City of Atlanta general election set for May 7
Submitted by Casscounty1 on
By Robin Aaron Hall
The City of Atlanta has set a general election for May 7.
On the ballot for the city is the Mayoral seat currently occupied by Keith Crow and the District 1 At Large Council chair currently filled by Councilman Chris Collins.
This election may be more expensive than usual due to the fact that the Cass County Clerk’s Office has said no to allowing the city to use their voting machines this go round, forcing the city to look to outside sources.
The added expense is expected to be about $15,000.
The reasoning behind the County Clerk’s refusal is that the city race may conflict with a potential runoff stemming from the Primary Election being held March 1.
The Atlanta City Council passed a resolution calling for the General Election at their regular council meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 19.
Both the Mayoral seat and the District 1 At Large Council position are for a term of two years.
Early voting will be held from April 25 to May 3 at City Hall. Early voting will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 25 and 26 and from 8:30 to 5 p.m. all April 27 through May 3.
The filing period to run for office opened on Jan. 20 and will continue through Feb. 19. Anyone interested in running should file by this date.
Ransom named to EDC
Travis Ransom will replace Bill Smith on the Atlanta Economic Development Corporation for a three-year term beginning immediately.
Storm Sirens
The new storm siren system may be under construction within 60 days according to Fire Chief Robin Betts. The new system will be more effective than the old siren, located on Hiram Street and will include multiple locations. One of those locations will include Queen City.
The City of Queen City has already budgeted to pay their portion, $5,000, of the project this year. The total amount for the project is $81,300, however a matching grant ratio of 75/25 percent will take care of most of the cost for construction.
A contract was awarded at the meeting to Storm Sirens Inc. for the construction.
Betts told the council about another grant award to provide 14 sets of Wildland Fire Fighting Gear. The grant is a 90/10 matching grant for $5829. The city’s portion of the cost is $829. The new gear will be designed specifically for outdoor firefighting.
Council approved the 2015 - 2016 insurance rates that evening. The new rates do show an increase. Rates for employees covering family were the major increase. The city covers insurance for its employees. The employee portion was frozen last year, however any employee claiming coverage for a spouse or child would see a $40 per month increase. No city employee falls into that category currently, according to City Secretary Danica Porter.
A budget amendment was approved due to a two-vehicle accident involving two of the city’s police vehicles. According to City Manager David Cockrell, the accident occurred while moving two of the department vehicles. Chief Mike Dupree told the council, his trip to City Hall that day “was the longest one I can remember.
Cockrell gave his City Manager report toward the end of the meeting.
According to Cockrell, the city’s finances are right on target with the projected budget as of Dec. 31.
Cockrell also informed the council that the city’s animal control officer will need to become a full-time position in the coming year. No action was taken in regards to that information.
The proposed improvements to McNoble Harper Park are still in process. The city has received a matching grant through the Texas Department of Parks & Wildlife.
That department is asking the city to have electrical lines located within the park buried. Cockrell proposed that the city instead remove the light poles in question, which are near the current basketball court and add more street lights to the perimeter of the city park instead.
Bids will be taken in February for a chip and seal roadway repair at the city park located on South Louise St.
Cockrell told the council he will research implementing a “street cut fee” that could help with further street repairs in the city.
Cockrell is also looking into the possibility of a recycling project for the city since the public bin formerly located at the old Horn Enterprises has been removed by Tri-State Iron and Metal.
Councilman Robert Steger asked the council to consider creating an ordinance concerning travel trailers visible at residential properties within the city.
Steger complained that they had become an eye sore. No action was taken.
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