Mosque controversy was top story in Newton

Rasa - A controversial plan to build a Muslim mosque in rural western Newton County — and the passionate reactions that resulted — comprise the top story of Newton County for 2016.

News ID: 426308

Date: 05 January 2017 - 22:19

RNA - Newton County commissioners said they were caught off guard in August when the county’s Development Services Department issued an administrative approval for plans by the Masjid-At-Taqwa mosque in Doraville to develop a mosque, burial facility, and cemetery, with later plans for a school and residential neighborhood, on 135 acres on Ga. Highway 162. The county’s zoning ordinance allows houses of worship in all zoning districts, so no public hearing or approval were needed from the Board of Commissioners.

A large number of residents expressed fear and alarm about the development which, in turn, drew support for the mosque from within the community and from around the state.

In response, commissioners enacted a five-week moratorium on development of houses of worship in order to give Development Services time to review zoning provisions and the current trends for places of worship.

During the five-week period, commissioners held public hearings that drew hundreds of people — speaking both for and against — the mosque. A militia group protested on the downtown Covington Square, and others held signs of support for the mosque. There were threats of litigation against the county by the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the U.S. Department of Justice. A media firestorm brewed, drawing dozens of TV cameras and out-of-town media representatives.

When the dust had settled, the moratorium that stalled the mosque expired with one tangible result: an ordinance that will require a public hearing process for commercial and public assembly developments of 10 acres or larger was approved by the Newton County Board of Commissioners.

Solid Waste Authority

What to do about the ongoing issue of solid waste management was another focus for Newton County elected officials and residents in 2016.

Commissioners reactivated a dormant Solid Waste Authority early last year and began the process of transferring responsibility for different components of the solid waste management program to the authority.

Of greatest interest to residents was what would happen to the county’s 11 convenience centers, where residents could drop off household garbage, bulk items, and recyclables without paying a fee. According to the county, those centers create a $2 million drain on county finances annually. In an effort to reduce that loss, the county implemented a $50 user fee for the centers prior to transferring its oversight to the authority.

Elected officials learned just how much residents appreciated those convenience centers when, at meeting after meeting, they turned out to voice their opposition to the possibility that the centers would close.

As the year came to an end, the question of exactly what will happen with the centers remains unanswered. The Solid Waste Authority is in the process of negotiating with a provider for management of portions of the solid waste program — including at least some of the convenience centers.

Forensic Audit

A forensic audit alleging financial mismanagement in several areas of Newton County government captured the attention of the community in late 2016. The audit, conducted at the request of the Board of Commissioners, determined that county taxpayers suffered “financial damages” of more than $25 million, much of that loss attributed to the handling of the now-abandoned Bear Creek reservoir project by former county attorney Tommy Craig.

The 127-page audit, which covered the Recreation Commission, Nelson Heights Community Center, Bear Creek, the landfill and convenience centers, and SPLOST/impact fees, was made public in November after commissioners had reviewed the results and voted to send the findings to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Craig refuted the accusations against his management of the Bear Creek reservoir project and other areas of involvement in Newton County government. Craig said accountant David Sawyer’s research and findings were faulty.

“Sawyer took on a task he is not qualified by knowledge or experience to perform,” wrote Craig in a released statement. “The Board of Commissioners should demand a complete refund of the approximately $350,000 I hear was spent with Sawyer’s firm: it was a complete waste of taxpayer dollars.”

As the year wound down, there was no indication what further action — if any — would be taken on the audit findings, other than to tighten policies and procedures.

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