The Fayette County commission "will pursue" an appeal of a federal judge's ruling that would toss out Fayette County's election process in favor of a district voting format.

The judge's ruling earlier this month granted the request of individual plaintiffs including the local and national branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The ruling forces a new election scheme called district voting that would limit voters to choosing just one representative each to the county commission and the board of education. Currently the at-large system allows all voters to cast ballots in all five races on each board.

The plaintiffs argued the current system discriminates against black residents by keeping them from selecting the candidate of their choice. Black residents comprise just above 20 percent of the county's population according to the 2010 U.S. Census.

Fayetteville will soon begin to close the gaps in sidewalks located along Ga. Highway 54 on the east and west sides of the city. The approval for the installation of those sidewalks came by unanimous vote by the Fayetteville City Council on May 16.

City Director of Public Services Chris Hindman said the projects include filling gaps in sidewalks along Hwy. 54 between Gwinnett Street and Robinson Drive on the city’s east side and between the city cemetery and Burch Road on the west side. Read More»

Sludge-filled lagoons, other problems found at PTC water treatment plant; officials initially blamed wrong lake

Fayette County’s smelly, foul-tasting water problem seems to be abating, and steps are being taken to address the issue that were recommended by a consultant and approved by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Read More»

The Senoia City Council Monday night approved an upgrade to the city’s ethics ordinance that addresses frivolous ethics complaints. The ordinance now includes a litmus test for potentially frivolous ethics violations against elected or appointed officials and city employees.

Containing a 180-day window for bringing complaints, the amendment creates a way to determine the merit of a claim, said City Administrator Richard Ferry, noting that if the complaint meets the approved criteria the ethics board can proceed with hearing the matter and, if not, the board can reject the complaint. Read More»