Government

South Fulton officials will bring in the city’s birthday a little different this year. The City of South Fulton will celebrate the third anniversary of its incorporation with a virtual party this Friday, May 1, at 6 p.m. The three-hour event will feature remarks from Mayor William “Bill” Edwards highlighting city accomplishments in its first three years. Edwards will also underline milestones for 2020. Music will fill the rest of the evening with tunes spun by DJ Mook B, DJ Frost, DJ Salah Ananse and DJ Kizzy Rock. “We have come a long way in our first three years,” said Edwards. “Residents have played a significant role in that success. We are proud to celebrate all our milestones with the individuals that made it all possible.” South Fulton residents can watch the event via ...

South Fulton officials are continuing to fill the need for food among residents impacted by COVID-19. Mayor William “Bill” Edwards and District 3 Councilwoman Helen Z. Willis are working with Atlanta Community Food Bank to distribute food to residents through a partnership called Feeding the City of South Fulton. The project, which will run for several weeks and will focus on a different city district each week, starts Thursday, April 30 at Welcome All Park, 4255 Will Lee Road, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Residents will be able to drive through the site to safely pick up food items. “I believe it is the duty of government to lend assistance in lifting the burden of the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Edwards. “This goes beyond providing medical care and testing sites, but making sur...

In recent weeks, South Fulton's elected officials have distributed hundreds of bags of food to residents who have been impacted by COVID-19. Food banks, churches and other community partners have worked with local leaders to help ensure families have meals and groceries. Hosea Feed the Hungry is among the partners helping to supply food for distribution. Through a partnership with Councilwoman Helen Willis, the organization has already contributed over 300 bags of food in support of local churches, apartment communities and South Fulton's seniors. “I am grateful for Hosea Feed the Hungry’s support in providing food to the South Fulton community,” said Willis. “This partnership will help us supply the demand of food for residents who have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. We l...

Earlier this week, Governor Brian Kemp announced a plan to incrementally reopen sections of the economy as Georgia still grapples with the coronavirus pandemic. Across the state, a number of businesses and professionals will be allowed to reopen their doors starting this Friday. The list includes gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, cosmetologists, hair designers, nail care artists, estheticians, their respective schools, and massage therapists. While the business owners are being asked to take certain precautions, including social distancing and sanitation measures, Governor Kemp's announcement has been met with criticism from local and state leaders. Many feel that his decision was premature and gives Georgia residents a license to put themselves and ...

City Hall and other facilities in South Fulton may be closed, but city leaders are finding new ways to ensure residents have access to services and information. The city has partnered with ITsimple to launch its own ItsMyTown app, a one-stop source for news and community information available in real time. The app is also used by the City of Alpharetta.  The app puts information about local events, programs, restaurants meetings and more right at users' fingertips. But more importantly, it's one of the easiest ways to get things done in South Fulton. In just a few clicks you can apply for a building permit, report a street light outage, pay a fine or search for employment opportunities with the city. Access the directory, and with just one click you can call or email Mayor Will...

As the coronavirus pandemic ravages African American communities across the U.S., Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs is convening a town hall to address the alarming trend. The virtual event, titled Combating COVID-19 in the Black Community, will be held on April 15 at noon. The conversation will be led by Dr. Sulieman Wazeerud-Din, chief medical officer at WellStar Atlanta Medical Center South and Dr. Angela Marshall, chair of the board of directors for Black Women's Health Imperative. Kiplyn Primus, host of WCLK's "The Local Take" will moderate. "It's important to combat the spread of COVID-19 using all of the tools and resources that are available to us," said Councilwoman Gumbs. "As a city, we've taken extensive measures to keep residents and employees safe. As part of that effort,...

Cities around the country are looking for ways to compensate personnel on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are offering hazard pay, a measure that is being championed in South Fulton. But according to a memo submitted by City Manager Odie Donald II, "funding hazard pay at a conservative estimate of approximately $400,000 would undoubtedly result in furloughs and potentially a reduction in force." Additionally, with less than $1 million in the contingency fund, growing concerns over potential revenue loss and no way to know how long the pandemic will last, he's recommending that the city not take on any new unbudgeted expenses. But while hazard pay may not be an option, Donald's staff and city officials are getting closer to finalizing an alternative solution. During...

Local officials and organizations are partnering to ensure families have access to food during the COVID-19 pandemic. City of South Fulton Mayor William "Bill" Edwards, Fulton County Commissioner Joe Carn, Fulton County Schools and the Atlanta Community Food Bank are collaborating to distribute food on Thursday, April 9 at 10 a.m. The event will take place at Prince Hall Grand Lodge located at 7340 Old National Hwy. Families will be able to drive through the location to safely pick up food items. In a social media post, Mayor Edwards thanked the volunteers who have worked to prepare bags of food in advance of tomorrow's event. Councilwomen Catherine Rowell and Helen Willis were among those onsite to lend a hand. Atlanta Community Food Bank will also distribute food on Thurs...