The Upson County Board of Commissioners voted 3-1 last week to change the way distance is measured for beer and wine package licensing. Commissioner Rusty Blackston, prior to announcing his resignation from the Board to run for Commission Chair, made a motion stating he felt the easiest way to measure the distance between a school or church and a store with a package license is to measure from nearest corner property line to nearest property line.
Commissioner Steve Hudson stated that he did not believe that was a fair way because two buildings could be 5,000 feet apart but their property lines may be side by side and therefore voted against the motion.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, members of Faith Baptist Church, including Pastor James Wall, Lee Paterson and Yatesville Mayor Cecil Moncrief, asked the board to consider making it harder for a business to obtain a beer and wine package license instead of easier. Faith Baptist also has a Christian school on its property and Wall stated that there is not a need for anymore establishments to sell alcohol in the community. He continued, saying that he understood that many business owners wish to sell alcohol for financial reasons, but wondered if the money was really worth the danger that it could cause.
“It’s not so much what takes place in the store where they sell the alcohol, it’s about what takes place once they leave,” said Wall.
According to Hood, this amendment will not change anything for the stores who already have a standing package license and that as long as they are in continued operation they will be grandfathered in. This change will only apply to previously unpermitted establishments.
In other business, Alfred Pruett of the Tax Assessors office was chosen as the Employee of the Month for May 2012. Chief Appraiser Jim Davis had the following to say about Pruett:
“Alfred Pruett is a valuable part of our team in the Upson County Tax Assessors Office. He is dependable, hard working and is very good at his job. He is very knowledgeable about the property in Upson County and the computer system we use in the office to assist us in appraising real property. In addition to his professional knowledge, Alfred is a pleasure to work with and all the employees enjoy his personality and his sense of humor. Alfred is always willing to do whatever is necessary to get the job done and to do the job correctly. Alfred is retiring soon after 10 years of dedicated service to Upson County. His service is appreciated and he will be missed. We hope that Alfred enjoys his retirement. He has earned it.”
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