EddyResponses

Response to Concerned Citizens for Responsible Government

Michael Eddy

I. Fiscal Responsibility

A. Do you call yourself a fiscal conservative? Why or why not?

Absolutely. The most important responsibility any commissioner has is to remember their fiduciary responsibility to the people. Commissioners are charged to be good stewards of the peoples’ money. As chairman, I will work to lower our tax responsibilities, which is a major hindrance to economic growth in Henry County.

B. Do you believe economic studies should be performed as part of growth management policies?

Economic studies should be systematically and consistently used to inform our economic growth as well as the impact development creates within the county. As a county, we need to use real data to inform decisions. A longitudinal study that assists us in realizing how our long-term plans have or have not been effective.

C. As a countywide priority, what is your position on project creep (growing expenditures beyond the originally announced costs or project description) at parks, athletic venues and other facilities? Specific references would be Heritage Park, Moseley Park and Holder Park.

It is outrageous how our commissioners have allowed SPLOST projects to escalate to costs equaling almost twice their projected costs. The general budget has been continuously exhausted for projects that were not originally appropriated. As chairman, I would ask for a monthly account of collected impact fees to be published for Henry County citizens.

Additionally, I would ensure that collected fees were used for its intended purposes, to provide funding for park, etc. SPLOST needs to accurately estimate cost and ensure that projects are completed on budget

D. Is it appropriate for the county to spend tax dollars to provide venues or facilities that could be provided by private enterprise?

It is appropriate to use tax dollars for public use. By utilizing an economic study, commissioners can make more informed decisions as to the long term cost benefit or expenditure on all projects. If it is determined that a private enterprise can provide a better project in terms of facility and still provide our citizens a reasonable and appropriate cost/service, then we should allow private enterprise to provide such a
service. Public/Private partnerships will be necessary in the future.

E. What specific actions or programs would you implement toward enticing a broader base of businesses to the county?

The two most important steps that we must take action on are to work vigorously on improving transportation and to lower our tax liabilities for business and our citizens. These two areas represent the largest hindrance to our county. We must continue to support the Board of Education so that we can control growth and continue to provide a safe community.

II. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax

A. Have you read the state laws (OCGA Title 48) or relevant cases (i.e., Dickey v. Storey) pertaining to a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST)?

The Dickey v. Storey case speaks to the commission’s fiduciary responsibilities. This case speaks to the need to make decisions based on accurate information. AS chairman, I will continue to ensure that our Board of Commissioners will not start and abandon projects. We will be sure that each and every project is a part of Henry County’s long term plans and that each project will be completed on time and on estimate.

B. What is your position on whether the county should impose a SPLOST?

SPLOST is a good way for non-residents to contribute to Henry County’s long-term plans. SPLOST money should be used responsibly and used for appropriated projects. For our taxpayers, we should adopt a budget that lowers our obligated property taxes since we are essentially taxed twice.

C. Should SPLOST revenues be considered as a supplement to the county’s general fund?

By law, SPLOST funding is not to be used to supplement the county’s general fund for maintenance and operations.

D. Should SPLOST revenues be used to offset property taxes?

Using the Haugen v. Henry County case as a barometer, if SPLOST projects are completed at estimated costs, and the county is able to complete all projects specified in the resolution imposing the tax, then the Board of Commissioners should use excess funds to reduce property tax. It is again the fiduciary responsibility of the Board to use accurate estimates on projects and complete them on budget.

E. Should SPLOST revenues be dedicated solely to projects specifically named on the referendum ballot?

SPLOST revenue must be dedicated and spent on projects specified in the resolution imposing the tax. Again this is further supported in 48-8-121.

F. Should SPLOST revenues be used at the commissioners’ discretion as priorities change over time?

Discretion shall only be granted in terms of project location allocation, however the real cost of projects need to meet estimated cost.

G. Has the county fulfilled citizens’ expectations through the last two SPLOST programs?

The county has a number of projects that were not started or completed in the last two SPLOST programs. When the Board adopted the SPLOST project list, the estimated costs should have been accurate in order to complete projects that the voters expected to be completed by the end of the program. Between SPLOST II and SPLOST I, projects that were listed and not completed should have been added to the new SPLOST list. Again the project list was what the voters expected to be completed when the SPLOST was accepted.

H. As Chairman, are there any changes you would make regarding management of SPLOST revenues?

As chairman, I will ask for the SPLOST department to provide cost estimates to have projects bid as one package and compare the savings or additional expenditures to the “piece meal” method. Furthermore, all costs will be examined to ensure that estimates and real costs are more aligned. We need to ensure that we complete the projects that we told the voters that we would complete.

I. Should a ballot question used for a SPLOST referendum be intentionally vague, depriving voter’s realistic fair notice of the projects for which revenues may be used?

The resolution that imposed the tax should specifically
outline the projects that said SPLOST would include. SPLOST funds are the
funds of the people and we owe it to our citizens to provide to them accurate
information.

III. Zoning and Development

A. Do you agree with the statements of current and past commissioners that “We cannot legally consider impact to infrastructure like schools or roads when making zoning or development decisions?”

It is our obligation to consider the impact that development will make on the school system. The Georgia Supreme Court has furthered supported this notion in their decision that schools can be one of other reasons to deny development. Our schools are past capacity and in fact it will take many years for the school system to be ahead of our growth. As a tax payer, we expect all agencies to work together and in my opinion, the Board of Commissioners have systematically kept our children from receiving the best education available. As an educator, I believe the school system has done a tremendous job considering the overcrowded schools created by the board of Commissioners. Roads play a major role on infrastructure. Ordinances
are in place to mitigate traffic congestion and in order to legally approve development; roads must be upgraded to handle additional traffic counts from new
development. As chairman, I will work with staff to create an ordinance that will ensure that our road classification meets state guidelines and creates a grading system where development must upgrade impacted roads to meet vehicle county requirements.

B. Would you support incorporation and adoption of OCGA 36-67-3 as local legislation or local ordinance, thereby reinforcing infrastructure as a required (as opposed to optional) consideration in zoning decisions?

The Planning and Zoning Department does complete an analysis of each requested rezoning or variance. While serving on the Zoning Advisory Board, countless times the Board appropriately and consistently supported the recommendation of the professionals in the Planning Department.

The Board of Commissioners has not consistently upheld staffs’ recommendations,
allowing a true departure from the Future Land Use map and the Joint Comprehensive Plan. As chairman, I will support both the Future Land Use Map and the Unified Land Development Code. I support GA code 36-67-3. Henry County needs to reassess the fee structure for zoning requests. This will allow equitable treatment of all rezoning and variance requests.

C. Do you believe that existing school enrollment numbers should be a restricting factor in approving residential development in that school zone?

As supported by the Georgia Supreme Court, capacity of school should be used to offer a better education for our children.

D. Do you believe that existing road designations (artery, connector, etc.) are correctly or effectively assigned?

The Comprehensive Transportation Plan should correctly designate road classifications. In the 1993 Plan, the county failed to use the state’s road classification which has financially impacted our county by not granting us available funding. As we continue to move forward, correct road classification is necessary for future alternative funding.

E. Do you believe existing road infrastructure and traffic congestion should be a determining factor in zoning and development decisions?

The proposed Unified Land Development Code will begin to address road infrastructure. With a system of grading based on vehicular traffic counts, development will have necessary information to improve road upgrades that will be created by new development.

F. Do you believe that retail development brings sufficient overall benefit to allow it before requiring road improvements?

Road improvements should be completed before retail development is complete. The Jonesboro Road development should not be repeated in terms of allowing road improvements to be completed after retail is operating. Development before roads creates an undue hardship on citizens.

G. What is your position on modifying zoning approvals with conditions or variances that tangibly allow, for example, an R-1 to be developed as R-2?

The county needs to set standards for all development which will be supported by the Unified Land Development Code. For the last several years, each District has worked independently in relation to development standards or property conditions. As a county, we need to adopt conditions for development that are consistent throughout the county. One practice that needs to end is illegally eliminating allowable commercial uses under specific zonings. The ordinance allows such use, and then by law we should allow them.

H. Do you believe a landowner’s “Constitutional rights” require approval of a desired development or use, if it is not consistent with county ordinances?

If a request is not consistent with the vision of the Future Land Use Map or the Unified Land Development Code, then the development should not be approved. Furthermore if the development affects the health and general welfare of the public, it should not be approved.

I. What is your position concerning our county’s history of granting higher density development because of sewer availability? Do you believe our county ordinances “allow” higher density, or “require” it?

Henry County has by situation created a misconception that sewer does override the Future Land Use Map and Unified Land Development Code. The extension of sewer is best for the health of our citizens and our wildlife, however it should not create the precedence that sewer requires higher density. Through the use of pumping stations, larger lots can appropriately accommodate sewer.

IV. Transportation

A. Describe Henry County’s greatest transportation needs today.

Henry County’s greatest need is relief from I-75. We need, in no particular order, to create a major North/South arterial on the west side of I-75, created more connecting frontage roads, expansion of an additional major East/West arterial, implement improvements to SR 42 corridor, and continued paving/improvement to local roads and intersections.

B. What policies would you work to implement toward resolving Henry’s transportation needs?

Full implementation of the Comprehensive Transportation Plan will be a start to strengthening our county’s policies in transportation. The plan provides a wealth of information and clearly articulates strategies and policies that will improve our long-term goals.

C. Do you believe intersection improvements, road widening and new roads should be a higher priority than parks or other facilities?

Parks should be supported by impact fees. In our current SPLOST, transportation should have represented approximately 80% of the anticipated SPLOST revenue. We need to focus more of our available funding into transportation.

D. Do you support adding lanes to I-75?

Adding an additional lane to I-75 may provide short-term relief, but we need to improve our county road system to keep Henry County citizens from using I-75 as a local road. I-75 will always be a priority, but is a regional transportation concern.

E. Do you believe that development of all types should be held financially responsible for road and intersection improvements adjacent to the developed property?

All new development that will place more vehicles on adjacent roads, impacting traffic, should pay for needed improvements. As mentioned previously, through a process of selecting levels that correspond to vehicle counts such as level A, B, C, etc., transportation officials and developers can ensure proper improvements to proactively address road/intersection improvements.

F. Do you agree that transportation impact fees should be imposed and designated for use in the specific area of impact?

I do not support the collection of impact fees for transportation. The Board of Commissioners does not effectively inform the public or the applicants how collected impacted fees have been spent. It will be a more effective process and will not require additional county personnel if the applicants are required to improve specific road(s) or intersection(s) according to HCDOT recommendations. Through the process of establishing a leveled system according to vehicular counts, the process will be seamless. With the current situation of roads, the county would not be
able to collect impact fees for already failing roads.

G. What is your position on whether or how the county has used transportation dollars to promote development?

The county has not used transportation dollars to promote development. When the opportunity arises, the county should enter into a public/private partnership to meet the long-term goal of the county as well as the long-term goal of the development.

V. Economic Development

A. What do you see as Henry County’s greatest economic base today?

Henry County’s greatest economic base is our access to the interstate system, our close proximity to Hartsfield/Atlanta Airport, access to the Savannah Port, and our focus on continuing to improve the education system.

B. What do you see as Henry County’s greatest economic liability today?

Our biggest liability is the number of residents that have to drive outside of Henry County for employment.

C. Would you propose changing our trend toward retail malls in favor of more technology, financial or manufacturing companies?

Our economic future is dependent upon diversifying business in Henry County. To continue to be a thriving and aggressive county, we need to attract higher median income jobs from the innovative technology fields. As a county, we are certainly not short of available retail centers. Many “strip centers” sit empty.

D. What policies, if any, would you work to implement that would raise median income family income in Henry?

The biggest policy change has to be that the Board of Commissioners will aggressively invest into expanding our business base. This will require more financial support from the BOC and a stronger role from not just the BOC, but also with the Development Authority. The BOC needs to further research the cost and benefit to adding fiber optics as a component to our business solutions.

E. Do you believe Henry is well served by retail development that offers low-paying jobs and entices low-cost workforce housing?

Henry County is served with a large cross-section of what I consider to be lower-end retail. As our community grows and becomes more diverse economically, we need to attract higher-end retail. In order for this to happen, our median income level needs to continue to rise. The BOC needs to implement a system to monitor the number of available strip center retail available and specifically the amount of available retail space by area. This will better manage our resources and control from unwarranted
and unnecessary retail space.

F. There is an argument that commercial development eventually brings sufficient tax revenues for infrastructure improvement. Do you believe Henry is well served by retail malls even when existing roads will not accommodate the increased traffic?

All development should contribute needed improvements resulting from the business. The BOC, the Water Authority, etc., should publish each month the amount of impact fees collected and how the funds have been used.

VI. Grants and Local Projects

A. What emphasis is currently placed on securing grants from private industry, state or federal agencies toward financing local projects?

The grant process in Henry County appears to be random acts of funding solutions. The county has and continues to lobby for federal funding through the Atlanta Regional Commission. Grant funding should be aligned with specific project needs and goals of the county. There should be a clear understanding of what obligations the county will have to fulfill. It is imperative the county realize what in-kind services or matching funds that will be required.

B. Does the county currently have a grant department of specifically educated, certified or experienced grant administrator? What policies would you work to implement toward securing more grant funding?

To my knowledge, each department applies for grants that pertain to projects that they oversee. In order to further develop an efficient and cohesive central government, the county should retain the services of a qualified experienced grant administrator. This person will assist all grant requests and will work collaboratively with the BOC and all departments.

C. What policies would you work to implement toward securing more grant funding?

A grant policy should ensure that we have a need for the grant request and to be clear of any obligations that the BOC will have in order to qualify for the grant. Over the years the county has lost grant funding, i.e. livable communities initiative, because the BOC did not meet their obligation. Many grant opportunities are also dependent on maintaining current plans for transportation, land use, etc. We must continue to maintain clear communication in all departments.

D. What policies would you work to implement toward insuring that grant funds are considered ant integral part of financing all local projects?

By obtaining the services of a specialized experienced grant administrator, the county will have the resources to research and acquire grants for a variety of project needs.

VII. Ethics in Government

A. Do you believe a commissioner should recuse and exclude himself from influence, discussion and votes on any matter before the board if he received campaign funds from a concerned party?

A commissioner should recuse himself if the request will financially benefit him. I do believe that besides the contribution disclosure required on zoning application requests, that the commissioner who received a contribution should publicly state such. The constituents that the commissioner represents have the right to representation on every case. If the commissioner has the potential to financially benefit from a request, then the commissioner should recuse himself from
participating.

B Would you support a County Ethics Commission with authority and resources to investigate and possibly indict public officers and employees under Georgia’s Code of Ethics?

I support the continuance of the Georgia State Ethics Board in lieu of a county board. In matters pertaining to elected officials, it is best to bring the complaint to a neutral party. As long as local elected officials are granted the right to appoint members to a local ethics board, the board cannot be neutral. As far as authority to indict, the public is represented as a part of a grand jury and any indictment for criminal wrong doing needs to remain under the auspices of the District Attorney. In terms of employees, ethics violations need to be referred to the state for investigation.

C. What is your position on appointing members to boards and authorities, such as the water authority or development authority, when those appointees will be in a position to use otherwise privileged information to enhance their own business pursuits?

Appointees to any board or authority should be held to the same standards as any elected official. Henry County needs to adopt local ethics standards that outline the conduct of board appointees.

D. What is your position regarding an elected official or county employee who maintains a private business relationship with another official or employee, their spouse or other close relative?

Elected officials are held under obligation of ethical expectations. I encourage any citizen to report any misconduct to the Georgia State Ethics Board for investigation. If an elected official will financially benefit from a specific business venture or partnership that is deemed a conflict of interest, then sanctions may be enacted by the state Board to equitably resolve the issue.

VIII. Taxes

A. Henry County has the fourth highest taxes in the metro area. What, if anything, would you propose to lower property taxes?

First, examine the operating budget to find any line items where the BOC can reduce expenditures. Second, expand our business opportunities in Henry County. The bulk of the tax revenue is generated from residential property and when we expand our business growth, we will be in a position to roll back the millage rate.

B. Property taxes are disproportionately increased based on assessments, which are called “backdoor tax increase.” In the current housing market downturn with a 3 to 4 year housing inventory, how would you explain current increases in assessments and therefore taxes?

Housing assessments are based on January digest of values. As I understand, the assessment process is a comparative method and has internal controls so that the assessment is not arbitrary, but is calculated at the 40% fair-market value multiplied by the millage rate for each entity. The important safeguard is the opportunity to appeal your tax assessment. This provides another step in ensuring fair
assessment.

C. In your opinion, what are the primary functions of government and what are the top priorities for spending tax dollars?

The primary function of government is to provide public safety, education, transportation, health and human services, and promote the resources of the county. The BOC does not over-see education except to promote the expansion of post-secondary options and to work in collaboratively with the BOE. The remaining services are the function of the BOC and represent the main responsibility and focus of the county budget. Above all other services, public safety is the most important function.

D. Define and discuss Health, Safety, and Welfare as each pertains to expenditures of tax revenues.

Public Safety is the most important function of the county government. As the county continues to grow, these functions must grow commensurate with the population. Public safety is an area that cannot be cut for the safety of our citizens. Health and welfare are also functions that allow us to expand the quality of life for many citizens. We need to provide care at our health department for those who may need medical help, mental help, etc. Our mental health department operates on a very lean budget with very little personnel. The BOC needs to collaborate with Henry Medical Center to ensure that proper medical staff is available to the health services department on a regular basis. One idea I would like to explore is to add a county extension to provide assistance to veterans as the city of McDonough has begun. Our veterans need and deserve our assistance as they return from combat.

E. We are told almost annually that “the county budget is tight.” Since the board of commissioners sets the budget, how would you respond to that statement?

Every budget should be tight. The problem that has occurred is that the “needs” and “wants” for the county government has become less clear. The reserve budget should be healthy in order to maintain a high bond rating. Any budget requests beyond the allocation, should be discussed and the realization that “no” is an acceptable answer. As a school principal, I truly have to use the less is more philosophy when it comes to finance.

F. What is your position on residential tax revenues as opposed to costs of needed services?

The residents of Henry County pay the lion’s share of
taxes. With new development contributing to impact fees and transportation
improvements, we are beginning to share the overall services burden. The
more quality businesses we can attract to Henry County, the less residents
should have to pay for services thus lower their tax liability. The BOC
must prioritize needed services in order of their function to ensure that we are
providing what the citizens expect and need.

G. What, if any, actions could have been taken by the BOC so that the BOE tax millage would not be at its highest legal limit?

The greatest step would be for the BOC to consistently uphold the FLUM and control density and population across the county. By making drastic changes to rural communities, the BOC has indeed burdened the BOE financially. Not only does the BOE provide transportation, but they must provide portable classrooms. The BOE must hire additional staff beyond teachers to provide children a quality education. The millage rate is high due to the percentage of growth and the funds needed to provide a quality education. The most precious resource we have today is our children and they deserve the best. The FLUM must be adhered to; it should be more than a guide.

H. What public benefit is derived from the one-mill annual tax to Henry Medical Center?

I believe that the generated funds from the one mill may go to either general hospital operating expenses and or to funding care for patience that cannot pay. This may also be used for indigent care. We have an obligation to provide care to anyone in need through the hospital. Henry Medical Center serves our community well and provides needed medical services. The HMC Foundation is focused on raising funds
for the hospital to expand facilities, technology and equipment, education, etc.

I. Regarding public/private development projects, how is it justifiable to provide tax revenues to a private business venture?

Private companies must answer to the government that contracted with them. Additionally, private industry does have to be accountable to various regulators as well as the media. I believe that it is in the best interest of the private company to perform a quality service as a contractor. While the private business may provide the initial funding for capital improvements, there must be a means of repayment of this investment over the long term of the partnership. The private business income stream can be generated by a variety of sources (fees, tolls, or a wide range of additional options), but must be assured for the length of the partnership. This
partnership allows governments to move ahead projects especially in difficult economic times, as we are experiencing today. As long as the payments back to the private company are for reasonable services that were provided, using public funding is allowable.

J. What public benefit is derived from giving the Convention & Visitors Bureau tax monies when that private organization is under no obligation or accountability to make public any information regarding income, expenditures, or members? As a follow up, what is the justification for giving tax monies to a private organization whose stated purpose is to lobby state and local governments?

Henry County Convention & Visitors Bureau is one facet of our economic plan that markets Henry County’s attractions and amenities. Like the Chamber of Commerce, they are a soft sell for the county, attracting visitors to spend money in Henry County. As a non-profit organization, they must adhere to state and federal governance regarding their non-profit status. A committee consisting of representatives from various businesses and public officials guides this organization. The HCCVB’s purpose is to promote our attractions and amenities, not to lobby state
and local governments.