September 19th, 2023
After a public hearing and lengthy examination, the City Council revisited the rates for water and sewer and after reviewing a study on the systems needs and cost, approved a 5-year plan. The implementation of the new rates will begin with the January billing in 2024 rather than in 2023.
Adopted Rate Increase
| Water | Current | FY23 | FY 24 | FY 25 | FY 26 | FY 27 |
| Proposed | 3% | 3% | 3% | 3% | 3% | |
| Current Base Rate | 13.75 | 14.16 | 14.58 | 15.02 | 15.47 | 15.94 |
| 0-5000 Gallons | 4.55 | 4.68 | 4.82 | 4.96 | 5.11 | 5.26 |
| 5,001-10,000 | 4.75 | 4.89 | 5.03 | 5.19 | 5.34 | 5.50 |
| 10,001- 15,000 | 5.09 | 5.24 | 5.39 | 5.56 | 5.72 | 5.90 |
| 15,001-20,000 | 5.20 | 5.35 | 5.51 | 5.68 | 5.85 | 6.02 |
| Over 20,001 | 5.48 | 5.64 | 5.81 | 5.98 | 6.16 | 6.35 |
| Sewer | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | |
| Current Base Rate | 13.75 | 14.43 | 15.15 | 15.91 | 16.71 | 17.54 |
| 0-5000 Gallons | 6.11 | 6.41 | 6.73 | 7.07 | 7.42 | 7.79 |
| 5,001-10,000 | 6.53 | 6.85 | 7.19 | 7.55 | 7.93 | 8.33 |
| 10,001- 15,000 | 6.75 | 7.08 | 7.44 | 7.81 | 8.20 | 8.61 |
| 15,001-20,000 | 7.35 | 7.71 | 8.10 | 8.50 | 8.93 | 9.38 |
| Over 20,001 | 7.40 | 7.71 | 8.15 | 8.56 | 8.99 | 9.44 |
Water and Sewer Rates / comparison does not include garbage rates.
The City of Lula average billing for June was $51.32 combined.
Water billing for the month was $37.71 on average. ($25,757 by 683 Cust)
Sewer billing for the month was $38.02 on average. ($20,494 by 539 Cust)
In the State of Georgia water and sewer rates combined rates can be found as high as $155.00 per month
In the State of Georgia water and sewer rates combined rates Median $63.29 Per month
Using 5,000 gallons of water and treating 5,000 gallons of sewer
Canton $85.00 Per Month
Gainesville $76.19 Per Month
Banks County $85.38 Per Month
Flowery Branch $95.04 Per Month
Braselton $90.78 Per Month
Cornelia $65.14 Per Month
Baldwin $107.15 Per Month
Dahlonega $111.91 Per Month
Lula $83.77 Per Month / 3% increase as adopted by example with a customer using 5,000 gallons per month.
City of Lula
Posted for Monday, September 18th, 2023
Regular Monthly City Council Meeting / City Hall/ 7:00 PM
DRAFT
Agenda for Monday September 18th, 2023
Opening / Welcome Mayor Joe Thomas
Pledge and Invocation
Citizen Comments
- Minutes from previous(s) month(s) Regular Voting Council Session
- Yard of the Month recipients for Sept./ Proposed “Fall” Yard of the Month Program
- Finance
- Premium Renewal Health Insurance/ Participation
- Design Architects / Schedule
- Lula Investment Policy Adoption
- Annual Pre-Audit to begin as early as Sept 18th / estimate one week Completion Dec 2023
- Water Sewer Current Conditions /
- Belton Bridge Water Line Construction, Bid Results.
- Well Exploration
- Utility Committee Meeting
-
- Water and Sewer Mapping Proposal/ Proposed Capital Improvement –Water / Sewer Rate Implementation/ suggested for January billing. -Sludge Issues-Roofing issues WWTP Control Building / Proposed Capital Improvement-Oconee Well Improvements / Generator / exterior-Solid Waste Commercial Dumpster Rate / implementation-Update Chattahoochee Water Tank Exterior Maintenance / Painting, Status. -Scada replacement/10year capitalize /$2.31 per customer per month. Proposed Capital Improvement
- Culvert Replacement Chattahoochee and Carter Street Finalizing, Bid Development underway.
- Paving Project Bids on Street Open Oct 19th
- Sheriffs Community Meeting Hall and Banks County / Proposed Wednesday Sept 27,
- Amendment to Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations Reflecting changes to adopted to IBC forthcoming.
- Tabled by council/Proposed Rezoning 09064 000062 + 09064 000056 + 09064 000053. 23 Acres located along Cornelia Highway (365) and Belton Bridge Road, Current Zoning Highway Business proposed change to M-II Heavy Industrial. See proposed changes submitted by applicant. New Public Hearing Advertised with Changes as proposed by amendment.
- Movie at the DEPOT and Community Picnic Friday OCT 6 / All FREE/ Hot Dogs Chips and Drink between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM, Movie begins at 6:30 PM, Cartoon The Adams Family) brought to you by your City of Lula
- Proposed Use of the DEPOT NOV 12th for Community Meal/ Veterans Day Recognition Lula Ladies, Wed. Sept. 20th / Lula Depot, Lunch Noon and Dinner 6:30 PM
- Historical Society Lula Bellton Meeting fourth Monday of the Month (Sept. 25th) at the DEPOT 7 PM, at the DEPOT all are invited.
- Historical Society Lula Bellton Fund Raiser Hickory Smoked Chicken Dinner Saturday Sept 16th, June Vincent offers details.
- Lula Fall Festival Saturday Sept 30th see information at “@lulafallfestival” brought to you by and benefited by Historical Society
- Tennis Court/ Pickle Ball Refinishing
- TEXT MY GOV text message service available for alerts
- Human Resource + Public Safety schedule committee meeting,
- SPLOST Citizen Review Committee, October Meeting in Lula (Tentative Monday September 23 @ the DEPOT)
- Proposed Council Retreat Nov 2023 Schedule a Date
- Executive Session/ Land Acquisition
Mordecai’s Minutes
Citizen Comments
Council Comments
All requests to be placed on the regular agenda should come in writing (forms available) and should encompass all supporting documents in advance of the work session. The Regular Monthly Council Meeting is normally the Third Monday of the Month, preceded by a work session on the prior Monday @6:00 PM. All meeting of the Council are open to the Public and the public attendance is encouraged. In the event of a Special Called Meeting of the Council, such meeting shall be posted for Public View 24 hours in advance, with stated agenda.
Dr Adrian recently opened his new location in Lula to much fanfare! We recently visited with Dr. Adrian and asked him to tell us about himself and his practice, read on and enjoy!
Former Christian Ministry Counselor and Assistant Director, I started looking into my own personal health. I was struggling with my back freezing up, and a friend advised me to go to a chiropractor. This was a game changer, I had pulled my back out every month and now was able to work without any further issues this allowed me to continue my ministry in the wilderness program for the next eight years. As I explored natural health, I started to see complete shortfalls and injustices in the system. I was then evaluating how this impacted my ministry and personal health. By this time, it was obvious that God was leading our family in a different direction and into a new ministry…. people’s health and correcting injustices. God pointed me to Chiropractic specifically as a way to address these problems.
With a Doctor of Chiropractic degree and a Master in Sports Injury Management from Life University. I am board certified by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and the Georgia State Board. I have been trained in the upper cervical technique of Orthospinology as well as general Chiropractic techniques.
I specialize in brain health, nutritional testing, and applied kinesiology. These state-of-the-art techniques help patients overcome complex health challenges, such as ADHD, memory, and focus problems, as well as manage pain cases.
I am qualified to assist in the prevention/rehabilitation of sports injuries and extremity adjusting. I have also had success in treating plantar fasciitis conditions. My experience has given me a great opportunity to care for a wide variety of ailments from which my patients may suffer
I am originally from England and immigrated here for ministry work. In 2021, I became a citizen of the United States of America. I am an avid hiker and love exploring the beauty of the North Georgia mountains. My wife Amanda and I have an active family of six. Our passion for this community has led us to this wonderful place. We look forward to serving you.
Conditions Treated : Pain, Injury, Headaches, Migraines, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, Complex cases, Nutritional Functional testing and protocols.
Go to www.northgeorgiauppercervical.com for more information and to request an appointment.
City of Lula
Posted Friday, September 08, 2023
Special Called Meeting of the Council
Agenda for September 11th
Request by Lula Belton Historical Society for Fall Festival City – Participation Voting Item
Work Session / Lula City Hall/ 6:00 PM
Agenda for September 11th, 2023
Opening / Welcome Mayor Joe Thomas
Pledge and Invocation
Citizen Comments
- Minutes from previous(s) month(s) Regular Voting Council Session
- Yard of the Month recipients for Sept./ Proposed “Fall” Yard of the Month Program
- Finance
- Premium Renewal Health Insurance/ present to Committee/ for direction
- Design Architects / Schedule
- Lula Investment Policy Adoption
- Annual Pre-Audit to begin Sept 18th / estimate one week Completion Dec 2023
- Water Sewer Current Conditions /
- Belton Bridge Water Line Construction, Bid Results.
- Well Exploration
- Utility Committee Meeting
-
- Water and Sewer Mapping Proposal/ Proposed Capital Improvement –Water / Sewer Rate Implementation/ suggested for January billing. -Sludge Issues-Roofing issues WWTP Control Building / Proposed Capital Improvement-Oconee Well Improvements / Generator / exterior-Solid Waste Commercial Dumpster Rate / implementation-Update Chattahoochee Water Tank Exterior Maintenance / Painting, Status. -Scada replacement/10year capitalize /$2.31 per customer per month. Proposed Capital Improvement
- Culvert Replacement Chattahoochee and Carter Street Finalizing, Bid Development underway.
- Paving Project Bids on Street Sept 12th. (30 days?)
- Sheriffs Community Meeting Hall and Banks County / Proposed Wednesday Sept 27,
- Amendment to Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations Reflecting changes to adopted to IBC forthcoming.
- Tabled by council/Proposed Rezoning 09064 000062 + 09064 000056 + 09064 000053. 23 Acres located along Cornelia Highway (365) and Belton Bridge Road, Current Zoning Highway Business proposed change to M-II Heavy Industrial. See proposed changes submitted by applicant.
- Movie at the DEPOT Friday OCT 6 / Proposed Community Picnic (Cartoon The Adams Family) brought to you by your City of Lula
- Request by Lula Belton Historical Society for Fall Festival City – Participation (voting Item)
- Proposed Use of the DEPOT NOV 12th for Community Meal/ Veterans Day Recognition Lula Ladies, Wed. Sept. 20th / Lula Depot, Lunch Noon and Dinner 6:30 PM
- Historical Society Lula Bellton Meeting fourth Monday of the Month (Sept. 25th) at the DEPOT 7 PM, at the DEPOT all are invited.
- Historical Society Lula Bellton Fund Raiser Hickory Smoked Chicken Dinner Saturday Sept 16th, June Vincent offers details.
- Lula Fall Festival Saturday Sept 30th see information at “@lulafallfestival” brought to you by and benefited by Historical Society
- Tennis Court/ Pickle Ball Refinishing
- TEXT MY GOV text message service available for alerts
- Human Resource + Public Safety schedule committee meeting ,
- SPLOST Citizen Review Committee, October Meeting in Lula (Tentative Monday 23 @ the DEPOT)
- Proposed Council Retreat Nov 2023 Schedule a Date
- Executive Session/ Land Acquisition
Mordecai’s Minutes
Citizen Comments
Council Comments
Voting and Registration
To register to vote, either fill out and send in a Voter Registration Application or sign up when you renew your driver’s license. After you register, the Secretary of State will send your precinct card to your county who will then send it to you. Although, it is important to note that you don’t need to bring your precinct card to vote. Its purpose is to let you know where you need to go in order to vote.
What You Should Know:
See a list of upcoming election dates on the Georgia Secretary of State website. How-to Guide: Registering to Vote | Georgia Secretary of State (ga.gov) for up to date information.
Log in to My Voter Page to find your polling location and see a sample ballot for the upcoming election.
On Election Day, polling stations open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. If you can’t vote during those times, you can either vote early or send in an absentee ballot.
When you arrive at your polling station, you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or voter identification card.
The polls offer audio ballots for voters who are blind or have low vision and booths for voters in wheelchairs. If you need help with your ballot, you can ask a family member or friend to come with you to the polls and fill the ballot in with your choices.
Review voter turnout statistics and election results by going to the “Results & Stats” drop down on the Elections page of the Secretary of State website.
FAQs:
How do I request an absentee ballot?
Fill out, sign and send in by mail, fax, or email the Absentee Ballot Application. After your county election office reviews your application, you’ll receive your ballot at either the postal address or email address you noted on your application.
When is my absentee ballot due?
For voters within the country, all absentee ballots must arrive at your county election office by Election Day. If you’re currently a military or overseas voter and you post your absentee ballot on Election Day, make sure it arrives within 3 days.
Can I get an absentee ballot if I’m in the military?
Yes. The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA) allows those who reside outside of the United States a chance to vote. The Georgia Secretary of State website provides useful resources to help you navigate the process. If you are a UOCAVA citizen who sent in your absentee ballot application but haven’t heard from your county election office, fill out and submit the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot. To vote for federal offices, you can write in either the candidate’s name or the proper political party. To vote for state and local offices, you must write in the candidate’s full name.
Source: Secretary of State. This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please speak with the agency that is the source of the information.
Banks County
Board of Elections and Voter Registration
Ph. 706-677-6260
Banks County Elections Web Site
http://co.banks.ga.us/dept-elections.html
———————–
Hall County
Board of Elections and Registrars
Ph. 770-531-6945
HALL COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER
2875 BROWNS BRIDGE ROAD (formerly Liberty Mutual)
LOWER LEVEL GAINESVILLE GEORGIA ,30501
Hall County Elections Web Site
http://hallcounty.org/249/Elections
Posted for Monday, Aug 21st, 2023.
Regular Monthly City Council Meeting / City Hall/ 7:00 PM
Public Hearing by City Council Aug. 21st, 7:00 PM Lula City Hall
Proposed Rezoning 09064 000062 + 09064 000056 + 09064 000053. 23 Acres located along Cornelia Highway (365) and Belton Bridge Road, Current Zoning Highway Business proposed change to M-II Heavy Industrial.
Agenda for Monday August 21st.
Opening / Welcome Mayor Joe Thomas
Pledge and Invocation
Citizen Comments
- Minutes from previous(s) month(s) Regular Voting Council Session
- Yard of the Month recipients / “Show U.S. Your Colors” July & August
- Finance
- Current Conditions
- Consideration of 5-year Charges/Rates for Water and Sewer/,
- Premium Renewal Health Insurance/ to Committee/ Scheduled for Committee for Tuesday at 4
- Budget Adjustment / November Elections Services
- Design Architects /
- Banks County TSPLOST Amendment / no response as of yet from Banks Co/ removal of the state distribution of 1% collection from distribution sheet.
- Water Sewer Current Conditions /
- Generator / Radiator Repair/ Repaired
- Belton Bridge Water Line Engineering, Bid Opening Sept 5th.
- City Council Qualifying District 1,4 and 5 Underway Aug 21st through August 23 from 8:30 till 4:30 Lula City Hall, Qualifying Packets available in advance Lula City Hall.
- Culvert Replacement Chattahoochee and Carter Street Finalizing, Bid Development underway.
- Sheriffs Community Meeting Hall and Banks County
- Request for Food Truck Usage
- Amendment to Zoning Ordinance & Subdivision Regulations Reflecting changes to adopted to IBC forthcoming.
- Dave Wilson Request for Carter Alley One Day Closure (between Athens St and Cobb St.) if approved we will need to contact area business and remind them of the temporary closure.
- Proposed Rezoning 09064 000062 + 09064 000056 + 09064 000053. 23 Acres located along Cornelia Highway (365) and Belton Bridge Road, Current Zoning Highway Business proposed change to M-II Heavy Industrial. Public Hearing by City Council Aug. 21st , 7:00 PM Lula City Hall
- Lula Ladies, Wed. Aug 23 / Lula Depot, Lunch Noon and Dinner 6:30 PM
- Historical Society Lula Bellton Meeting fourth Monday of the Month (August 24th) at the DEPOT 7 PM, at the DEPOT all are invited.
- Historical Society Lula Bellton Fund Raiser Hickory Smoked Chicken Dinner Saturday Sept 16th, June Vincent offers details.
- Lula Fall Festival Saturday Sept 30th see information at “@lulafallfestival” brought to by and benefited by Historical Society
- TEXT MY GOV text message service available for alerts
- Human Resource Committee Meeting Wed at 4 PM
- Utility Committee Meeting Scheduled for 5 PM Sept 5th, Water Line Bid Development, Mapping Proposals, Discussion on Roof Replacement
- Reminder the City of Lula Operations is closed on Monday September 4th for recognition of Labor Day
- Mordecai’s Minutes
- Executive Session/ Land Acquisition
Citizen Comments
Council Comments
All requests to be placed on the regular agenda should come in writing (forms available) and should encompass all supporting documents in advance of the work session. The Regular Monthly Council Meeting is normally the Third Monday of the Month, preceded by a work session on the prior Monday @6:00 PM. All meeting of the Council are open to the Public and the public attendance is encouraged. In the event of a Special Called Meeting of the Council, such meeting shall be posted for Public View 24 hours in advance, with stated agenda.
Welcome 2023 Candidates!
Thank you for your interest in Lula City Government. The City of Lula is governed by a Mayor and five Council members, who each run for a specific post but are elected by a City‐wide popular vote. City elections are nonpartisan, i.e. candidates do not run as members of a particular political party, and their individual party affiliations are not relevant to their positions in city government. Elected officials serve for terms of four (4) years and until their respective successors are elected and sworn in. These positions will expire 12/31/2027.
Please review the materials provided for qualifying to run for office in the November 7, 2023, General Election for District 1, District 4 and District 5.
The Mayor and City Council determine policies, enact legislation and provide political leadership in the community. Mayor and Council meetings are held on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall and Mayor and Council Work Sessions are held the 2nd Monday of every month at
6:00 p.m. at City Hall.
As City Clerk of Lula, I am the “Qualifying Officer” for the city and will be the person to receive your Notice of Candidacy and Affidavit. Qualifying will be held here at Lula City Hall beginning Monday, August 21, 2023, at 8:30 am – Wednesday August 23, 2023, until 4:30 pm. The qualifying fee for Councilmember District 1, 4 and 5 is $100.00.
If you are new to municipal government, there is a publication that may be helpful to review, it is called the “Handbook for Georgia Mayors and Councilmembers” published by Betty J. Hudson and Paul T. Hardy in conjunction with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government which can be found by going to www.gmanet.com/handbook.aspx.
To be eligible to run for a City Council position, you must meet the following requirements on the date that you qualify:
- You must have been a resident of the city for at least one year prior to the date of the Election.
- You must be registered and qualified to vote in the municipal elections of the city.
- You must submit a Notice of Candidacy Application.
- You must submit a Declaration of Intention to collect campaign contributions.
You can pick up the 2023 General Election Qualifying Packet at Lula City Hall during regular business hours including all the forms mentioned below.
I hope you will find the following information useful. Please do not hesitate to call me with questions or email me at tangee.puckett@cityoflula.com. Thank you for your interest in the City of Lula.
Tangee (Puckett) Garner
City Clerk
PO Box 99
Lula, GA 30554 (P) 770-869-3801
FORMS
Notice of Candidacy and Affidavit – Must be filed with qualifying fees no later than August 23, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Return to City Clerk
Declaration of Intention to Collect Campaign Contributions – Must be filled out if you collect or if you spend ANY money (Including your own money). (Signs, flyers, etc) Return to City Clerk.
Campaign Contribution Report – See attached filing schedule (Depends on contribution/expenditures) Return to City Clerk (Not required if complete Affidavit of a Candidate’s Intent not to exceed $2,500 in contributions or expenditures.)
Campaign Contribution Disclosure Final Report & Termination – to be filed when no longer in office or if did not win seat. All contributions must be diminished in order to file this form. If not diminished continue filling out Campaign Contribution Reports on the designated dates. – This is due 10 days after close of campaign. Return to City Clerk
Affidavit of a Candidate’s Intent not to exceed $2,500 in contributions or expenditures. Return to City Clerk
Registration form for Campaign Committee for use by Candidate– Must be filled out if you have a campaign committee. – Mail to State Ethics Commission – Address on bottom of form
Choosing Option of Separate Accounting. Complete this form ONLY if contributions are to be collected for more than one election at a time – Mail to State Ethics Commission – Address on bottom of form
Two Day Report Due within two days of any contribution of $1,000 or more received between October 23, 2023, and Election Day – Return to City Clerk
If you have any questions on filling out forms, please contact the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission to assist you. By law, the Clerk is not authorized to write on your sheet except to stamp in the date received and notarize your signature.
Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission
Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00AM to 5:00PM
Office: 404-463-1980
Toll-Free: 866-589-7327
Fax: 404-463-1988
E-mail: gaethics@ethics.ga.gov Website – http://ethics.ga.gov/
Newly Elected Officials Institute
A reminder as qualifying for municipal elections, state law (O.C.G.A. 36-45-1) requires all persons elected as members of a municipal governing authority who were not serving as members of a municipal governing authority on July 1, 1990 to attend and satisfactorily complete a training program specifically designed for newly elected municipal officials. The Georgia Municipal Association and the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government are pleased to provide this required training to Georgia’s newly elected municipal officials.
The 2024 Newly Elected Officials Institute classes have been scheduled for February 28 – March 1, 2024, at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel, Athens, GA.
Municipal elected officials that have served before and have been reelected are required to take the Newly Elected Officials Institute again only if they have been out of office for more than four years.
The Newly Elected Officials Institute provides an opportunity for mayors and councilmembers to increase their knowledge and understanding of city government, especially as it relates to the role and responsibility of the elected official. The training provides information designed to increase the awareness of the legal, financial and ethical responsibilities of city officials. Further, the course provides six hours of credit toward the voluntary training certificate program for municipal elected officials.
By completing and turning in the NOTICE OF CANDIDACY AFFIDAVIT you are registering to run for the City Council for the City of Lula. Please note that qualifying forms must be accompanied by the appropriate qualifying fee and can only be accepted during the qualifying period and must be done in person.
Council District 1 – $100.00 qualifying fee – currently held by Tony Cornett
Council District 4 – $100.00 qualifying fee – currently held by Garnett Smith
Council District 5 – $100.00 qualifying fee – currently vacant
Important dates to remember:
Monday, August 21 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Qualifying for Election
Tuesday, August 22 8:30 A.M to 4:30 P.M. Qualifying for Election
Wednesday, August 23 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Qualifying for Election
Tuesday, October 10 Last day to register to vote
Monday, October 16 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Start date for advance voting
Saturday, October 21 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturday voting
(East Hall Community Center)
Saturday, October 28 9:00 A.M to 5:00 P.M. Saturday Voting
(East Hall Community Center)
Friday, November 3 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Final date for advance voting
Tuesday, November 7 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Election Day
Lula City Hall
6055 Main St., Lula, GA 30554
If you have any questions, please contact Tangee (Puckett) Garner, City of Lula City Clerk at
(770) 869-3801 between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or email address at tangee.puckett@cityoflula.com
