L.O.S.T. revenue hike makes FBCC happy

FLOWERY BRANCH - Flowery Branch City Council Thursday night seemed to enjoy the update from Finance Director Jeremy Perry with his report there's going to be more money in the city's coffers from, among other sources, the Local Option Sales Tax.

That means much more money for city projects. Last month the State Supreme court tossed out LOST arbitration between cities and counties that could not agree on revenue distribution. The State Revenue department decided distribution had to be based on 2010 census figures.

"We had budgeted $347,000 and now we're getting $730,000 a year," Perry said.

Perry added Flowery Branch gained the most LOST revenue because of its significant population increase. All of Hall County's cities except Gainesville and Hall County saw increases in revenue.

LOWER SPEED LIMIT COMING

Thirty-five mile an hour speed limit signs go up soon in Flowery Branch in the busy commercial area on Spout Springs Road between Hog Mountain Road and Interstate 985.

City Council approved lowering the speed from 45 to 35 miles an hour; Police Chief David Spillers said he wanted a lower and safer speed limit.

"That's a particularly congested area, with Stone Bridge Shopping Center on one side with Chile's and Chick-Fila and Publix Shopping Center on the other side," Spillers said.

STREET SHOWCASE

Council agreed to seek a state matching funds grant for 2014 street paving to help showcase the town to developers.

City Manager Bill Andrew said improving Railroad Avenue is especially important because it leads to the Old Town re-development area.

Andrew said the $39,000 State Department of Transportation grant requires an $11,000 match from the city, but Flowery Branch plans to spend over $100,000 in local funds for the entire paving project.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/11/268124