The Department of Revenue Releases Policy Bulletin on Collection of E-911 Fees Beginning January 1, 2019
The Georgia Department of Revenue recently posted a Policy Bulletin providing guidance on the state's non-prepaid 911 charge and prepaid wireless 911 charge and supersedes the guidance entitled Prepaid Wireless 9-1-1 Charge
. To review the Bulletin click
here
.
House Rural Development Council Releases 2018 Report
On December 5
th
, the House Rural Development Council released its recommendations for the 2019 session of the Georgia General Assembly. Among their proposals are creating a statewide, streamlined process for permitting small cell/5G equipment in local government right-of-way; creating and incentivizing multi-county regional development authorities; replacing telecommunications franchise fees with a communications service tax, with state revenues to help fund rural broadband efforts; revising Georgia’s certificate of need laws for health care delivery; and increasing the Rural Hospital Tax Credit to $100 million. To view this distinguished Council’s report in its entirety, please click
here
.
Georgia Trend Article Highlights Georgia’s Rural Broadband Efforts
In its December 2018 issue,
Georgia Trend Magazine ran an article providing a background and summary of Georgia’s ongoing efforts to expand broadband to unserved and underserved areas of the state. The article aptly summarizes the issues and challenges involved; updates progress in implementing SB 402 (the “Achieving Connectivity Everywhere” Act) from the 2018 legislative session; includes input from several county officials on the importance of connecting their communities; and incorporates the wireless industry’s perspectives on this front.
To read the article, please click
here.
New Voting Machines at Forefront of Georgia Counties' Legislative Priorities
ACCG's policy team has made replacing Georgia's voting machines a top legislative priority. Although replacing the state’s voting equipment has been a discussion in the statehouse for years, timing and funding has been a major concern. If legislation is passed, the next step for lawmakers is to address how to cover the costs of equipment on a local level and getting county employees and voters acclimated with the new equipment.
More details regarding this legislation can be accessed in an
article released by WJCL News.
New Rules for Tax Assessment of Forestland
With the passage of Amendment 3 (HR 51) in November, changes will be coming in 2019 to the Forestland Protection Act (FLPA) grant program as well as the tax assessment rules for other “qualified commercial timberland.” More information can be found
here.
Time to Create Your Local Complete Count Committee
The 2020 Census will be here before you know it. The best way to make sure that you have the most accurate count is to create a local complete count committee to ensure that all residents in your county are motivated and educated about the importance of participating in the Census. These committees should include representatives from county and city governments, faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools, local businesses, the media, community groups, and any other organization that can help spread awareness.
There are many resources available to help you get started. The U.S. Census Bureau has detailed information on its
website and the
Atlanta Regional Office can assist by hosting a workshop or meeting with your county to help you create a local committee. Don’t miss out on counting everyone in your county!
