County by county news for Sunday

COBB

Austell introduces free online service request

Austell city officials are offering a new, free online system for residents and businesses to request a service, ask a question or notify the city of problems.

However, emergency services should not be requested through this service. Those who use this system will receive a request number by email for following the status and seeing city responses until the matter has been resolved.

Information: austellga.gov/servicerequest. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC

CHEROKEE

Cherokee announces winter make-up

Cherokee County School District officials say they won’t be adding extra days to the calendar-or extra hours to the school day to make up for classroom time lost in the recent winter storms. Superintendent Frank Petruzielo says instead, principals have been authorized to alter student and staff schedules within current hours, and to offer before-school, after-school and Saturday instruction as needed. Petruzielo also says beginning next school year, Wednesday through Friday of the February Winter Break will be designated as potential inclement weather makeup days. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

FULTON

Roswell OKs new water plant

The Roswell City Council voted Monday to authorize construction of a new water treatment plant. The Council awarded the $14.7 million contract to Layne Heavy Civil Inc.

The plant will serve about 55-hundred Roswell households, with Fulton County continuing to supply water to the rest of the city. Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with the new facility going on-line in the fall of 2015. Mark Woolsey

FORSYTH

Forsyth to help drivers with towing costs

Forsyth County board of Commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday authorizing county officials to pay back motorists whose abandoned vehicles were towed at the specific direction of county officials during the recent snow storm.

The resolution says reimbursement will be on a case-by-case basis, and will be capped at $10,000 total.

Information: forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

DEKALB

Sheriff donates to rape crisis center

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department recently donated money from its confiscated drug account to the county’s rape crisis center.

The $10,000 gift will go toward programs that help the victims of rape and sexual assault. The center made several deep cuts to staff and programs due to budget challenges last fall.

Information: www.dekalbrapecrisiscenter.org. April Hunt

FAYETTE

Fayette forming new art and park boards

Fayette County wants volunteers for two new citizen committees.

The Public Art Committee will promote public artwork throughout the county and needs members related to architecture, art education or design. The Justice Center Park Committee will help create a self-funded park on land near the justice and senior centers in Fayetteville.

Information: twhite@fayettecountyga.gov. Jill Howard Church