Cusseta resident raises concern about 911 address mix‑up and court fine during commission work session

At the Sept. 23 work session of the Unified Government of Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County, resident Christine Richards told commissioners she received a court notice she did not receive earlier warnings about and that her 911 address signage had been incorrect for the past two years.

Richards said her property’s 911 sign showed “145” but her actual address is “140,” and she believes the mismatch caused her to miss a court appearance; she said she has been charged about $260 in fines and is on a fixed income. "I was coming to the meeting to find out where my money is going," she told the commission.

County Manager Thomas Weaver clarified that the commission cannot change fines imposed by judges but said staff would investigate the 911 sign and check billing and water account issues raised by Richards. Chairman Charles Coffey asked whether Richards had been cited for a violation; Richards said she was unsure but guessed it might have been related to junk cars. The commission asked county staff to follow up.

Why it matters: Accurate 911 signage is essential for emergency response and for ensuring residents receive official notices. Richards asked the commission to examine both the signage program and whether mail or notices failed to reach her, and requested review of any associated bills or court charges that may stem from address confusion.

Next steps: Commissioners and staff agreed to look into the address signage and related billing concerns. County staff said they would report results to the resident and the commission; judicial fines themselves were outside the commission’s authority, the county manager said.

Chairman Coffey closed the meeting by urging civility: "One last thing is treating people with kindness... Everyone has the right to voice their opinion; just be tactful about it and considerate of others," he said. The work session adjourned at 11:57 a.m.