By Ronnie Moore
The Chattanooga Times Free Press
RINGGOLD, Ga. — Catoosa County commissioners plan to change the county code regarding provision of fire protection services in the unincorporated areas of the county.
The commission on Tuesday said fire protection in areas of the county outside Ringgold and Fort Oglethorpe will be provided by the county fire department, “which shall be under the supervision and direction of the county manager or his designee.”
Officials said the language change is needed to cover unincorporated areas after the commission in mid-January gave 120 days notice it was canceling fire contracts with Fort Oglethorpe, Post Volunteer Fire Department and Ringgold.
No agreement is in place for fire services to Ringgold or Fort Oglethorpe when the 120 days have passed. Fort Oglethorpe has its own fire department, though, and Ringgold does not.
The amended code will require approval on a second reading, following a second public hearing, to become effective.
Catoosa Fire and Rescue personnel drove a new ladder truck to Tuesday’s commission meeting to show residents and commissioners.
Chief Chuck Gass said the $548,000 piece of equipment has been based at the Graysville Station on U.S. Highway 41 since it was delivered Jan. 21.
In other action, commissioners held a public hearing, then voted to institute a fee and fine schedule for the Catoosa County Animal Shelter. The fees go into effect after they are advertised by the county.
Shelter Director Darla Proctor said the adoption fee will be $60, including a $50 spay/neuter fee.
“State law requires all animals adopted from animal shelters be fixed,” Ms. Proctor said.
Fines for animal impoundment within a calendar year will be $25 for first offense, $50 on second offense and $100 the third time, plus a $5 daily housing fee. A $25 fee will be charged to euthanize an animal.
Commissioners approved an amendment to the land subdivision ordinance providing protection for ridge tops.
Planning and Zoning Attorney Chad Young said the change will prohibit clear-cutting and development above 1,100 feet on the east side of Taylor Ridge and above 1,200 feet on the west side of White Oak Mountain.
And, Catoosa Finance Officer Carl Henson gained approval for a $3.59 million line of credit to cover special purpose local option sales tax project payments until the balance of funds is collected.
He said traditionally far less is required to be drawn on the line of credit than the amount requested, but work on sewers, roads and bridges; recreation associations; and firetrucks may require payment before the sales tax revenue collections end in August 2009.
Copyright 2008 Chattanooga Publishing Company