Barrow Cities Plan for New Year

As 2010 comes to a close and Barrow County moves forward into a new year, each of the county's five cities has outlined goals for 2011. Here's a look at what Auburn, Bethlehem, Carl, Statham and Winder have planned: 

Auburn

The city of has an extensive list of projects for 2011, including relocating the public works department; installing a new phone system for City Hall, the and public works; implementing stormwater improvements in various locations throughout the city; and making landscape improvements to . City goals in 2011 include expanding businesses within the city and bringing in new business ventures, reducing health insurance costs associated with city employees and continuing to reduce costs related to worker's compensation claims.

Bethlehem

The city of has received a green light from the Georgia DOT to install a traffic light at the intersection of Christmas Avenue and Star Street, a project for which the city has been trying to get the go-ahead for 40 years. The city is currently going through the permitting process and will seek bids on the project in early 2011.

will also hold a special election in 2011, the date to be determined, for two city council posts — Post 2, a seat currently held by Wayne Ridgeway, and Post 4, held by Scott Morgan — as well as mayor, an office held by Sandy McNab.

Carl

One major change that will take place in the town of in early 2011 is that residents will assume responsibility for their monthly trash bills. The town will no longer pay for residents' trash service, provided by Waste Pro, which is contracted through 2017. The town council will finalize the monthly amount for services at its meeting Jan. 20 and is considering a $14.50 fee.

Statham

Mayor Robert Bridges said the city of will be trying to hold down spending as much as possible in 2011, as maintaining the city budget is one of its top goals. The city plans to complete smaller, hands-on projects throughout the city using county prison inmate workers. Bridges said the city is constantly maintaining its water infrastructure and recently received a $25,000 grant to install aerators in the city lake to kill algae.

Winder

The city of plans an ongoing traffic improvement project in 2011 that will create better traffic flow at the intersection of Horton Street and McNeal Road/Ga. Highway 211 at Holly Hill Mall. The city has been working with Georgia DOT, which is expected to award the contract for the project in January. The project will include the installation of a new traffic light with a turn signal and widening of the roadway.

"This is going to really enhance the traffic flow in that area of town," said Winder Mayor Chip Thompson.

The city also plans to increase the number of events held downtown to promote visits to the area.