"Draft"

 

Hart County Board of Commissioners

Called Work Session

February 12th, 2003

 

 

The Hart County Board of Commissioners met February 12th, 2003 at 12:00 noon in the Hart County Administrative & Emergency Services Center.

 

Chairman Banister called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. All Board of Commissioner members was in attendance. Also present were Bobby Jackson and Gwen Eppinger from the Board of Education, City Council members Sara Mayfield, Robert Rider (Hartwell Sun), Nathan Golden (Anderson Independent), Gary Cobb, Walter Gordon, Randy Combs, Florence Gaines, four other citizens, TV crew from Hart Cable Company.

 

Commissioner Oglesby gave a brief history of the redistricting maps known as Plan 3, Plan 4 and Plan 5. The existing district map is known as Plan 93. Plan 3 was created in February 2002 while Plan 4 and Plan 5 were created in February 2003.

 

Commissioner's Dorsey and Oglesby stated that the City of Hartwell's census appeal should be taken into consideration when evaluating different proposals.

 

Each BOC member was afforded the opportunity to express his views and the logic behind those views on the proposed plans.

 

Commissioner Dorsey pointed out, among several issues with Plan 4 and 5, that using the Bowersville City Limits would create districts not bounded by roads.

 

Chairman Banister stated that his main consideration was to minimize the district population deviation from the average.

 

Commissioner Reyen explained that in Plan 3, his district has 3 large boundary shifts.

 

Commissioner Oglesby moved that Plan 3 be accepted. Commissioner Dorsey seconded. After a great deal of discussion, the second was withdrawn and motion died.

 

BOE member Bobby Jackson said it looked to him like each commissioner was protecting his re-election while it should be focused on what is best for the whole county.

 

Walter Gordon suggested that if Commissioner Carter would "give up" some of the census tracks in the Tahoe Drive area to District 3, that move would go a long way to solving the issues between Districts 3 & 4. Commissioner Carter stated he would not like to lose constitutes close to town.

 

Council member Mayfield and Gwen Eppinger also gave their thoughts and comments.

 

Motion by Commissioner Dorsey, 2nd by Commission Reyen to adjourn. Vote 5-0. Time 1:20 p.m.

 

 

 

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Randy D. Banister, Chairman                      Gary S. Cobb, County Administrator