CALLED COUNCIL MEETING

January 28, 2008

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Tipton at 7:15pm with Councilman Myrick leading in prayer.  Mayor Tipton stated that the purpose of the called meeting was to consider adoption of the 2008 Occupational License Fees and asked for input from councilmembers on this issue.

Councilman Myrick commented that as discussed in the public hearing held just prior to this meeting, he felt that a gradual increase in the base rates for the occupational licenses would be better for local businesses.  Councilman Myrick stated that his proposal would be to increase the base rate from $25 to $50 and leave the number of employee fees the same as those charged in 2007 for the 2008 Occupational License Fees.  Councilman Myrick pointed out that he felt an increase of an additional $25 in the base rate in 2009 and another $25 increase in the 2010 base rate should allow for some additional revenue in the future.  After a brief discussion, in which several citizens stated their agreement with this plan, Councilwoman Winn made a motion to approve an increase from $25 to $50 in the base rate for the 2008 Occupational License Fees and leave the number of employee fee the same as charged in 2007.  Councilman Strozier seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.  It was noted that since the public hearing and called council meeting had been held specifically for discussion and consideration of the 2008 fees, council would not be able to set the 2009 & 2010 rates tonight, but these would be considered at the appropriate time and only after the required public hearings. 

Being no further discussion, Councilman Myrick made a motion to adjourn at 7:20pm, Councilman Waller seconded the motion and it passed with four affirmative votes.

Mayor Tipton and Councilmembers Myrick, Strozier, Waller and Winn were present at the called council meeting.

Note:  Section § 50-14-1 of the Official Code of the State of Georgia Annotated requires that the minutes shall, as a minimum, include a description of each motion or other proposal made, and a record of all votes.  These minutes meet the minimum requirements.  However, in an attempt to provide as much information as possible to the citizens, the recording clerk has included additional background data and discussion on the subjects presented to council.  The statements of individuals are not verbatim and may be summary in nature.