The foundation plans to use the building as an Accelerated Reader Program
testing site.

     Sandy Bowen, current TCFEE president, introduced Ronnie Noble, who asked
commissioners to continue their support of reading in Tifton.

     “One of the most important things we can do is leave a legacy of reading for
our children,” Noble said.

     The Tifton-Tift County Public Library Board had said upcoming library
renovations would not afford enough space for the program to be housed
there. Noble said the program, which is utilized by students and adults,
needed a new home for its computers before the summer. 
Noble said the current EMS building would be ideal because it is close to the
library.

     County attorney Rob Reinhardt said a lease similar to those in effect for
other county-owned buildings is written. The board approved a one-year lease
at  $1 per year. TCFEE will maintain the building and fund insurance and
other expenses related to the building.

     Commissioners decided not to extend the rezoning moratorium which expired
Dec. 31. The moratorium, first implemented over a year ago and extended
passed expiration once before, was intended to postpone major rezoning
decisions until after Robert & Company’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the
county is completed.

     “I think we need to get into business again,” Reinhardt said. “We can work on
a case-by-case basis.” 

     Zoning administrator Carl Fortson said most applications for rezoning filed
during the moratorium have been for smaller parcels of property.
Commissioners voted to approve an increase of $5 per registration fee for
participants in Tift County Recreation Department youth athletic programs, a
$5 per game increase for adult softball league teams and a $4 per game
increase for adult flag football teams.

     The plan was one of three options presented to commissioners in workshop
last week by TCRD Director Craig Sowell. Sowell said the increases would
generate $9,675 in revenue, based on 2001 participation, and allow the
department to meet operating cost of programs. 

     Sowell said the department had not increased fees in 8-10 years and, as
before, parents who can’t afford the fees can complete a fee waiver
application and, if they qualify, pay based on income.

To contact reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321, ext. 208.