The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln County met at 6:30 p.m. on March 15 at the public library. Commissioner Mike Hawkes of district three was guest speaker.

Mr. Hawkes opened his presentation talking about the 15 new developments in the county. He stated he was proud of the format that had been developed by the commissioners covering the roads, landscaping, etc. A wake up call had been the Savannah Bay development.

He talked about wanting a law in Lincoln County stating any person 65 or older would be exempt from paying school tax. He said many counties in Georgia had this law.

A discussion ensured about a property tax freeze. He was asked if he would vote yes for the freeze. He stated he would vote yes if it came before the commissioners.

A discussion about the declaration of judgment was held. Mr. Hawes stated he was told to contract was against the law so he voted yes, later learned the sheriff's own lawyer declared it was not against the law. Members agreed this vendetta has got to stop for the sake of the taxpayers of Lincoln County.

Mr. Hawkes encouraged all to attend the commissioner meetings, even the committee meetings, to learn about the problems before the county. He was thanked for attending the meeting and discussing the issues.

The school referendum was discussed encouraging all the vote and to call their friends to remind them to go vote.

Kathy Cox, R.N., who works for a home health agency, reported the smoke detectors she acquired from Ernie Doss, Department of Safety. He had 70 that he gave her to distribute. Kathy has many low-income families without fire safety. Thirty-five smoke detectors have been placed in homes so far and the rest will be used the same way. Thanks to Kathy, these homes are a safer place for the families.

As the vice-president could no longer hold office, Linda Burns was elected.

The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held April 19.

The CCLC would like to invite all citizens of Lincoln County to attend these meetings. You would enjoy the meeting and be enlightened on the issues that are going on in our county.