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By CHARLOTTE PERKINS
Journal Staff Writer
Gov. Sonny Perdue’s Go Fish Georgia Initiative, aimed at generating a big boost in tourism by capitalizing on the popularity of bass fishing, is one of a number of projects hit hard by last year’s economic downturn.
A key facility of the statewide program, the Go Fish Georgia Center was originally scheduled to open in December, 2009, adjacent to the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry.
That project was under discussion again at Monday night’s Perry Council work session, with a new mayor and council in Perry wanting more information before a final decision on the city’s projected financial contribution of $500,000 to the project.
The consensus seemed to be in favor of proceeding with the city’s contribution, which will not come out of the general fund or be covered by property taxes, but would be covered by a loan from the Houston County Development Authority to be paid back through an increase in the city’s Hotel-Motel tax.
As originally planned – though not in contractual form – the local contribution to this project would involve the City of Perry and the Houston County Commission each contributing $500,000, with the Development Authority kicking in $1.5 million.
The facility, which is under construction, will include a visitor’s center, aquaria and other educational exhibits, public fishing ponds, nature trails and outdoor classrooms, and will be the centerpiece of a statewide upgrading of sport fishing facilities, both for hatcheries and for high quality competitive angling.
At the work session, City Manager Lee Gilmour reviewed the past discussions and tentative agreements on the city’s contributions. Council members generally agreed that it was a large amount of money to spend during tough economic times, but as Councilman Randall Walker put it, “I don’t want to see a program of this magnitude fail.”
Councilman Riley Hunt pointed out that the state has plans under way for a $9 million horse barn at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, and said that he wouldn’t want state leaders “to back down on that for half a million.”
The council agreed following the discussion that they would like to have an update on the project and more information on the state’s funding for operating the facility before a final vote.
In other business, the council
n Heard a review of building fees now being charged from Director of Community Development Mike Beecham. Beecham updated the council on building permit fees, system connection charges for water, sewer and gas, and impact fees, which are paid only in the new-growth area of the city. He explained the impact fee area, and noted that all funds raised through impact fees are scheduled to go to the building of a fire station and a new city park in the area where new construction has been going on.
n Discussed a proposal from City Manager Lee Gilmour that there be a change in billing for water consumption for residential customers. Currently, Gilmour explained, residential customers begin getting a lower rate per unit after the consumption of 200 units within the billing period. By removing this provision, the city could gain as much as $78,800 in FY 2010. Gilmour said that only about 2.67 percent of water customers would be impacted, and the increase would be most likely to be felt by apartment complexes with a single meter.
n Heard a presentation on the City’s Public Works department, presented by Public Works Director Ronnie Jones. This was part of an ongoing series on city departments planned by Mayor Jimmy Faircloth for educational purposes for the governing body. Jones, using a Power Point presentation, explained the work that goes into keeping the city’s drinking water pure, and treating wastewater before it is released into Big Indian Creek. He also explained city wide waste collection, maintenance, and natural gas service.
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