The budget

and a proposed convenience store are two highlights of this Thursday's

Fayette County Commission meeting.

For the last

two weeks, the County Commission has been thoroughly examining the 2003-04

budget and finding areas to trim and insure that no tax increase would

be necessary to fund the myriad of services the county provides.

The general

fund budget proposed for this year is $44,339,487, which is more than

$300,000 less than last year's budget.

The commission

will also consider a proposal by Richard and Diana Cates to rezone 5.2

acres from A-R to C-H to build a convenience store and retail space. The

property fronts on Banks Road and Ga. Highway 54 east. Staff recommended

denial.

The board will

also look over several items on the consent agenda, including:

A request

from the Sheriff's Department to destroy several uniforms and uniform

items that are no longer serviceable.

A request

from Director of Communications Cheryl Rogers to authorize the Chairman

to execute the Nondisclosure and Confidentiality Agreement Contract regarding

wireless providers.

Authorization

for Public Works to proceed with gravel driveway and parking area for

the Farmers' Market area at McDonough Road and Champion Lane.

A request

from the City of Fayetteville to allow the Fayette County Board of Elections

to conduct the city's election Nov. 4 at the city's voting precincts.

The city will be responsible for all cost associated with this election.

A request

from the Southern Bicycle League to facilitate the Wilson 100 Bike Ride

out of McCurry Park Softball Complex Sept. 7 from 6:30 a.m. through 6

p.m.

A request

from Pike County Sheriff Jimmy Thomas to purchase six out-of-service County

vehicles at $3,120 each.

A request

from Director of Recreation Anita Godbee to transfer a total of $23,000

from contingency to cover the costs for the safety switch to ground McCurry

Park softball lights in the amount of $14,000 and $9,000 to eliminate

light spillage from South Soccer Field #25 into adjacent neighbor.

The commission

meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Fayette County Administrative Complex.