Atlanta
Marcus center to hold Hanukkah celebrations
The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta will offer Hanukkah programs for all ages next week: Mamakkah, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, MJCCA at Zaban Park, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody; Menorah Madness – Family Hanukkah Celebration, 5:15 p.m., Monday to Dec. 12, MJCCA at Zaban Park; Latke Luau Singles Event, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Three Sheets, 6017 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs; MJCCA Young Adults’ Vodka & Latkes, 7 to 11 p.m. Dec.13, Shout, 1197 Peachtree St. N.E.; Mature Adult Chanukah Happy Hour, 3 to 5 p.m. Dec.14, MJCCA at Zaban Park. Information: www.atlantajcc.org. Mea Watkins
Fulton
Fulton faces animal control quandary
Animal control for Atlanta, and possibly all of Fulton County, could run out at the end of the year if county commissioners don’t make a decision on a contractor. Barking Hound Village Foundation has been providing the service countywide for $2.1 million per year, but some commissioners have qualms about a financial audit and accusations of mismanagement.
The county sought a new provider, but no one bid, including Barking Hound. The county could opt to keep the group on board for six more months, but commissioners are deadlocked. The panel also hasn’t decided whether to include Atlanta, whose city council has angered some commissioners by refusing to ban elephant bullhooks. Any change to the current structure would cost taxpayers more for the service. Johnny Edwards
Henry
Stockbridge council sets morning meeting
The Stockbridge City Council has set a special called meeting for 9 a.m. Monday at City Hall to conduct an investigative hearing into the conduct of Mayor Lee Stuart.
The council voted Nov. 29 to take action regarding the findings and recommendations of investigator Chris Balch, who reported that he believed the council had cause to consider removing Stuart for various violations of the city charter. The council’s regular monthly meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday. Monroe Roark for the AJC
Fayette
Toys for Tots gift drive under way
Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will be at Walmart in Peachtree City, Fayetteville and Newnan; Big Lots in Newnan and the Fayetteville Toys R Us this week and next weekend collecting toys for their annual Toys for Tots drive.
They will accept new and unwrapped toys or monetary donations. Tammy Joyner
DeKalb
School system to issue $38 million in bonds
The DeKalb County School District is planning to sell $38 million in sales tax-backed bonds on Dec. 19.
Moody’s Investors Service has rated district bonds at a subpar Aa3, in part because of deficit spending. These new bonds, however, get a boost to Aa1 because of state backing.
The Georgia Department of Education will likely back the bonds with state education funds earmarked for local operations, said Mike Rowland, director of facilities services.
Should DeKalb default, investors would get paid with state money that normally supplements the general fund.
DeKalb schools finance chief Michael Perrone said the bonds are for technology upgrades and vehicle purchases.Ty Tagami
