Resident raises court‑fine and 911‑addressing concerns at Sept. 23 work session; department heads give routine updates

A Cusseta resident told commissioners at the Sept. 23 work session she had been fined $260 after not receiving a court notice she believes was missed because of an incorrect 911 address sign. Christine Richards said her property’s 911 number has shown as 145 for two years though she lives at 140; she said she first learned of the court appearance by mail and is on a fixed income.

County Manager Thomas Weaver clarified that the commission cannot reverse fines imposed by a judge but said staff would review the 911 signage and look into whether an addressing error or other administrative problem contributed to Richards’ difficulty receiving notice. Chairman Charles Coffey and Commissioner Damon Hoyte asked follow-up questions about billing and address verification; the commission agreed to look into her water‑billing concern as well.

Department heads provided short operational updates: Recreation reported soccer registration and field valve searches; Community Development discussed an October newsletter and code enforcement work; the water department left an update for the commission; animal control reported a staffing transition and work on a tire‑grant; public works reported equipment assessments and road repairs after heavy rain. The board discussed Oct. 1 agenda prospects including potential Board of Education use of Old City Hall, a cardboard compactor agreement, reappointments to the Tax Assessor board, Board of Elections first reading, vehicle purchases and naming an engineer of record.