Fulton Board Signs on to Discount Healthcare Plan for Citizens

In a unanimous vote today, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners is making discounted healthcare services available to residents by teaming up, at no cost to the county, with the Coast2Coast Rx Discount Card Program.   In fact, according to the contract with parent company Financial Marketing Concepts, Inc. of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Fulton County will receive a “royalty of $1.25 for every claim paid by the company”.  In addition to discounts on prescriptions, the card will provide discounts on dental, vision, hearing, the Diabetes Savings Program, imaging and lab tests and even veterinary services for pets. 

 

Once the program is up and running, residents will be able to learn about and print their cards online.  Cards will also be available at Fulton County health centers, government centers and libraries.  They will be accepted at participating pharmacies.  Details of other healthcare providers participating in the program will be made widely available to the public through what the company says will be a broad “newspaper, radio, television and internet” campaign. 

The resolution was sponsored by District 4 Commissioner Joan Garner—a passionate healthcare advocate and the Commissioner overseeing the County’s core principle that “All People are Healthy.”  It was co-sponsored by District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. 

“The Coast2Coast Discount program ensures all people are healthy by increasing access to services that may have otherwise been unaffordable for Fulton County residents,” says District 5 Commissioner Joan Garner. “We know that the costs of prescriptions, lab tests, and medical supplies can often be barriers for those who are on low or fixed incomes. I’m glad that our board unanimously voted to make this program a reality, and I hope that all Fulton County residents will take advantage of this great opportunity.”

Coast2Coast Rx says other healthcare services may be added to its discounted services list.  The company reports the average discount for its “cardholder base in 2013 was over 65%.”  It says the cards of Fulton residents will be assigned a unique Group Code so they can be tracked anywhere they are used at participating pharmacies, including those anywhere in the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Commissioner Hausmann Voted Fulton County Board of Commissioners' Vice-Chairman

For the second year in a row, Fulton County District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann was elected the Board of Commissioners' Vice-Chairman. Commissioner Hausmann is the first Commissioner from North Fulton to hold that post.

"I consider it a great honor to be selected by my colleagues to hold this post for a second time," says Commissioner Hausmann. "I truly appreciate their support in allowing me to hold this leadership position once again."

Commissioner Hausmann was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2012. Ms. Hausmann was elected in 2006 to serve on the initial City Council for the newly established City of Johns Creek, Georgia. Commissioner Hausmann is also a former member of the Fulton County Board of Education.

For more information, visit Fulton County's website at www.fultoncountyga.gov.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners Honors Assistant Attorney April Ross in Final Meeting of the Year

Every attendee stood to their feet after Fulton County Assistant Attorney April Ross thanked the Board of Commissioners for presenting her with a proclamation in the last board meeting of the year.

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognized Ross, an Assistant Attorney for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, for her volunteer work with victims of gun and domestic violence.  

In 2014, Attorney Ross’ life was drastically changed after being ambushed and shot multiple times by her estranged husband. Ross’ miraculous recovery has allowed her to volunteer at the Shepherd Center and work with other victims of gun violence.  She shares her story of survival with the victims she helps in an effort to truly make a difference in their daily lives.

Attorney Ross returned to work in November and has been moving full steam ahead. She is currently assigned to the trial unit with a specific focus on domestic violence cases.

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Proclaims November 16-20 Nobody Quits Like Georgia Week

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners will issue a proclamation to the County’s Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program declaring the week of November 16-20 as Nobody Quits Like Georgia Week in Fulton County during its meeting on November 18, 2015. We invite you to cover the ceremony and to interview Health and Wellness Department officials about the anti-smoking work underway by the PICH Program and its partners.

WHAT: NOBODY QUITS LIKE GEORGIA WEEK IN FULTON COUNTY Proclamation Presentation Ceremony during Board of Commissioners Meeting

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., November 18, 2015

WHERE: Assembly Hall, Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA 30303

WHO: Fulton County Board Of Commissioners, Department Of Health and Wellness Officials, Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program Staff, Fulton County Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program Partners
                     
The Fulton County PICH Program is working in partnership with a coalition of government, education, healthcare, corporate, faith-based and non-profit organizations to focus on four program areas to address the chronic health problems residents face:

• increasing access to physical activities by helping develop physical activity programs and policies in school and after school 
• promoting healthy eating and nutrition by helping to increase access to environments with healthy food and beverage choices 
• discouraging tobacco use, reducing second-hand smoke exposure and promoting smoke-free policies 
• encouraging the design of communities in which people of all ages and abilities can walk, bike, ride transit and drive safely.

For more information about the PICH Program, please call Sonja Steptoe at 404.612.3492 or email her at sonja.steptoe@fultoncountyga.gov.To learn more about Fulton County Health and Wellness, please visit, www.fultoncountygahealth.org or call 404-612-1211.  

Fulton Residents Invited to Give Input on 2016 Budget

Fulton County residents are invited to give input during a series of community feedback sessions.

The 2016 Fulton County budget process is based on an intensive strategic planning process.  All Fulton County departments participated in a process to identify the best possible outcomes for residents and maximize the value from every available dollar.

SESSIONS THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16, 2015

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

6:30 p.m. - Public Hearing on Proposed Water and Sewer Development Fee Modification

7 p.m. Budget Hearing

Host: Vice Chairman Liz Hausmann, District 1

East Roswell Library, 2301 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell, GA 30076

Thursday, November 19, 2015

6:30 p.m.

Host: Commissioner Lee Morris, District 3

St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church

4393 Garmon Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327

Friday, November 20, 2015

3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Host: Commissioner Joan P. Garner, District 4

Helene S Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility

515 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Full List of Upcoming Sessions

Fulton County Commissioners Authorize Tax Commissioner to Waive Ad Valorem Fines

By a unanimous vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners authorized the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and interest accrued by county drivers after notices of the annual taxes were delivered late. The resolution was sponsored by District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis, along with co-sponsors, Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann and District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

“The lack of a mailed notice does not relieve the obligation to pay the tag fees still due on your birthday,” says Fulton County Vice-Chairman District 1 Commissioner Liz Hausmann. “The Fulton County Board of Commissioners recognizes the confusion created to some taxpayers who did not receive the notice, and has acted to help relieve any additional burden caused by the late billing.” 

“I am pleased the Board took action to allow our taxpayers to be treated with equity and fairness,” said District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis.

“And, hopefully this will let the residents know that we heard them and this will provide them with the relief that they deserve,” said District 3 Commissioner Lee Morris.

The move comes after the company under contract with the Georgia Department of Revenue for mailing pre-bills sent a letter on September 29, 2015 informing the State they would cease all business operations and file Chapter 11 bankruptcy. As a result of the vendor's default, some pre-bills were not sent to motor vehicle owners whose registration renewals were due in October 2015. Some motorists also reported the back-up vendor retained by the Georgia Department of Revenue mailed some pre-bills with return envelopes that did not show the complete address for the Tax Commissioner so that payment could be submitted but not received.

The resolution authorizes the Fulton County Tax Commissioner to waive penalties and/or interest, in whole or in part, upon motor vehicle owners meeting each of the following circumstances: 

• Included are motor vehicle renewals that became due beginning October 1, 2015, through and including November 31, 2015, in Fulton County, Georgia

• The motor vehicle owner presents an Affidavit to the Tax Commissioner asserting that he or she either (a) failed to receive a pre-bill, or (b) received a pre-bill with a remittance envelope that failed to show the complete return address of the Tax Commissioner’s Office and as a result, the remittance was marked as undeliverable and returned to sender

• Payment in full of the principal ad valorem tax and tag fee is received within sixty (60) days of the original deadline for such payment.

If the Tax Commissioner determines that there was reasonable cause for the late payment as described above, the Fulton County Department of Finance will refund to the motor vehicle owner the appropriate amount as determined by the Tax Commissioner.

For more information on the Office of the Fulton County Tax Commissioner, motorists can log onto the office’s website at www.fultoncountytaxes.org/motor-vehicles.aspx.

Fulton County Commissioners Meet with Mayors of Fulton County

Members of the Board of Commissioners held another successful meeting this week with the mayors of Fulton County cities to discuss important issues such as economic development and transportation, in an effort to collaborate for the best outcomes for all residents. The meeting took place at the Fulton County Lewis Slaton Courthouse.

Fulton County Career Expo For Job Seekers to Feature 38 Employers

Job seekers in Fulton County will  have the opportunity to talk to 38 employers who are ready to hire new employees. Commission Chairman John H. Eaves, District 7, and the Department of Housing and Community Development Office of Workforce Development will host a Career Expo to connect job seekers  with employers who are ready to hire within the next 30-60 days.

The Expo will be held Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Welcome All Park and Multipurpose Facility located 4255 Will Lee Road, College Park, Georgia 30349.

The Office of Workforce Development has received commitments from  38 employers   who will attend the Career Expo.    Some of those participating include  Sam's Club, Frito Lay, MARTA/MARTA Police, Goldbergs Concessions Corporation, Starwood Hotels, ComCast, UniverSoul Circus, State Farm and the  Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

To assist those seeking jobs to prepare for potential interview opportunities, the Office of Workforce Development will host four workshops to help them prepare effective resumes and learn how to participate in interviews that will gain positive attention from potential employers. Additionally, the workshops will teach applicants how to dress for success. A lack of attention to any one of the aforementioned items can propel an applicant to the bottom of the list of candidates that could receive second interviews or a potential job offer.

The Job Readiness Preparation workshops will be held on the following dates:

Thursday, October 1, 2015 – 9:00am – 12:00pm and 1:00pm – 5:00pm
South Fulton Service Center
5600 Stonewall Tell Road
College Park, Georgia 30349

Thursday, October 8, 2015 – 9:00am – 12:30pm and 1:30pm – 4:00pm
Southwest Branch
3665 Cascade Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30331

Workforce Development offers the following resources throughout the year to help Fulton County citizens in need of employment:

• Career Advisement to help set career goals and education requirements

• Assistance with resume preparation

• Schedule participation in a Job Readiness Prep Workshop

• Learn appropriate ways to dress to file in-person applications or attend interviews and job fairs

• Obtain free training if the employment seeker meets eligibility criteria

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodation due to a disability including communications in alternative format should contact Audra Pender in the Housing and Community Development Department at 404-613-7944. For Georgia Relay Access, dial 711.

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Fulton County Commissioners Honor Teacher of the Year: Bear Creek Middle School

Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, members of the Fulton County School Board, and school administration paused to honor one of the school district's best and brightest today naming it "Jameda Owens Appreciation Day" in Fulton County.  Ms. Owens, a social studies teacher at Bear Creek Middle School, had previously been named the district's 2015 Teacher of the Year.  She was cited for both honors for her innovative approaches for reaching students at all learning levels.

"I'm blessed to do what I do," said Ms. Owens.  "I'm privileged to be a teacher."  Initially sponsored by Fulton County Board of Commissioners' Chairman John H. Eaves, the full Board joined with the Chairman in awarding Ms. Owens a Fulton County proclamation for her efforts on behalf of Fulton County School children.

Two new libraries already open in July, one more to go!

July has been an incredible month for the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.

The capitol improvement program approved by voters in 2008 paved the way for eight new libraries throughout Fulton County -- with three opening in July 2015!

The Northwest and Milton libraries have already opened this month to rave reviews.

Next up is the Alpharetta Library.  This 25,000-square-foot library, located at 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009, will replace the older, now-closed branch in Alpharetta, and will be part of the new Alpharetta City Center.  Join us on Thursday, July 30 at 11 a.m. as we wrap up one of the most exciting months in library history!

Stay tuned, because there is still more to come with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's Building Program. Learn about the library building program

Exciting Improvements Unveiled at Welcome All Park

It's an exciting time at Fulton County's Welcome All Park.  On Friday, July 24 the community came together to celebrate two great improvements.  A brand new playground was installed providing fun climbing, swings and other toys for younger children.  Welcome All is the first of six playground renovations planned for this year.

In addition, the Atlanta Hawks unveiled a major renovation of the basketball court at Welcome All. This state-of-the-art court is the first community basketball court to feature the brand new Hawks logo.

Chairman John H. Eaves, Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Commissioner Emma I. Darnell and Parks & Recreation Director Tony Phillips welcomed several members of the Hawks family, including hall-of-famer Dominique Wilkins, Paul Milsap, David Lee of the Atlanta Hawks Foundation, and voice of the Hawks, Ryan Cameron. Harry the Hawk and the Atlanta Hawks Cheerleaders were also there to keep the #TrueToAtlanta spirit high.

The ribbon cutting at the new court wrapped up an entire week of Atlanta Hawks programming at Fulton County Parks, including basketball camp at Welcome All Park and two other Fulton County sites.

Some community youth came as early as 8 a.m. the morning of the opening for the chance to play on the new court.  As Dominique Wilkins said, "This is your home. Take care of it."

We hope this is the first of many partnership opportunities with the Hawks.  In the mean time, head out to Welcome All to shoot some hoops! You don't know who you might see there!

Fulton County Arts and Culture and Contracts for Services Vendors Celebrate their Partnership

Fulton County is the largest funder of the arts in the State of Georgia.

On July 15, 2015, Fulton County Arts & Culture hosted its contract signing for all arts vendors as they officially enter into their contracts for services.   This event celebrated the Fulton County Board of Commissioners awarding 1.5 million dollars to groups who provide arts programs and activities to residents.  A total of ninety-four organizations from all over the county will receive funding this year.             

The official contract signing for arts organizations and Fulton County Arts and Culture will precede the Board of Commissioners meeting.

The arts are essential to the quality of life of our citizens and to the economic and social health of our communities.   The mission of the Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture is to insure all citizens' access to the arts.   Fulton County Arts & Culture is to insure all citizens' access to the arts.   Fulton County Arts & Culture operates four arts centers whose collective goals are to encourage creativity in communities, make the arts accessible, and provide arts opportunities for traditionally underserved populations.  

For more information on Fulton County Arts & Culture please call (404) 612-5780 or visit www.fultonarts.org.

Commissioners Cut Millage Rate 10.9%

On July 15, 2015 by a 5 to 2 vote, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners adopted a 2015 General Fund millage rate of 10.5 mills. The vote approves a cut of approximately 10.9% to the General Fund property tax rate from the 2014 rate of 11.781 mills. This cut will take effect with the 2015 tax bills. Those bills are scheduled to go out in August of this year.

The Board also approved a reduction in the tax rate for the Bond Fund, used to fund the ongoing construction of new libraries and renovation of some existing libraries, as approved by Fulton County voters in 2008. The Bond Fund will decrease from 0.270 mills to 0.250 mills.

The Board also adopted a South Fulton Tax District millage rate of 11.579 mills, representing a rollback from 12.469 mills. This fund provides municipal-type services for residents in unincorporated Fulton County, including Fire, Police, Parks & Recreation, and Planning services.