Kennesaw council approves service delivery strategy resolution to preserve certification

Kennesaw City Council voted unanimously, 5-0, at a special called meeting to approve a service delivery strategy resolution and to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement so it can be sent to the Department of Community Affairs, city officials said.

The resolution is intended to keep the city certified with the Department of Community Affairs; presenters said failure to submit the strategy and receive that review before June 1 would leave the city “a non certified local government,” which could cause the city to lose grant funding and certain inspection authorities and could affect credit reviews.

An unnamed staff member who presented the item said the update reflects recent changes after the city of Mableton joined the service-delivery negotiations. “As we sit today, everyone has passed and has approved the updated agreement. It will last 1 more year,” the presenter said. The presenter said Mableton agreed to pay $9,500,000 for police services and characterized that amount as covering taxes that otherwise would have been paid by residents of the area. The presenter added that Mableton will have six months of stormwater service before the city becomes responsible for its own stormwater maintenance: “At the end of 6 months, then the city will work with and have to provide their own stormwater maintenance. They’ll be responsible.”

The presenter told the council that the city and county staffs are continuing to work through forms and a series of intergovernmental agreements that will come back to the council for consideration, including an ordinance for animal services enforcement; the presenter noted the council had already addressed a fire ordinance. “So there are a number of other intergovernmental agreements that we will be bringing to you,” the presenter said.

Council Member Vires moved to approve the resolution; Council Member Jones seconded. The mayor called for a voice vote: “All those in favor of approving the resolution as presented signify by raising your right hand.” The mayor then announced, “That’s 5. Those opposed, no. Motion is approved by unanimous vote.”

The presenter recommended prompt approval to meet the Department of Community Affairs’ requirement and to avoid the consequences of a missed deadline: “It is with that that we recommend that you approve this resolution this evening.” With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:36 p.m.