.
In other news:
• Councilman Joe DiLetto asked the other councilmen to consider a letter of support for the Parallel Housing/Woda Group project on Bethany Road.
Councilman Michael Naples voiced his concern about the appearance of approval such a letter might give.
City Attorney Joe Reitman suggested a carefully worded letter indicating that city staff will fully support and work with the developers.
• Reitman said a court date has been set for July 12 in the Morgan County Courthouse. He explained that the arbitration regarding the city’s Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds likely will last all day.

Printed in the May 2, 2013 edition.