I read with great enthusiasm Mr. Bill Gilmer’s letter to the editor entitled “Too many federal rules? Local regs just as bad.” I think it is wonderful when our citizenry takes a serious look at what government is really doing.
The only way to bring change in government is to become an active, motivated citizen.
Mr. Gilmer made some really good points. Still, I want to clarify the source of his aggravation on the points he raised.
One issue Mr. Gilmer raised was building adjacent or within the flood plain and the standard for minimum finished floor elevation. I think Mr. Gilmer would agree that some standard is necessary as you do not want to put people’s lives and property in danger.
The city of Albany, Georgia suffered a great deal of personal and material devastation due to flooding and a lot of our federal tax dollars were used to rectify those problems.
I just want to clarify for the readers that the floodplain regulations Mr. Gilmer is referring to is required by the federal government, state government and Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District.
From the county government perspective, we have to follow the mandated rules imposed upon us by the feds and the state. The county is not the origin of this predicament.
Mr. Gilmer also cited the master erosion plan needed to build a house and the fee associated with it.
Please know that the plan is required by the federal Clean Water Act and is part of the state erosion sediment pollution control regulations.
It is my understanding that the county could opt out of this process, but the applicants would still have to adhere to the same requirements by going to the state offices and the process would take around three times longer. The county is not responsible for that process.
Another item cited by Mr. Gilmer was regarding the tax on his vehicle. The new Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) is a product of the state legislature. The county is the designated collection agent, as are all counties, on behalf of the state government.
The editor’s note beneath Mr. Gilmer’s letter asked readers for “stories of LOCAL government over-regulation, waste and just plain stupidity,” but the issues cited in the letter were created by the federal and state governments.
Do not get me wrong, those items are just as frustrating to me as they are to Mr. Gilmer. However, please keep in mind that your local city, town and county governments are not responsible for the frustration.
Steve Brown
Peachtree City, Ga.
[Brown is chairman of the Fayette County Commission.]
