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khalidCares • South Fulton Archives

Tuesday, December 1 Runoff 

​TUESDAY, AUGUST 18 • 6.30PM (YouTube)
Planning Commission Meeting

Watching meeting LIVE here.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 • 10AM (YouTube)
City Council Votes on Rezoning for this Project

Watching meeting LIVE here.
Old National's South Perimeter Development Group Meets 4th Thursdays at 6.30PM at 5536 Old National Hwy, 30349. Sign up for Updates at khalidCares.com/Economy

5536 Old National Hwy, 30349
Building L • 3rd Floor

The South Perimeter Group reconvenes from Winter Break on Thursday, January 16 at 6PM. 
​Please sign up below for Meeting Updates.
After challenging Council to commit to only spending the proceeds of a proposed tax hike on services to residents, blighted property and road improvements — not spending money on rented buildings and new city departments — Councilman khalid has announced his candidacy for Mayor of South Fulton. 
"People have been asking, so I want to let them know now. This city needs new leadership." says khalid. Watch the entire Property Tax hearing below.  ​
Donate to Councilman khalid's Mayoral Campaign via ActBlue https://secure.actblue.com/donate/khalidforMayor
Help Councilman khalid make America's Blackest City Black On Purpose.

CITY COUNCIL

State Legislators Create New Legal Bills for City
Monday, June 29 
• 11AM

South Fulton's
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) ● Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)

Virtual Meeting
Watch LIVE on YouTube below this Monday

Monday, June 29 — While South Fulton's City Council was busy creating the Juneteenth Holiday, South Fulton State Legislators would busy pushing bills to change the City Charter.  One bill would force the City to set up its own legal department — as opposed to contracting with current, outside firm Fincher-Denmark — a move that could cost the city over $1 million dollars.

"I don't know why they would do something like this when our City is in the middle of an economic crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic," says Councilman khalid. 
City Council will meet Monday, June 29 at 11AM, to discuss possible legal challenges to these bills. 
​
 Read more about these bills and submit your Public Comments about them below.

Read About HB 921 & 1019
    SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT*
    *To be discussed at the Monday 29 Special Called Meeting.
    ​Click HERE to Enter Your Address & Find Your City Council District.
Submit Your Public Comment

new meeting schedule, approved through the end of the City's 2020 Fiscal Year (September 30, 2020) calls for one evening Work Session beginning at 4PM, usually on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month; and one Regular Meeting beginning at 10AM on the 4th Tuesday of the Month khalidCares.com/News
​Executive Session begins when the Meeting or Work Session ends. This is where sensitive legal matters regarding personnel, real estate and possible lawsuits are discussed. This is the only section of the meeting that is not open to the public. Councilmembers move to a private room while the public waits in the audience. In Virtual Meetings, Councilmembers will move to a private chatroom. This section of the meeting usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour.

City Council has yet to set the dates for its 2021 Budget Hearings, anticipated to occur in August before the 2021 Fiscal (Budget) Year begins October 1. The City is required to hold 3 Public Hearings before passing a new budget. All departments are bracing for drastic cuts from 10 to 15 percent in response to decreased revenues due to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

LOCAL ELECTIONS MATTER
Saturday, April 25 • 4PM

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 at 4PM Join Councilman KHALID​ and a panel of activists & elected officials this Saturday as we discuss what's at stake in Georgia's June 2020 Primary.  #LocalElectionsMatter #LocalPoliticsIsLit □ Register Here or Watch LIVE on Facebook www.khalidCares.com
Join Councilman KHALID​ and a panel of activists & elected officials this Saturday as we discuss what's at stake in Georgia's June 2020 Primary.
Watch Here

CITY COUNCIL

Next Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 28 • 9.30AM

South Fulton's
South Fulton City Council (l to r): Catherine Rowell (District 1, Cascade) • Carmalitha Gumbs (District 2, Cliftondale) ● Helen Z. Willis (District 3, Welcome All) ● Mayor William "Bill" Edwards ● Naeema Gilyard (District 4, Cedar Grove) ● Corey Reeves (District 5, Flat Shoals) ● Councilman khalid (District 6, Old National) ● Mark Baker (District 7, Hwy 138)

Virtual Meeting
Watch LIVE via Facebook at this link

Watch Live Tuesday Here
City of South Fulton Council Meetings are usually held every 2nd & 4th Tuesday. These meetings are public and everyone is invited to attend.  

​Council Meetings begin at 5 PM with a Work Session where complex issues are discussed in detail. Topics to be discussed at Tuesday's Work Session an update on budget cuts and new laws being proposed at the State Capitol this year.
March 17 Docs Available Fri, March 13
Executive Session usually begins around 6PM. This is where sensitive legal matters regarding personnel, real estate and possible lawsuits are discussed. This is the only section of the meeting that is not open to the public. Councilmembers move to a private room while the public waits in the audience. This section of the meeting lasts 30 minutes to an hour.
​
Note: This is the perfect time for citizens to speak with the Directors of City Departments such as Parks, Police, Fire, Public Works, City Court, Human Resources and others.

​Part 2 of the Public Meeting begins at 7 PM. The meeting opens with Proclamations recognizing outstanding contributions by citizens, followed by Public Comment.  During Public Comment, residents are invited to speak directly to the full City Council on any topic of their choosing. To speak during Public Comment, please arrive by 6:45 PM and see the City Clerk for a Public Comment Card.
March 17 Agenda Available Fri, March 13
The Regular Meeting Agenda picks up after Proclamations & Public Comment. On 4th Thursdays, the meeting beings with Public Hearings about Zoning Cases for land development. A 2nd round of public comment is held where those both in favor of and against a particular development can argue for their point of view on the proposed development.
FUTURE COUNCIL MEETING DATES
(Regular Meetings held 2nd & 4th Tuesdays)

March 17, 2020 (rescheduled for Council Travel)
March 31, 2020 (rescheduled for GA Presidential Primary)
April 14, 2020
April 28, 2020
May 12, 2020
May 26, 2020
​Full videos of previous council meetings, as well as Meeting Minutes & Documents can be found at khalidCares.com Archives. ​​
Visit khalidCares Archives

COVID-19 Online Town Hall
Wednesday, April 8 • 6PM

COVID-19 Online Town Hall
Wednesday, April 8 • 6PM

Councilman khalid is joining with the New Georgia Project, local doctors and others to host a COVID-19 Coronavirus Online Town Hall this Wednesday, April 8 at 6PM. khalidCares.com
Join the Online Town Hall

City of South Fulton Issues Evening Curfew, 9PM-7PM

Tuesday, March 17 — In response to the growing COVID-19 epidemic, South Fulton's City Council voted to declare a State of Emergency and instituted a citywide, evening curfew from 9PM to 7AM. 

"The purpose of this curfew is not to declare martial law but to try and contain the spread of a deadly virus." explained South Fulton Councilman khalid in a video he released Friday (above). South Fulton Police Chief Keith Meadows says SFPD will focus its resources on getting businesses to comply with the curfew first. "If there is nowhere to go after 9PM, people shouldn't have a problem staying home," he says.
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Click to Read the South Fulton's Emergency Resolution
Under the State of Emergency:
  • City Hall & Municipal Court are closed
  • All city facilities, including city parks, are closed
  • Gatherings of 10 or more people are banned 
  • Residents are asked to be in their homes from 9PM to 7AM. Businesses are asked to close early to comply.
Police, Code Enforcement, Fire/EMT and other essential city personnel are still working full time. 

While South Fulton has not yet ordered restaurants to close their dining rooms, ordering carryout is encouraged. 
Exceptions to the evening curfew include:
  • Travel to and from Hospitals, Clinics, Pharmacies or other Medical Facilities
  • Travel to and from work, including public transit & rideshare (Lyft/Uber)
Walmart Old National and Walmart Cascade will have special, Senior-only Pharmacy & shopping hours from 6AM-7AM, as those over 60 are more susceptible to serious illness from a Coronavirus infection. 
Updated Thursday, March 19 at 2:00 PM EST
City (Municipal) Court
City Court is closed until April 1. If you have not received a Notice of Rescheduling of your hearing, or have other questions about you Court Date, please contact the Clerk of Municipal Court. 
(470) 809-7400
Email Clerk of Court
​Magistrate & Probate County Courts
Currently, Fulton County Courts have suspended all Civil (Non-Criminal) Court until April 15. This includes Evictions and Wage Garnishments.
​This may be extended to the end of the month. 
Contact your court to officer to confirm if your Court Date has been rescheduled.
FInd Your County Court Case
SEARCH STATEWIDE COURT DATABASE
Parks & Recreation
City Park buildings are closed & all Park programming is canceled.
Tony Phillips, Parks Director
(404) 557-3098
Email Director: Tony Phillips

Permitting, Planning & Zoning
Non-essential city services like building permits and zoning provided by our Community Development & Regulatory Affairs (CDRA) department are on hold until on or around April 1 as the city officials configure connectivity and telework options for non-essential city staff who are all working from home.

Shayla Reed, Director
(404) 557-3098
Email Director: Shayla Reed
​

CODE ENFORCEMENT, which helps maintain public health standards, is still very much active.
Email Code Enforcement
More City Updates

City Council Begins New Year with Old Arguments

​January 14, 2020 — At the January 11 Swearing-In of newly elected & re-elected City Councilmembers last weekend, South Fulton Mayor William "Bill" Edwards declared, "All hurts and feelings have passed. We are moving forward." However, South Fulton's first City Council Agenda of the new year continues fights from 2019.  The Mayor has placed at the top of tonight's agenda another reconsideration of December 2019 Mayoral vetos ruled invalid by a majority of Council. 

"If the Mayor wants to appeal the ruling of Council, he should file an appeal in Fulton County Superior Court. That's the process. You can debate a decision by Council — but you can't just disregard it." says Old National Councilman khalid. "If Mayor Edwards is serious about moving forward, instead of fighting about his veto powers he should be asking himself why he is using them so often."
Learn More
South Fulton's City Council has called for an investigation of Councilmember Helen Z. Willis, who has been accused of re-directing a development deal away from the city at the cost of $7 million, according to the city's financial planner.  khalidCares.com/News
At their October 22 meeting, South Fulton City Council voted to investigate whether or not Councilwoman Helen Willis colluded with Pike to re-direct real estate development deals away from the City's Development Authority (SFDA), costing the city over $7 million.

In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the head of County Development Authority, Al Nash said: 
“Helen Willis came to the development authority board and asked the board to approve the deal. The mayor and so-forth sent them our way.”  Yet Nash offers a different version of events in a written statement to the County Authority's attorney, which Mrosek made public at a Special Called Meeting Tuesday, November 26.  

Councilwoman Willis originally supported the City Development Authority, seconding the motion made by Mayor Pro tem Mark Baker which included the names of SFDA appointees. Then, after failed attempts to gain a controlling majority of the City Authority, Willis began to question Chairman Baker & the city development authority's ability "to handle multimillion-dollar deals." 
She can be seen in Council videos vowing to take "her" deals to the county authority.
See Video & Learn More
Saturday, February 22 khalid will commemorate four years working in electoral politics and three years in elected office with an Anniversary Canvass of his South Fulton neighborhood for Bernie Sanders, whom he credits for being elected to South Fulton's City Council. khalidCares.com/News
​Saturday, February 22 khalid will commemorate four years working in electoral politics and three years in elected office with an Anniversary Canvass of his South Fulton neighborhood for Bernie Sanders, whom he credits — along with Erin Parks — for being elected to South Fulton's City Council. RSVP for this special canvass at the link below.

City Council Makes Final Decisions on $100 Million Budget for 2020

Nearly half of City of South Fulton's Proposed 2020 Budget is spent on Public Safety. khalidCares.com/News
Nearly half of City of South Fulton's Proposed 2020 Budget is spent on Public Safety.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 — South Fulton's City Council made final decisions about its FY2020 Budget of over $100 million. In addition to of spending nearly $2 million to rent space for a Public Safety headquarters in an Old National Shopping Center, City Council is approved  another $500,000 in new police equipment; and is considering another $400,000 for an armored vehicle for the Police S.W.A.T. team.

Councilman khalid opposed this spending. He wants to see South Fulton spend more on economic development and employment opportunities for youth. "We currently spend nearly 50 cents of every tax dollar on public safety, and less than 1 cent of every dollar on economic development," he warns. "We cannot police our way to prosperity."  
​
READ MORE

Construction Job Training Program
Saturday, November 23 • 11AM

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Westside Works
261 Joseph E. Lowery Blvd, 30314

Click the picture above or link below to learn more; or email veda.white@cefga.org. 
Construction Ready is a 4-week, hands-on construction training & certification program. Training is FREE to those who reside in Fulton, Clayton and other metro Atlanta counties. All graduates may earn credentials in one or more programs including, OSHA 10 Hour Card, Forklift Safety, Laser Certification and more! 

An Information Session will be held Saturday, November 23 for high school seniors and those over 18 who are interested in learning more about the program.  You must attend an information session to apply for the program. No suit or paperwork is required to attend the info session. 
Construction Ready Job Training

Mayor Votes to End Investigation on Himself

December 30, 2019 — Around 6:00 p.m., after over 9 hours of meeting with no lunch or dinner break, 82-year-old, District 4 (Cedar Grove) Councilwoman Naeema Gilyard left the room. District 1 (Cascade) Councilwoman Catherine Rowell seized the opportunity to call to adjourn the meeting before the defense called any witnesses, or the Council deliberated on the evidence they heard. Councilwoman Willis, the primary target of the investigation, seconded the motion. With only six councilmembers remaining in the room, Mayor Edwards cast the deciding vote to adjourn the meeting without any closure to the issue.  
Learn More

Councilman khalid Joins Civil Rights Leaders at KSU Protest
Thursday, January 16 • 11.30AM

Councilman khalid Joins Civil Rights Leaders at KSU Protest Thursday, January 16 • 11.30AM www.khalidCares.comPicture

Kennesaw State University
Convocation Center & Campus Green
590 Cobb Avenue • Kennesaw, 30144

​Thursday, January 16, 2019 — A coalition of Kennesaw State University (KSU) students and Civil Rights leaders will meet at 11:30 a.m. today on the Campus Green outside the college's Convocation Center to protest the college's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program. The protest is being led by KSUnited, who also lead the protests supporting student athletes that "took a knee" to protest racism and police brutality in 2017. 

The fight over Kennesaw State's King Day programming began in 2015, after the university's African-American Student Union — which organized all MLK programming — invited former Black Panther
Angela Davis to speak on campus. After a conservative backlash in local media, KSU President Sam Olens and the university administration began to take control of King Day programming from students. 
Learn More
December 30, 2019 — After months of delays, false starts and threatened lawsuits, it seemed as if the citizens of South Fulton would finally get to see and hear all the evidence of an investigation prompted by allegations that South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards, Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis and Economic Development Director Christopher Pike steered two real estate development deals away from South Fulton's new City Development Authority to Fulton's County Development Authority.

Around 6:00 p.m., after over 9 hours of meeting with no lunch or dinner break, 82-year-old, District 4 (Cedar Grove) Councilwoman Naeema Gilyard left the room. District 1 (Cascade) Councilwoman Catherine Rowell seized the opportunity to call to adjourn the meeting before the defense called any witnesses, or the Council deliberated on the evidence they heard. Councilwoman Willis, the primary target of the investigation, seconded the motion. With only six councilmembers remaining in the room, Mayor Edwards cast the deciding vote to adjourn the meeting without any closure to the issue.  
NOV 12  Work Session Agenda & DOCS
City of South Fulton Council Meetings are usually held every 2nd & 4th Tuesday. These meetings are public and everyone is invited to attend.  

​Council Meetings begin at 5 PM with a Work Session where complex issues are discussed in detail. Topics to be discussed at Tuesday's Work Session include a redesign of the Interstate 285 & 20 interchange and selection of T. Dallas Smith as the city's exclusive Commercial Real Estate Broker. 
NOV 12  Work Session Agenda & DOCS
Executive Session usually begins around 6PM. This is where sensitive legal matters regarding personnel, real estate and possible lawsuits are discussed. This is the only section of the meeting that is not open to the public. Councilmembers move to a private room while the public waits in the audience. This section of the meeting lasts 30 minutes to an hour. This is the perfect time for citizens to speak with the Directors of City Departments such as Parks, Police, Fire, Public Works, City Court, Human Resources and others.

​Part 2 of the Public Meeting begins at 7 PM. The meeting opens with Proclamations recognizing outstanding contributions by citizens, followed by Public Comment. During Public Comment, residents are invited to speak directly to the full City Council on any topic of their choosing. 

The Regular Meeting Agenda picks up after Proclamations & Public Comment. Topics to be discussed in this meeting include increasing the amount of money allocated to the city's Blighted Property Fund. Created by Councilman khalid, the Blighted Property Fund provides money to prosecute slumlords and seize blighted & abandoned properties throughout the city. 
NOV 12 MEETING AGENDA & DOCS
View All Metro Area Results

SOUTH FULTON CITY COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Half of South Fulton's City Council is up for re-election this November khalidCares.com/Vote
Half of the City of South Fulton Councilmembers are up for re-election this November (clockwise):
Catherine Rowell (District 1• Cascade, Loch Lomond, Fulton Industrial), Helen Z. Willis (District 3 • Roosevelt Hwy, Welcome All, Red Oak), Rosie Jackson (District 5 • Old National Hwy, Flat Shoals, Buffington Rd), Mark Baker (District 7 • Hwy 138, Oakley Industrial, Fife)
LEARN MORE

South Fulton's Joe Carn Wins County Commissioner Race

Former College Park City Councilman Joe Carn will face Former Fulton County Commissioner Gordon Joyner in an October 15 Special Election to replace late South Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell. khalidCares.com/VoteClick to View Detailed Election Results
​Former College Park City Councilman Joe Carn will be the next South Fulton County Commission District 6 (South Fulton). Though Carn won decisively with nearly 63 percent of the vote, less than 3 percent of registered voters showed up for the election. He will be the only person on the 7 seat Fulton County Commission that lives south of Atlanta. Click the picture above to view detailed Election Results. 

OCT 8  Work Session Agenda & DOCS
SEPT 24 MEETING AGENDA & DOCS
September 24 Work Session Agenda
Executive Session usually begins around 6PM. This is where sensitive legal matters regarding personnel, real estate and possible lawsuits are discussed. This is the only section of the meeting that is not open to the public. Councilmembers move to a private room while the public waits in the audience. This section of the meeting lasts 30 minutes to an hour. This is the perfect time for citizens to speak with the Directors of City Departments such as Parks, Police, Fire, Public Works, City Court, Human Resources and others.

​Part 2 of the Public Meeting begins at 7 PM. On 4th Tuesdays, City Council hears Zoning Cases in which businesses and developers request to rezone land inside city limits for various business uses. These Zoning Hearings usually last an hour, and those supporting or opposing these business uses are allowed to speak at this time. Click the link below to view Zoning issues to be heard Tuesday, September 24. 

On 4th Tuesdays the General Public Meeting usually begins around 8PM. At this time, residents are invited to speak directly to the full City Council on any topic of their choosing. This Public Comment portion of the meeting begins after Proclamations recognizing outstanding achievements of South Fulton citizens.​

Topics to be discussed in the September 24 Meeting include transfer of the Southwest Arts Center to from the County to the City; a Resolution defining what is and is not a City event; and a proposal to use City savings to buy a $400,000 armored vehicle for the City's S.W.A.T. team. 
SEPT 24 MEETING AGENDA & DOCS

Video Newsletter #2

In his 2nd Video Newsletter, City of South Fulton Councilman khalid explains city plans to overhaul it's Parks & Recreation Department, which includes a study of the effectiveness of Athletic Associations, and bringing health screenings & Senior programming to more of the city's parks.  

Gunna Performs for Hundreds at 5th Annual Old Nat Day

Hundreds came to Old National Park Labor Day Weekend for the city's largest block party. South Fulton's own Gunna made a surprise appearance at this year's event.
READ MORE

Councilman khalid Endorses Bernie Sanders in 2020 Presidential Race​

America's first #BlackLivesMatter organizer elected to public office says he's
Russia’s Manchurian candidate, Donald Trump, high-jacked an entire political party by exploiting America’s repressed racial animus. The Mueller Report makes clear that Russian President Vladimir Putin — a former KGB agent as skilled at destabilizing governments as any in our CIA — is actively manipulating our President to inflame racial tensions and further polarize our antiquated, two-party government. Racism is now a national security issue.

In June, Vermont’s Public Access Channel CCTV released the entire archives of 1980s TV show: “Bernie Speaks.” The City of Burlington cable access show was created in 1986 by then-Mayor Bernie Sanders to circumvent commercial media and promote his political agenda directly to constituents. I went online and began binge-watching episodes. I was looking for reasons to believe in Bernie again. I found them.

I also found myself.

Read Full Editorial
AUG 13 AGENDA AVAILABLE HERE FRIDAY, AUG 9

City Council Audits Expenses in Preparation for Annual Mid-Year Budget Adjustments

​As City Council prepares for a Mid-Year Budget Review discovery of mold at the Sandtown Recreation Center forces Council to rethink budget priorities at its February 26, 2019 meeting. 

Grady Cuts South Fulton Response Time to Under 10 Minutes

Grady Cuts South Fulton Response Time to Under 10 Minutes (Atlanta Business Journal, khalidCares.com/News)
March 7, 2019 — In response to concerns from South Fulton county municipal leaders about unacceptable EMS response time, the regional EMS council released an RFP in early 2018 to select a South Fulton county EMS service provider. The regional EMS council recommended Grady as the new South Fulton county EMS service provider effective July 1, 2018. Grady assumed responsibility as the sole EMS service provider for five South Fulton county jurisdictions.

According to outgoing Fire Chief Larry Few, the average response time for EMS calls in the City of South Fulton has dropped from 30 minutes to under 10 minutes.  As a result, the city's ISO rating is being upgraded, which will result in lower Homeowners & Renters Insurance rates in the coming years. 
​
​Read Full Article
#SouthFultonSummer's August Block Party will feature a Back 2 School Giveaway Friday, August 2 khalidCares.com/Summer

#SouthFultonSummer
Back-2-School Block Party
Friday, August 2 • 7PM

Creel Park
2775 Creel Road, South Fulton  30349

​It's Councilman khalid's Back-2-School Block Party & Giveaway! Fulton County Schools First Day of School for the 2019-2020 year is August 12, 2019. Old National area Principals, Guidance Counselors & Community Liaisons will discuss what to do to get your child ready to go back to school; and a panel of community activists featuring Transforming Youth's Chris Bazemore will discuss warning signs & intervention techniques in dealing with today's troubled youth. ​

Outdoor Movie: Boyz In the Hood
Starts at Sunset (around 9PM)

#SouthFultonSummer's final Outdoor Film will be the Black Cinema classic,
READ MORE

Funeral Services for Deceased ​South Fulton Commissioner Emma Darnell
Monday, May 13 • 11AM

Deceased South Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell will be laid to rest Monday, May 13, 2019 at 11AM at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church at 534 Fairburn Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30331. 49 years ago this week, Emma Darnell, the first woman to head a City Department in Atlanta, graced the cover of Jet Magazine. khalidCares.com/News
49 years ago this week, Emma Darnell, the first woman to head a City Department in Atlanta, graced the cover of Jet Magazine.

Jackson Memorial Baptist Church 
​534 Fairburn Rd NW • Atlanta, 30331

Sunday, May 5, 2019 — Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell passed away in the early hours of Sunday, May 5, 2019. She was 84 years old, and had served on the Fulton County Commission for 27 years.

Darnell was the first woman to head a government department in the City of Atlanta. She played a key role in helping Atlanta transition from an all-white political power structure to the predominately black City Hall we know today. She worked with Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson on Atlanta’s Minority Participation Plan featured in the award-winning documentaries Eyes on the Prize and Maynard. 
Read More

Councilman khalid Challenges City to Tackle African American Issues in Annual Address

Thursday, April 25, 2019 — In his annual address, City of South Fulton Councilman khalid challenges residents of the Blackest City in America to prioritize African Americans in policymaking. May 1, 2019 marks the 2nd Anniversary of cityhood for Atlanta's new twin city: South Fulton, Georgia. Watch a clip from his annual address. 
June 9 Council Meeting Agenda & Docs
The City of South Fulton's Council Meetings are usually held every 2nd & 4th Tuesday. However, next week City Council will take a brief, Summer Break as they attend out-of-town trainings. The next regularly scheduled City Council Meeting will be held, Tuesday, July 9.

​Council Meetings usually begin at 5 PM with a Work Session where complex issues are discussed in detail. This is often followed by an Executive Session (closed to the public) around 6PM. Topics to be discussed in the July 9 Work Session include discussions about raising salaries for Firefighters & Police Officers and attracting more commercial development to the city

​Part 2 of the Public Meeting usually begins at 7 PM. This is open to the public, and everyone is invited to speak directly to the full council during the Public Comment portion of the meeting, which usually beings around 7.30 PM after Proclamations recognizing outstanding achievements of South Fulton citizens.​

Topics to be discussed at the 7PM meeting include 
turning over the Code Enforcement of Godby Road's Sierra Townehomes to the City of College Park, and allowing the use of traffic cameras to issue speeding tickets and other traffic citations.

SOUTH FULTON NEWS ARCHIVES

LOCAL TALK SHOW HOSTS OLD NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEBATE 

​April 12 — This month, South Fulton Councilman khalid formally introduced a proposal to spark economic development on Old National Highway. The entity, known as a Downtown Development Authority (DDA), is a bond financing tool created by the Georiga State Legislature to help revitalized economically-depressed commercial districts.  
Councilman khalid dispels myths about Downtown Development Authority.
"Old National is the city's number one commercial corridor," says South Fulton's Director of Economic Development, Christopher Pike. Yet after hours discussing economic development on Old National, South Fulton's City Council took no action to develop the area. A huge point of contention seems to be the use of the word "Downtown" in the entity's title — a legislative requirement. This sparked a firestorm of criticism from some South Fulton residents who feel Old National is "too ghetto" to represent the city.   
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Old National Promoters Torrey & Tiffaney Tomlinson host a regular, Sunday night talk show at South Fulton's Burn Lounge. The show, whose discussions usually center around relationships and other current topics in popular media, caters to an under-50 demographic which is generally unaware of South Fulton politics.  The husband & wife team dedicated their entire April 14 show to a conversation about the DDA & economic development on Old National.

Watch a replay of the show below.
Tuesday, April 9 – Councilman khalid leads a discussion & call to create a South Perimeter Development Authority (DDA)  to redevelop Old National Highway. With only the 3 Old National Councilpeople supporting it, the initiative was voted down by South Fulton's City Council at the following meeting.  
Learn More

Strategic Planning Survey Closes March 31

Questions about how to budget for services & marketing for the new City of South Fulton have been the focus of several Strategic Planning Sessions conducted by city officials over the past two months. khalidCares.com/News
March Strategic Planning Session
How urban/commercial of a city are we willing to become to pay for the services and economic development we desire? As the city improves, how do we keep the cost of living affordable for the citizens that have called South Fulton home for decades? How do we brand our new City to attract new businesses & economic development? With the name South Fulton, how do we distinguish ourselves from the County?  

These questions and more have been the focus of several Strategic Planning Sessions conducted by city officials over the past two months. An Online Strategic Planning Survey was available through March 31, 2019. 

More Community Feedback Sessions are scheduled on topics such as Zoning, Planning & Economic Development. Subscribe to our newsletter (at the top of the page) to receive updates on these upcoming meetings. 

South Fulton Votes Yes to "Ban The Box" to Give Former Felons a Second Chance

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January 24, 2019 — With legislation led by Mayor Pro tem Mark Baker, the City of South Fulton will now "Ban the Box" on its employment applications for non public safety positions. Watch the WSB-TV news story on the initiative below. 
WSB-TV 2's Fred Blankenship South Fulton's "Ban the Box" Initiatove

Neighborhood Street Resurfacing Has Begun!

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June 2018 — After years of neglect, South Fulton is re-surfacing its streets. The money for resurfacing comes from the Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST), which voters approved in 2016 along with our new city.  The Fulton County Public Works Department used the Paving Conditions Index to prioritize streets in the worst condition to be paved first.

​Click the button below to see if your street is on upcoming paving lists. Streets are listed by neighborhood/subdivision. If you feel your street needs immediate attention, please call our Public Works 24/7 Hotline at (470) 552-4311.
2017-21 Repaving Schedule (By Neighborhood)

AMR Out, Grady In as South Fulton's Ambulance Provider

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March 2018 — After years of complaints from South Fulton citizens about American Medical Response (AMR)'s slow response times, Georgia's Region 3 EMS Council — which oversees ambulance contracts throughout the metro Atlanta area — awarded the contract for South Fulton ambulance services to Grady Hospital. Grady is promising faster service times,and has begun hiring for paramedics in South Fulton. Hiring bonuses are available.

Grady will also be hiring for its new ​​Comprehensive Care Center at Camp Creek. Interested individuals can apply online.  
Apply Online

South Fulton Electoral College
Saturday, October 20 • 10AM

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Kingdom of God International Ministry
at Welcome All Park
4590 Welcome All Rd, 30349

America's first #BlackLivesMatter organizer elected to public office, Councilman khalid of South Fulton, Georgia hosts an annual Day of Political Education on the First Saturday of Early Voting. Citizens learn about local government, get educated on every ballot item and question candidates running for office before going to vote across the street at an Early Voting location.​

CITY OF SOUTH FULTON, GEORGIA BECOMES ONE OF FIRST IN THE NATION TO MAKE ELECTION DAY A FULL, PAID HOLIDAY FOR ALL CITY EMPLOYEES

On Tuesday, August 28, the City of South Fulton made history by becoming the first city in the South to make Election Day an annual, paid holiday. Clarkston, Georgia passed similar legislation in 2016, giving its city employees a half-day.  

"The goal of the Holiday, the Electoral College, and other legislation I will be presenting is to create a culture of voting." says South Fulton City Councilman khalid. "We are going to increase voter education and voter turnout in South Fulton, and show politicians statewide that Georgia's fifth largest city is not to be ignored."
City of South Fulton, Georgia Moves to make Election Day an Annual Holiday
Read South Fulton's Election Holiday Resolution

Did You Survive "The Purge?"

Georgia has purged 1.3 million voters from its voter rolls. Too often, these people do not discover they have been "purged" until they go to vote. Councilman khalid & the New Georgia Project are working to contact these 1 million voters, and others, before Georgia's Voter Registration ends Tuesday, October 9.
Check Your Voter Registration

​Indigenous People's Day
Monday • October 8, 2016

City of South Fulton becomes first in Georgia to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day (khalidCares.com)
The City of South Fulton makes history again, becoming the first city in the State of Georgia to replace the observance of Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. The resolution was drafted by ​​​​Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Baker to "recognize Native Americans, who were the first inhabitants of South Fulton and the land that later became the United States." The resolution was passed unanimously by South Fulton's all African-American city council and signed into law by the Mayor in July.  

South Fulton joins nearly 100 cities in the United States who now celebrate this holiday. The city's first Indigenous People's Day celebration is now being planned. If you have Native American ancestry or knowledge of local Native American history, please click the link below to contact Mayor Pro tem Baker's office to participate.  
Learn More or Volunteer

First Lady Michelle Obama Holds
National Voter Registration Day Events
in South Fulton

Tuesday, October 25 — First Lady Michelle Obama is calling for a week of action to ensure that every American registers to vote for the upcoming election. Over 75 Registration Events are being held in Georgia, including several in South Fulton. Click the button below to find an event close to you, register to vote, or volunteer to help others get registered! 
Find a Voter Registration Event

Economic Development Update
​Friday, September 28 • 11.30AM

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South Fulton Library
​4055 Flat Shoals Rd, 30291

RICE Award
Saturday, September 29 • 5PM

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Atlanta City City Hall
55 Trinity Ave SW, 30303

South Fulton's Councilman khalid has been nominated for the Rising In Community Excellence (RICE) Civil Servant of the Year Award. You can vote, daily until September 24, at the link below. 

ONMA 5K
Saturday, September 15 • 8AM

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Register for ONMA 5K

National Night Out w/ South Fulton Police & Fire

Old National Town Center
6385 Old National Hwy, 30349

Opening of Cedar Grove Police Mini Precinct
Saturday, August 4 • 1PM

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6015 Lynmark Way, 30213

Public Works Open Houses
​Monday & Tuesday, July 16-17, 2018

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South Fulton Maintenance Center
7472 Cochran Road, 30349

South Fulton Arts Center
4645 Butner Road, 30349​

Summer Burning Ban
May 1 — September 30 

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North Georgia has issued a burning ban in 54 counties, including Fulton. The City of South Fulton Fire Department will be issuing citations for violators who are burning trash/debris this Summer. 

As an alternative to burning, debris can be hauled to a commercial processing/grinding/composting operation or to an inert or construction and demolition landfill. For a list of landfills in your area, please call the Environmental Protection Division's Solid Waste Management Program at 404-362-2692.

SOUTH FULTON'S 2019 BUDGET

July 2018 — The Calendar by which our City budgets & spends money is known as the Fiscal Year (FY). FY2019 will begin October 1, 2018 (much like the 2019 School Year begins in Fall 2018). The federal government's Fiscal Year also beings October 1.
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Click on image above to enlarge.
Like most cities, South Fulton city spends about half its budget on Public Safety (Police, Fire & 911 services). 
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Note: Administration includes Mayor, Council, HR, IT, Facilities, Financial, Legal, Clerk salaries & expenses. Public Works includes streets, right-of-way and stormwater maintenance. Economic Development includes Planning Department salaries & services, and money collected from Hotel/Motel taxes.

Around 20 percent of the City Budget goes to service our Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) debt. This is the money the City borrowed during startup while waiting to receive property tax revenues from the state, which as delayed for several months this year while Fulton County argued with the Georgia Department of Revenue over 2018 Tax Assessments.. 

The City of South Fulton is holding several Community Budget Workshops & Hearings on the 2019 Budget . View the schedule below and please RSVP for a Community Budget Workshop. You can also fill out South Fulton's 2019 Budget Survey at the link below.
2019 Community Budget Workshop

Saturday, June 30 • 9AM
Burdett Gym • 2945 Burdett Rd, 30349

Thursday, July 12 • 6PM
Southwest Arts Center • 915 New Hope Rd, 30331
Tuesday, July 17 • 6PM
Welcome All Park • 4255 Will Lee Rd, 30349

RSVP for July 17 Town Hall
2019 Council Budget Meetings (Public Invited)

Council Sets Budget Priorities
Monday, July 16 • 9AM-4PM

South Fulton Marriott Fairfield Inn
7775 Ella Lane, 30213


2019 BUDGET & MILLAGE RATE HEARINGS
ALL at South Fulton Service Center 
5600 
Stonewall Tell Road, 30349

Millage Rate Hearings
Thursday, July 19 • CANCELLED
Tuesday, July 24 • 6PM (during Council Meeting)
Tuesday, July 31 • 6PM


2019 Budget Fiinal Public Hearing Date
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
 • 6PM
Tuesday, Sept 11, 2018 • 5PM
Take 2019 Budget Survey

Councilman khalid Launches Video Newsletter

July 12, 2018 — In an effort to reach a wider audience with news about the new City of South Fulton, Councilman khalid has created a video newsletter, available on YouTube at khalidCaresTV. Please watch & share the video above.
Print Version

South Fulton Enforces Georgia's New Cell Phone Law

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Julty 1, 2018 — Georgia's new Hands Free law, which went into effect July 1,  prohibits drivers from touching their phones — or any other electronic devicesbesides a GPS — while driving. South Fulton Police (SFPD) havealready begun writing tickets. However, waivers are available for a first offense. Click on the letter above to learn how SFPD is enforcing the new law. Click the link below to learn more details about the law and its origins.  ​
Read More on the New Law

City of South Fulton Opens First Hotel
Thursday, June 28, 2018

Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites
7775 Ella Lane, 30213

June 28, 2018 — The City of South Fulton celebrated the opening of its first hotel this June — the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. Tucked behind the Hampton Inn off Senoia Road (Highway 74), the Fairfield Inn had a soft opening in February this year. It took a few months for Marriott hotel management and city officials to realize the lot on which the hotel sits was left un-annexed by the City of Fairburn, and is actually in the City of South Fulton.

According to Hotel Manager Cynthia Jones, two additional Marriott hotels are planned for this same lot, with Hotel/Motel tax revenues coming to our city. South Fulton's Mayor Pro tem Mark Baker and several members of City Council were present at the grand opening.

​Currently, the hotel address is listed online as Fairburn. The City of South Fulton is not yet recognized by mapping services like Google, Apple, Tom Tom or Garmin (GPS). However, residents or businesses with a South Fulton address can use our new city name on their mail, as the U.S. Postal Service delivers by street number & zip code. City Manager Odie Donald & Communications Specialist Ashley Minter-Osanyimbi are working to fix the GPS issue. 

Mayor's Walk - Old National
​Wednesday, June 27, 2018

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l. to r. South Fulton City Councilman khalid, Mayor Bill Edwards, State Representative Roger Bruce, District 1 Councilwoman Catherine Rowell & City Manager Odie Donald listen to concerns of Cascade business owner during Mayor's Walk on Cascade in May 2018.

Walmart Town Center
​6149 Old National Hwy, 30349

South Fulton's Mayor, William "Bill" Edwards and several top city officials will visit Old National's central business district Wednesday, June 27, 2018.  The Mayor's Walk initiative is the brainchild of Edwards & City Manager Odie Donald and is designed to help publicize South Fulton to local business owners, while also gaining feedback about their concerns.  The one-milewalk will focus on the Walmart Town Center Plaza in the heart of Old National's commercial district, which is represented by Councilman khalid.  The Mayor's Old National walk comes just two weeks ahead of much anticipated Old National Economic Development Summit. 
View Mayor's Walk Map & Details

New Spark Prize Offers $15,000
​for South Fulton Solutions

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Thursday, May 24 • 5PM
Camp Creek Business Center
1500 Centre Pkwy, 30349 • Suite 132

Aerotropolis Atlanta & the United Way of Greater Atlanta areco-sponsoring the first-ever SPARK Prize — a $15,000 "micro-grant" competition awarding up to $15,000 to innovators who pitch their proposed solutions in a “Shark Tank” style contest. Competitors are challenged to devise comprehensive new ideas to increase college and career readiness and promote financial stability for families. The winner was announced May 24, 2018.

South Fulton's First Annual Spring Festival a Success!

Tomlinson & Old National Entertainment (O.N.E.) produced the city's First Annual Spring Egg-stravaganza in Creel Park Easter Weekend. Attendees met City Councilpeople and our new Police Chief, Sheila Rogers. The event was staffed by all-youth vendors, and included a kids fashion show and an Adult Egg Hunt with hundreds of dollars in prizes. View the video above to see a recap of this fun, family-friendly event.  

South Fulton Responds to Chesnut Ridge Tornado

PictureThe March 19 storm ravaged the Jumpers Road & the Chestnut Ridge Subdivision in South Fulton's District 4 (near Fairburn).
March 24, 2018 — In the late hours of Monday, March 19, a tornado tore through South Fulton's Chesnut Ridge subdivison, just down the street from Langston Hughes High School. Nearly 50 homes were severely damaged. Some were completely destroyed. ​

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City of South Fulton Officials quickly organized a cleanup for Chesnut Ridge Tornado victims.
City of South Fulton officials responded within hours, surveying the damage the next day, and organizing a massive volunteer cleanup event that week. The Home Depot donated dozens of volunteers and free materials to the cleanup effort. Councilman khalid came to volunteer, along with several South Fulton City Hall staff, as well as officers and officials from Fairburn and Fulton County.  

Never without his smartphone, millennial Councilman khalid helped one tornado survivor, Katrina Dawson, set up a GoFundMe page on site. The single mother of two lost her home in the tornado, but her insurance company denied her claim for missing one payment. ​
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South Fulton citizens have raised over $5,000 to help Tornado Survivor Katrina Dawson & her family. 
With the help of Councilman khalid, District 4 Councilwoman Naeema Gilyard & WAOK personality Rashad Richey, South Fulton citizens have raised over $5,000 for Katrina Dawson, a single mother of two whose home was destroyed by the tornado; but whose insurance company is denying her claim.  
Donate to the Dawson Family Fund

Old National Kroger NOT Closing

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In November, rumors began circulating that South Fulton's Old National Kroger was scheduled to close on January 15.

Kroger's Atlanta Corporate Affairs/Public Relations Manager Felix Turner said in statement on November 21: "There are no plans to close the Old National store at this time."

Councilman khalid is arranging a meeting with in-store and regional managers of Kroger, similar to his Creel Park meeting, to discuss ways to "deepen Kroger & Old National's commitment to one another." 

Community Comes Together To Support Family of Slain Liquor Store Clerk

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Click picture to see 11Alive News Story
December 23, 2017 — Just three days before Christmas, a shootout during an attempted robbery at Old National Liquor Store in College Park leaves three dead, including a mother of six. But men from the Old National Area are stepping up to help support the family.
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35 year-old Mashonda "Mimi" Roberts was caught in a crossfire between Old National Liquor Store owner Tea Moe & 19 year-old Brandon Doe, a star football player from the Valdosta area. The teenager attempted to rob the store last Friday and ended up in a shootout with the owner.  There is no information yet on why Doe, one of Georgia's top-ranked high school running backs, was involved in the armed robbery attempt, or how he ended up in the Old National area.  Doe & Moe died on the scene, while Roberts died later at Grady Hospital.

Mimi leaves behind six children — four girls & two boys aged 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 & 17 — just two days before Christmas. Longtime community activist Torrey Tomlinson of Old National Entertainment (O.N.E.) has teamed up with Keith Lewis of I'm A Father First to provide Christmas gifts for the children and financial support for the family. 
​
Donate To Mimi's Family Now

South Fulton Celebrates Burdett Coach Elbert Outlaw

Fulton County's Parks & Recreation Department celebrates the life of Old National's iconic basketball Coach Elbert Outlaw with the dedication of a court at the Burdett Gym, and the First Annual Holiday Basketball Tournement — The Elbert Outlaw Holiday Classic. 
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Burdett Park's Coach Elbert “Al” Lewis Outlaw passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017. “Coach Law” mentored a generation of youth in our community in basketball; and as a teacher & advisor. He was a father figure to many who walked through the doors of Burdett Gym and heard those words he repeated so often: “Heart. Pride. Determination.”
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Former Burdett Park regular-turned-R&B Superstar Richard Wingo with Old National Councilwoman Rosie Jackson
South Fulton City Council, along with Fulton County Parks Director Tony Phillips, Commissioner Emma Darnell, and the Fulton County Parks Department, gathered to celebrate the life the legendary Burdett basketball coach with a Court Dedication and Annual Alumni Basketball Tournament.

2017 OLD NATIONAL ELECTORAL COLLEGE NEWS


​Short List of Proposed City Names to be Revealed at 
​Electoral College

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The eyes of South Fulton turn to Old National, Saturday, as the city's largest commercial corridor hosts a Day of Political Education called the #OldNatElectoral College. 

​The marketing team of 
Vivo360 & Bunnie Jackson-Ransom's firstClass, Inc. were elected by City Council to help guide City Council in the selection of a new city name.

The firms have narrowed a total of 245 submissions by citizens to a short list of 20, to be presented to Electoral College attendees as one of a series of scheduled town halls planned to collect feedback on proposed city names.  


The 3PM class, New Name. New City. New Vision. will also feature discussions about the city’s motto, seal, and overall vision for the future.


​Candidates for Governor Confirm Attendance at Electoral College Town Halls

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Leading Democratic Candidates for Governor, Stacey Abrams & Stacey Evans, will hold town halls and take questions from residents at the Old National Electoral College — a day of political education designed to encourage South Fulton residents to become more involved in the political process. 

"As far as I know, no candidate for Governor has ever come to Old National. I'm incredibly excited." says South Fulton Councilman khalid, who represents Central Old National and has worked with both Abrams & Evans in the past.  

Candidates for the At-Large Chair of Fulton County Board of Commissioners and State Senate for District 39 — both on the ballot for South Fulton Voters this November — have also been invited to two evening debates. 

Those who attend Electoral College classes will receive priority in seating and asking questions during all candidate forums.  ​
Read Press Release

South Fulton Prepares for Old National Electoral College

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Councilman khalid & Mayor Edwards Team Up for Old National Electoral College
On Tuesday, July 25, the City of South Fulton, Georgia made history, becoming the first in the southern United States to declare Election Day a city holiday. The goal was to create a Day of Political Education, similar to the annual MLK Day of service, to cultivate a "culture of voting." 

Though at odds over the holiday itself (which has been postponed for reconsideration in 2018), South Fulton's Mayor & youngest Councilmember have joined forces for a Day of Political Education called the Old National Electoral College, to be held ​Saturday, November 4. 
​The idea for the Electoral College came to Councilman khalid during his run for a seat on South Fulton's inaugural city council, where he was shocked by low rates of voter participation.
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Nearly 3 out of 4 South Fulton voters did not show up for the city's inaugural elections. The Electoral College is part of a larger initiative to increase participation in the political process.
"I have come to recognize that people don't vote or participate in local government — not because they don't care — but because they don't understand how it works." khalid explains. "If you're overwhelmed by a system, you feel less entitled to create change in it." ​

​To combat this political disenfranchisement, Councilman khalid created ​the event to educate citizens on how municipal, county, state & federal offices interact with each other; and inform constituents on current political issues that affect South Fulton. ​

Those who attend Electoral College classes will receive priority in seating and asking questions during all candidate forums.  

The Electoral College event, which will include a Welcome by South Fulton's Mayor, and Town Halls with 2018 gubernatorial candidates, has already garnered positive press for the Old National area and the City of South Fulton. 
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Old National's Electoral College covered by Governing Magazine

Old National Gun Range Shot Down

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Citing vocal resistance from residents, and the probability that College Park's elected official would side with their constituents, developers have withdrawn their controversial bid to build a gun range at 5025 Old National Highway (the old Target building). The hearing on the issue at tonight's College Park City Council meeting has been cancelled.

As it happened with the 18-pump gas station planned for Creel Road at Old National Highway, the clamor of concerned residents caused developers to withdraw their application before it was voted on. Continued vigilance by our residents will help ensure responsible economic development in our neighborhoods. 

Creel Park Tennis Courts Re-Open
(Our Tax Dollars at Work In Our Neighborhood)

Thanks to the tireless efforts of neighbors in the Old National area, and the support of compassionate, Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell, the rundown tennis courts at Creel Park have been completely resurfaced and are now open for play.

​As an unincorporated area, we gave Fulton County over $15 million of our tax 
dollars every year; but we had to fight to get that money back to fund projects like this. As the City of South Fulton, our tax dollars will stay in our neighborhoods. And as your city councilman, I will make sure your money is spent the way YOU want.

khalid's Commentary
#BlackLivesMatter in South Fulton

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My City Hall Portrait
Like many young men, I came to the inaugural meeting of the Atlanta Chapter of #BlackLivesMatter angry about the unnecessary deaths of local victims like Alexia Christian, Anthony Hill, Nicholas Thomas, Caine Rogers, Ariston Waiters, and a list of others that is growing way too long.  But I quickly became immersed in the interdisciplinary activism of #BlackLivesMatter, which includes fighting for liveable wages, affordable housing and access to healthcare. 
Read More on Black Lives Matter

Let's END the School-to-Prison Pipeline

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Across the nation, researchers and award-winning cities are innovating programs to intervene in the lives of at-rish youth before they enter the prison pipeline.

Click on the links below to listen to GBP "Second Thought" episodes and learn how South Fulton can invest in our Juveniles instead of our Juvenile Detention System.
One 14-Hour Intervention Changes Brain Scans & Biology of At-Risk Teens
Listen Here
Savannah Saves At-Risk Youth by Teaching Them A Trade
Listen Here

Urban Farming
Best Practices of Award Winning Cities

Appetite For Change is a community lead nonprofit in Minneapolis that uses food as a tool to build health, wealth and social change in the cities urban areas through community cooking workshops, and urban agriculture. The organization boasts its own neighborhood restaurant, as well as a catering company and food business incubator.

The song above was written and produced by youth in its urban farming program, which provides direct career pathways to the farming and food service industry.

Here in South Fulton our Food Policy Council is beginning similar initiatives. Learn how to Get Involved with them on my Community page.
GET INVOLVED

Get the latest news & info on Atlanta's New Twin City - South Fulton, GA

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RECENT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

View video & read the Meeting Minutes of recent meetings — which include the votes of each Councilmember on each issue — at the links below.

​The Agendas, Documents & Meeting Minutes of every City of South Fulton Council Meeting is available at: www.CityofSouthFultonGA.gov

​June 11, 2019

Topics discussed at the June 11 5PM Work Session included a discussion on upgrading body cameras for South Fulton Police Department (SFPD) officers; and updating the City of South Fulton's Comprehensive Transportation plan, which includes future of mass transit plans for the area. ​
June 11 5PM Work Session
Topics to discussed at the June 11 7PM Regular Meeting ​included the swearing in of new South Fulton Fire Chief Freddie Broome (formally Valdosta's Fire Chief), grants for Public Works projects and Gang Youth Diversion Programs, updates to our Code Enforcement Ordinance, and more discussion about an Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to finance government projects. ​
June 11 7PM Regular Meeting
June 11 Agenda & Docs

​May 28, 2019

Topics discussed at the May 28 5PM Work Session included a discussion of the financial ramifications of the city's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), which would allow City Council to borrow money for city infrastructure projects. Also on the agenda is a discussion about changing the meetings times and order of City Council Meetings.
May 28 5PM Work Session
5PM WoRK SESSION AGENDA & DOCS
Topics discussed at the May 28 7PM Regular Meeting ​included  Zoning Hearings for Legend Oaks Phase II (Butner Rd at Stonewall Tell), the Bluffs at Camp Creek (Butner Rd at Camp Creek) and others. Also on the Agenda are Ordinances to create new Citizen Advisory Boards, and an Ordinance to use 50 percent of Code Enforcement fines to deal with blighted properties in the city. ​
May 28 7PM Council Meeting
7PM Meeting Agenda & Docs
May 28 Meeting Minutes

​May 14, 2019

Topics at the May 14 5PM Work Session included a discussion of the $80,000 Economic Development Study commissioned by City Council, as well as an update on the overhaul of South Fulton's Zoning Code & Design Overlays which regulate the placement & appearance of business and residential properties throughout the city (page 19 of Agenda Documents).
May 14 5PM Work Session
May 14 5PM Work Session minutes
Topics at the May 14 7PM Regular Meeting ​included an amendment to South Fulton's Ethics Ordinance, sponsored by Councilwoman Willis, allowing employees of other municipalities to serve on the city's Ethics Board (pg. 205); and a Traffic Calming Resolution (209) regulating the installation & maintenance of traffic calming devices such as speed bumps, traffic circles and lane chokers. 
May 14 7PM Council Meeting
May 14 7PM Meeting minutes

Council Votes to Remove Municipal Court Judge

March 19, 2019 — In compliance with Georgia State Code, O.C.G.A. 36-32-2.1, South Fulton's City Council voted to remove the City Court's Chief Judge. 
March 19 Hearing to Remove Chief Judge of Municipal Court Judge
South Fulton City Council released this statement after the hearing: "The City of South Fulton is proud of the initial strides taken in standing up a municipal court and the implementation of an innovative model centered on restorative justice. In line with the City’s focus on continuous quality improvement, the municipal court structure and personnel are vital to the future success of the City. The City of South Fulton’s Municipal Court is fully functional and open for business, and the City is excited to build on our strong foundation to further develop a national model for restorative justice."
View More Council Meetings
See All City Documents

Official South Fulton Welcome Signs Installed on Old National Hwy 
Thursday, September 6 • 9.30AM

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5175 Old Old National Hwy
(Checkers, corner of Old Bill Cook Rd)

Thursday, September 6, 2018 —the City of South Fulton will install Welcome to South Fulton signs on Old National Highway. 

Join Councilman khalid & other City Officials for a Welcome Sign installation at 5175 Old National Hwy (corner with Checkers at Old Bill Cook Rd) at 930AM.

South Fulton Swears In First
Permanent Police Chief

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Southwest Arts Center
915 New Hope Road, 30331

Wednesday, September 5, 2018 — The City of South Fulton swears in its first Permanent Police Chief this week. Keith Meadows will replace former Interim Chief Shiela Rogers as South Futon's "top cop." Meadows served as College Park's police chief for three years, where he oversaw the overhaul of the city's police department.  Before that, Meadows served for 30 years with the Atlanta's Police Department, where he headed APD's Homicide division.  

Mandatory Citywide Garbage Collection Coming This Fall
Presentation Tuesday, August 21 • 10AM

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​South Fulton Service Center
​5600 Stonewall Tell Rd, 30349

A big item on South Fulton's Transition Agenda is the creation of citywide sanitation (garbage collection) service. The service will begin before November 2018, by which time the city is required to have this and other essential city services established. 

Moving to mandatory, citywide garbage collection will cut down on illegal dumping and help preserve our newly paved streets, in addition to qualifying our city to receive millions in additional Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) funds each year.

In the sanitation industry, the "commercial side" (pickup from businesses) yields far greater profits than residential service. Having one or two large companies handle commercial & residential pickup will likely yield the lowest prices for our citizens because profits made on the commercial side can be used to discount residential pickup. 

Several companies sent proposals to provide services, and the 3 top finalists will present their proposals to provide citywide services at a public meeting next week.

​Finalists include:
Advanced Disposal
BFI/Republic Services
​Waste Industries

South Fulton Celebrates First Year of Cityhood

May 2017 — Tuesday, May 1, marks one year since unincorporated Fulton County became Georgia's fifth largest city — the City of South Fulton. Watch Councilman khalid'sAnniversary Address: #SouthFulton2030 above. 

Special Meeting Called for Parks Transition
​Monday, May 21 • 5PM

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In preparation for this week's planning session, Councilman khalid & Mayor Pro tem Baker visited all 17 of South Fulton's parks.

​South Fulton Service Center
​5600 Stonewall Tell Rd, 30349

May 21 Meeting Agenda & Docs
The next department to transition from Fulton County to City of South Fulton control is the Parks & Recreation Department. In an effort to beat the original June 4 deadline set by City Council to transition the Parks Department, City Manager has called a Special Meeting to approve an ordinance for Parks & Recreation and transition the department over the Memorial Day Weekend.

The meeting will be held  Monday, May 21 at 5PM.  View the Meeting Agenda and Parks Ordinance at the link above. 

​City Overhauls Parks Department

PARKS DEPARTMENT CHANGES
Tuesday, 24 April 2018 — The next department to transition from Fulton County to City of South Fulton control is the Parks & Recreation Department. South Fulton Parks Director Tony Phillips & City Manager Odie Donald II are re-designing payment for Park Reservations & Athletic Association fees.

Councilman khalid led the charge to make investing in our Parks a top city priority as part of a holistic approach to crime prevention and economic development. Old National is home to 4 of South Fulton's 17 parks. ​Under the proposed Parks redesign, Creel Park will have a full-time staff person for the first time in 10 years. $40,000 in lighting & security upgrades are also planned for Creel Park. 
List of South Fulton Parks & Facilities
In his presentation April 24, Parks Director Tony Phillips explains how funding options like municipal bonds or a sales tax can be used to revitalize our park. 

View the entire Parks Presentation to City Council above.

South Fulton's First Permanent City Manager Makes His Debut

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City Manager Odie Donald's Swearing In Ceremony at Southwest Arts Center (l. to r. Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis, Mayor Bill Edwards, Odie Donald II, Councilman khalid, Councilwoman Catherine Rowell, Councilwoman Naeema Gilyard)
March 19, 2018 — South Fulton's First Permanent City Manager was ceremonially "sworn in" by Mayor Bill Edwards at a special event Monday, March 19 at the Southwest Arts Center. 

Speaking at Monday's event, Councilman khalid welcomed Mr. Donald, saying: "Though I had concerns about our selection process, and the price we paid for it as a city — which was far more than just money — Mr. Donald has my complete support; because his success as a City Manager determines our success as a city." 

Before being named City Manager of South Fulton, Donald secured billions of dollars for economic development in Savannah, Georgia and Washington, D.C. Donald was raised in Atlanta and has several connections to South Fulton. 

Read Donald's biography and watch the South Fulton 101 video which explains the job of a City Manager at the links below.
City Manager Odie Donald II Bio

​Interim Police Chief Named

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South Fulton Interim Police Chief Sheila Rogers
March 2018 — South Fulton has named Major Sheila Rogers as Interim Police Chief. South Fulton's new City Manager, Odie Donald, is expected to do an extensive, regional search for a Permanent Police Chief.

Interim Chief Rogers comes from the Fulton County Police Department, where she last served as a Major, handling the assignment & day-to-day operations police patrols and special operations.  
Last winter, Chief Rogers created a Holiday Enhancement Patrol Unit which directly impacted response times, decreased criminal activity and increased the visibility of Fulton County Police responding to calls for service.

Chief Rogers' current contact number is 470.809.7531. Please visit khalidCares.com/Contact for updates on her contact information, or email Interim Chief Rogers at the link below. ​​
Email Interim Police Chief Sheila Rogers

Citywide Sanitation Service Coming 2018

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A big item on South Fulton's Transition Agenda is the creation of citywide sanitation (garbage collection) service. Several companies sent proposals to provide services, and finalists will present their proposals to provide citywide services at a public meeting next week. The expected start date for Citywide Sanitation Service is October 2018.​

Moving to mandatory, citywide garbage collection will cut down on illegal dumping and help preserve our newly paved streets, in addition to qualifying our city to receive millions in additional Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) funds each year.

In the sanitation industry, the "commercial side" (pickup from businesses) yields far greater profits than residential pickup. Having one or two large companies handle commercial & residential pickup will likely yield the lowest prices for our citizens because profits made on the commercial side can be used to discount residential pickup. 

However, some citizens prefer their current, smaller companies; while others have concerns about putting these "mom-and-pop shops" out of business. 

In Atlanta, the fee for Citywide Trash Service is included in the Property Tax Bills of owners. Fulton Tax Commissioner Authur Ferdinand's  99 percent collection rate, and the legal options available to prosecute those who do not pay property taxes, ensures that everyone pays for the service. This also ensures that property owners are held liable for having trash service even when commercial & residential renters refuse to pay for it. 

In order for South Fulton to put the fee for garbage collection on the tax bill of property owners, the city may have to hire personnel to interface with the Fulton County Tax Commissioner and the private sanitation company(ies) we select to provide Citywide Trash Service. 

The suggestion has been made to allow whatever private company is awarded the sanitation contracts(s) to collect their own fees. However, private companies have much lower payment collection rates than the Tax Commissioner, and no power to mandate payment from customers  who do not pay, except refusing to pick up trash at an address. 

South Fulton Swears In 18 New Firefighters

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Old National's Newest Firefighter, Joshua Herring
The Fulton County Fire Department graduated 18 new firefighters last month, including Joshua Herring, who will be joining the brave men & women at our local Fire Station #5 on Bethsaida Road. Please stop by and welcome our new neighbor!

Governor Stops Vote on Fulton Industrial Annexation

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Gov. Nathan Deal has vetoed legislation that would have allowed Fulton County residents to decide whether Fulton Industrial Boulevard (FIB) would be part of the new city of South Futon, Georgia. South Fulton has won several court battles with the City of Atlanta over these last five square miles of unincorporated Fulton County, which generate approximately $5 million per year in property taxes. 

It is widely believed that Governor Deal vetoed 2017 House Bills 131 & 132, which would have put the issue on the November 2017 ballot, as a favor to Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Reed, along with many Atlanta City Councilmembers, have been fighting the City of South Fulton over much of its northern neighborhoods, which are adjacent to Atlanta and contain a large block of reliably Democratic, Black voters. Atlanta is on the verge of becoming a majority white city. In 2008, Reed beat Republican Mary Norwood (who is running for Mayor again this year) by only 714 votes in a runoff election.

Several FIB businesses have expressed interest in becoming part of South Fulton; and South Fulton's State Representatives, lead by State Rep. Debra Bazemore (HD-63), have vowed to re-introduce the bill in 2018.
Read Full Story
Fulton Industrial Court Case

South Fulton ​Finalizes 2018 Budget

August 2017 ​– The Calendar by which our City budgets & spends money is known as the Fiscal Year (FY). FY2018 will begin October 1, 2017 (much like the 2018 School Year begins in Fall 2017).

Budget Workshops to prepare this budget were originally scheduled as private meetings at City Hall. A Resolution written by Councilman khalid in August opened those meetings to the public to view.

Tuesday's final 2 Budget Hearings give South Fulton residents an opportunity to respond to what they have seen. Please review the Proposed Budget and  Councilman khalid's report on it at the link below.
Proposed 2018 Budget
Proposed Tax & Fire Service Cuts

South Fulton's Hidden High Salaries

What you will not see in this 25-page document  —  or anywhere else on the city's website — ​ is Salary Information for any individual our city has hired or is planning to hire.

Places like California, Kansas, Kentucky, New Hampshire and the City of Philadelphia have laws requiring the salaries of high-paid government employees to be published. So far, South Fulton, Georgia has no such law. 

​As the chart below shows, South Fulton currently pays its Department Heads and Assistants salaries often higher than similarly-sized cities like Roswell and Sandy Springs; even though our main revenue sources are less than half of those cities.

Councilman khalid proposes  to cut salaries by 20 percent for all non-Public Safety personnel at Pay Grade 25 and above (those making more than $60,000/year). So department heads making annual salaries at or near $100,000 would make around $80,000.
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South Fulton is currently paying its Department Heads more than northside cities with much higher home values and incomes.
Read khalid's Full Budget Report

Fulton County Commission Freezes Property Tax Hike

The Fulton County Tax Assessor agrees not to challenge the Fulton County Commission's freezing of Property Taxes of non-new, private homeowners at 2016 levels.  Adjusted Tax Notices should arrive in the mail in August. Appeals for previous notices are nullified and do not need to be filed. 

According to Fulton County's Chief Appraiser, Dwight Robinson, the higher 2017 valuations will not change for commercial properties or parcels, new homes or newly renovated homes.  

Finally, please check your Tax Notice to ensure that your taxable value appears on the South Fulton line (see image above). If you want to be in the City of South Fulton, but are currently being taxed as a resident of another city, please contact the Fulton County Tax Assessor's office at (404) 612-6440. 


​Earlier this year, Fulton County residents were shocked to receive Property Tax bills for 2017 which were significantly higher than 2016. This increase came from the Fulton County Tax Assessor (not the City of South Fulton), who for the first time in 3 years, has re-assessed the value of homes across all of Fulton County.

According to the Fulton Tax Assessors office, property values in Fulton County have not been reassessed since the housing market began recovering 3-4 years ago.  The Tax Assessor tried to make up for these lost years in this year's revaluation, which increased property taxes in some areas more than 50 percent.  ​

The good news is that property values are rising across metro Atlanta. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the median increase in home values is around 13 percent. However, some areas — especially intown neighborhoods home to an influx of gentrifying millennials — are seeing increases of over 50 percent. This does NOT mean that your Property Taxes will rise by the same percentage, because the Tax Commissioner only taxes a fraction of that increase.
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A new "South Fulton" line on this year's tax bill replaces the SSD (Special Service District) line which has been used since 2007 to show the portion of property taxes allocated to unincorporated South Fulton, now the City of South Fulton. 
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Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, John Eaves, is also running for Mayor of Atlanta
Fulton County Commission Chair John Eaves used a law from the 1880s to freeze Fulton Property Taxes at 2016 rates.​

However, local school boards may vote to raise property taxes independent of the County Commission or Tax Assessor. School systems, particularly Atlanta Public Schools, have been vocal supporters of the tax hike, which they claim is necessary to stave off cuts to teachers and school staff for our growing schools. ​

​If you have questions about your Property Tax Bill, please contact the Fulton County Tax Commissioner's office at: (404) 613-6100.

​Additionally, Fulton County Commissioners are considering a 15 percent increase in water/sewer rates (5 percent/year for the next 3 years). 

The Fulton County Board of Commissioners usually meets the first Wednesday of every month. 
Fulton County Commission Meeting Schedule
Proposed Fulton Water/Sewer Rate Increase
​Residents concerned about these increases are encouraged to attend County Commission meetings (usually held the 1st Wednesday of every month) and contact their County Commissioner concerning these issues.

The County Commissioners covering the Old National area are Emma Darnell and former County Commission Chairman John Eaves, who is running for Mayor of Atlanta. Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr. covers other parts of South Fulton. Their contact information is as follows:
Emma Darnell
(404) 612-8222
Emma.Darnell@fultoncountyga.gov

Marvin Arrington, Jr.
(404) 613-0200
Marvin.Arrington@fultoncountyga.gov

Fulton Board of Commissioners Approves Tax Collection by Arthur Ferdinand

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The Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted August 1 to allow Fulton Tax Commissioner Dr. Arthur Ferdinand to collect taxes for South Fulton. All of the Fulton County Commission voted in favor of faith treatment for South Fulton, save North Fulton Commissioner Liz Hausmann. 

Hausmann, who represents the cities of John's Creek, Sandy Springs & Milton, has announced her intention to follow in the footsteps of Republican Karen Handel, who left the County Commission to run for Secretary of State, before becoming a Congresswoman for Georgia's sixth district.  
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Each new city has the right to enter into an agreement with a Tax Collector of its choosing. The agreement between Fulton County and South Fulton to allow Arthur Ferdinand to collect our city's taxes was blocked by North Fulton Commissioners Liz Hausmann & Bob Ellis. ​

​There are seven seats on the Fulton County Commission. North Fulton has three commission seats. South Fulton has another three seats, and the Chair of the Commission (John Eaves) is elected at-large by the entire county. A majority vote of four commissioners is required to approve the agreement. 

Chairman Eaves could have sided with South Fulton's three Commissioners to approve the contract.  However, the untimely death of Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner (District 4) means that now one of North Fulton's commissioners must support the agreement in order for it to be approved. North Fulton Commissioners Lee Morriis & Bob Ellis split with Hausmann 
—​ the sole vote against South Fulton.
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Due to the untimely death of District 4 Commissioner, one of North Fulton's three Commissioners was needed to approve Ferdinand as South Fulton's Tax Collector. Hausmann as the only Commissioner to vote against South Fulton.
Hausmann stated repeatedly that she was simply representing the concerns of her community. However, two of the cities she represents — Sandy Springs & John's Creek — use Arthur Ferdinand to collect their taxes, and pay him the same fee being proposed in South Fulton's contract.

Hausmann alleges her issue is not with the fee, but "where it goes." County law requires that cities who choose Arthur Ferdinand to collect their taxes must pay his office $1 per parcel for doing the work.  The more cities that contract with Ferdinand, the more money he & his office make. Because of his unparalleled skills in tax collection, Arthur Ferdinand has become the Tax Collector of choice for Fulton County's most prosperous cities, and the highest paid elected official in the state. 

Hausmann & Ferdinand also have a turbulent, personal history. In 2015, 
Hausmann ran up a $137,000 bill, courtesy of Fulton taxpayers, suing Ferdinand after he revoked the license plate on Hausmann's jeep.

Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr., who represents parts of South Fulton, noted the double standard being applied by the North Fulton Commissioners, and reminded them of the County Commission's previous, public commitment to treat South Fulton no differently than other new cities.

Other tensions between the new City of South Fulton & Fulton County include the their InterGovernmental Agreement (IGA), whose terms are different than those offered to the cities of Sandy Springs, John's Creek & Milton.

New Franchise Fees for Some Utilities

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Greystone customers and others may receive written notice from their utility providers about a Franchise Fee being charged by our new city. Utility companies are charged these fees to access right-of-ways on city, county and state properties. These nominal fees of 4-5% of a customer's bill usually total only a few dollars, and help fund the oversight of utilities in our city. 

InterGovernmental Agreement (IGA)
with Fulton County

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​A sticking point in our transition to cityhood is our InterGovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Fulton County. The IGA outlines what Fulton County will charge South Fulton to continue Police, Fire, Parks, Public Works and other services until we take them over. As Fulton County's IGAs with other cities did, our IGA details what will pay for the buildings, land, cars & other equipment currently used by the County; and what will we pay Fulton County to continuing delivering each department's services until control of that department is transferred completely to our city.

At issue is the depreciated value of these assets (how much should we pay for a 10 year-old police car?), and how much of the $322 million in tax dollars that Fulton County collected from our area in the past 10 years was used by the county to pay for and maintain them.

Fulton County Commissioners considered such factors in previous transitions with the cities of Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and others. The County Commission offered buildings, cars, land & equipment to new cities at deeply discounted prices. According to Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington, Jr., South Fulton will get the same deals.

Understanding the Accounting
​Behind the City of South Fulton

Did you know that South Fulton County has been operating as a city for the past 10 years, paying for our own Police, Fire, Parks and more?

Georgia Tech Professor of Contracting & Procurement Kevin Grimes digs into the numbers and explains the economic feasibility of a City of South Fulton.

City Receives Over $1Million per Month in Local Sales Taxes

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Whenever anyone shops anywhere in Fulton County, 1 cent of every 7.75 cents of sales tax goes to the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) Fund. Those pennies total up to millions of dollars each month, which are divided amongst each of Fulton County's 15 cities, according to population size. ​ (This is why making sure everyone is counted in the 2020 Census is critical. The larger our city's population people in our city, the larger our share of this pot, and state and federal funds.) 

Now that we are incorporated as a city, these monthly L.O.S.T. payments come directly to us, and must be spent on our city. On June 29, 2017, South Fulton received the first of these monthly payments, totaling $1,800,000.00. That's millions more for Police, Community Programs, Economic Development and city services.

Please read the #ShopSouthFulton section below to learn how you can support outstanding local businesses AND help generate more money for our city!

MORE CITYHOOD TRANSITION NEWS

Special Meetings Called as South Fulton Revises Budget, Reorganizes Parks & Athletic Leagues

​April 4, 2018 — The next department to transition from Fulton County to City of South Fulton control is Parks & Recreation. The City of South Fulton has 17 parks, including Welcome All, Sandtown, Old National, Burdett, and Creel Park. Parks staff also supervises local athletic leagues for football, basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis and more.

Moving up the Parks Department's transition into the city caused concern for Councilmembers who worry Citywide Garbage collection is a higher priority. Citywide Garbage Collection is only city service yet to be established that is directly connected to City revenues.  

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CITYWIDE GARBAGE COLLECTION TIED TO TAX REVENUES
The City of South Fulton is required to establish citywide garbage collection in order to collect revenue from local sales tax. Whenever anyone shops anywhere in Fulton County, 1 cent of every 7.75 cents of sales tax goes to the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.) Fund. Since June 2017, the City of South Fulton has collected over $12 million in L.O.S.T. funds. The State of Georgia's Department of Revenue could halt these payments, or even ask for this money to be returned if our citywide garbage collection is not established soon. 
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SOUTH FULTON BUDGET LESS THAN EXPECTED
Overall, the City of South Fulton has not collected the revenues expected for this year.  Later this month, the City Council & City Manager will conduct a Mid-Year Budget Review.

Councilman khalid is working with new City Manager, new Interim Police Chief Sheila Rogers, and Fulton County Officials to plan a special Q&A session for Old National area residents. Please visit khalidCares.com and sign up for this newsletter for updates on these meetings.  
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ZONING HEARINGS FOR NEW GAS STATIONS & MORE
Planning & Zoning, the first department transitioned over from Fulton County (in July 2017) has already begun hearing cases, including applications for new gas stations. Developers have begun approaching individual Councilmembers about building large, truck stop-style gas stations on Buffington Road, Creel Road and elsewhere in South Fulton. ​​
Read Full Story
South Fulton City Council meetings occur in 3 parts: a 5PM & 7PM session (both of which are open to the public); and an Executive Session  (closed to public). Georgia Law on Open Meetings (O.C.G.A. §50-14-3) states that City Council may only go into Executive Session to discuss a specific person, specific property. The rest of City Council discussions must be open to the public.

Thirty minutes are allotted during the 7PM Meeting for Public Comment. This usually happens around 7:30PM. Arrive by 6:45 to sign up for Public Comment.

Council Meets to Discuss City Manager Contract & Salary

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Odie Donald II, on screen, interviews for the job of South Fulton city manager over Skype in a public meeting Tuesday. Click to read AJC article covering the meeting. (Arielle Kass, AJC)
February 2018 — At South Fulton's February 27 City Council meeting, Mayor William "Bill" Edwards introduced his third nomination for City Manager in one month (see Atlanta-Journal Constitution article). Previous candidates have withdrawn from the process after being selected. 

During the meeting, the Mayor mentioned a salary of $200,000 per year. That seems out-of-step with North Atlanta cities like Roswell & Sandy Springs, who have higher home values & significantly larger budgets. Both cities have budgets exceed $100 Million (South Fulton's budget is $65,000 million, and not on target to make its projected revenues this year).  


Councilman khalid is proposing a $175,000 salary, with performance-based incentives derived from South Fulton's stated policy priorities.
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City Council will discuss current nominee Odie Donald II's contract & salary tomorrow, March 6. This will be South Fulton's sixth unscheduled, Special Call meeting this year.
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Odie Donald II recently worked as Washington, D.C.'s Director of Workforce Development. City records show his current salary at $174,386. Though he has no experience as a City Manager, he has several years experience in economic development. Donald is a Georgia native who graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and already owns a home in the area.

Mayor Vetoes Renaissance Name Change
Name Will Remain South Fulton

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December 2017 — South Fulton's Mayor, William "Bill" Edwards has vetoed City Council's vote to rename the city "Renaissance." City Council has twice voted to rename the city Renaissance, after going through a months-long renaming process spearheaded by the Mayor.

When the City takes control of these departments, it must continue all use of the Fulton County name (i.e. Fulton County Police).  All fire engines and police cars must have new decals before going out on the streets.  New badges and multiple sets of new uniforms must be ordered for the city's 300 Fire & Police offices. New building signs and stationery must be ordered, and state & federal authorities who work with and certify our  Fire & Police departments must be notified of the name change.
After the first vote for the City Name, South Fulton Mayor Bill Edwards said he would not veto the Council's decision. Later, the Mayor told reporters he might veto the new name if enough residents complained.  By its second vote on December 12, every member of City Council had voted for the name Renaissance at least once.  
 
This is the Mayor's fourth Veto of legislation passed by a majority of Councilmembers in less than a year. This is also the second time he has vetoed legislation after initially committing not to do so.
The city is legally & financially obligated to transition these services, and set up citywide Sanitation Service, before November 2018. The cost of city name change is likely to run in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Due to our current financial standing (see article in gold South Fulton 101 section on the right side of this page), it is unlikely that city will be able to afford a second name change this year.  

Further complicating the set up of these departments is the fact that our city has been operating without a City Manager for two months, since Interim Manager Ruth Jones resigned in October.
Read More About the Naming Process

City Council Creates Community Controlled Commissions & Advisory Boards

​To increase community input in city decisions, South Fulton's City Council is creating community-controlled commissions and advisory boards. Each Councilperson is allowed to make one appointment to each board. 
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Developer makes presentation to Sandy Springs Zoning Board
The first 3 of these boards concern Planning, Zoning & Building Codes, which individuals and developers must meet with to build anything in our city.   

South Fulton's Department of Planning & Zoning will maintain Zoning & Land Use Maps, Design Overlays (which detail building specifications for each type of building in each area of the city), and track all applications for new building permits. When a developer wishes to build or alter any structure in the city, they will have to come before one or all of the following boards.

City Council has extended the moratorium on new zoning applications, which was due to expire July 30, for up to another 90 days.  The 90-day extension gives the City Manager more time to set up the Planning & Zoning Department, including the procurement of an electronic tracking system for zoning applications, and the hiring of a department manager, engineers, and site directors.


This moratorium also gives Mayor & Council more time to review & appoint individuals to community-controlled Zoning Boards being created to increase citizen involvement in local zoning decisions. The Council may lift the zoning moratorium anytime before its October 30 end date, if the Planning & Zoning department and Community Boards are ready 

Code Enforcement Reunited with Zoning Under New Division of Development Services

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When it is brought over under City control, the Department of Code Enforcement will be runited with Planning & Zoning under a new division of Development Services, whose director will also oversee Engineering & Site Development, Building & Permitting and Geographic Information Systems (GIS, or the "maps") department.

The plan, announced during the June 6 work session of South Fulton City Council, is designed to unify the vision and processes of all departments that deal with the planning & regulation of commercial development in South Fulton, a top priority for Mayor & Council. Code Enforcement will continue receiving backup from Fulton County Police.

Until City Council appoints a Chief Judge and sets up City Court, Code Enforcement cases will be heard by Fulton County Magistrate Court at Stonewall Tell.

Transferring Employees Get 90-Day Probation, Keep Salary & Benefits

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All employees who transfer from Fulton are required to fill out a job application with the city and complete a 90-Day Probation period. South Fulton Human Resources representatives will meet with all transferring departments and individuals to discuss the transfer process.  

Current Fulton County employees who transfer with their departments to South Fulton will maintain their current pay. They will keep the same health benefits until the end of the 2017 Calendar Year, when benefits for all employees are re-negotiated with insurance companies and selected by employees during Open Enrollment.  


The only change in benefits to take effect before that time is the management of  the 457 Defined Benefit Retirement (Pension) Plan. South Fulton selected Mass Mutual to manage its 457 Plan. Mass Mutual has received high marks for handling investments of municipal employees. Previous contributions made to TIAA-Cref can remain there or be rolled over to Mass Mutual.


Anyone with questions about transitioning departments, transferring benefits, or employment with the new city should contact South Fulton HR Department at Employment@CityofSouthFultonGA.gov. ​​
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