UPDATE: Ethics Watchdog Inquiry Concerns Tom Witts and Back Taxes

An ethics group will conduct a press conference regarding Tom Witts, Judge Mark Layng and state taxes allegedly owed. Witts responses to the complaint.

A Rome-based watchdog group plans a Friday press conference regarding alleged back taxes and ethics violations concerning Councilman Tom Witts and Snellville's Chief Municipal Court Judge Mark Layng. Witts is the mayor pro tem in Snellville, and Layng also is a Magistrate Court judge in Gwinnett County. Ethics and Government Group, led by George Anderson, says that the complaint concerns, in part, more than $28,000 owed in state income taxes. In an interview Wednesday afternoon, Witts said that, yes, he does owe taxes, but that he is being diligent in paying the state of Georgia back. In addition, he said that it has already been disclosed in public at a City of Snellville meeting. The issue dates back several years, he said, after his …

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Real-Time Traffic on Snellville Patch

Before you leave, check with Patch for your local traffic.

See how traffic is going in the neighborhood before heading out.

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Budget Hearing, Work Session This Week

The city of Snellville will meet to discuss the 2013 budget. Have your say at the public hearing June 4.

Snellville leaders will hold two special called meetings this week regarding the 2013 budget. On Monday, June 4, a special public hearing will take place to hear citizen's comments regarding the operating and capital improvement budget for 2013. The hearing will be held at 6:30 p.m., inside the community room at City Hall, 2342 Oak Road in Snellville. On Wednesday, June 6, city council will hold another meeting -- this one a work session -- to delve into the 2013 operating and capital improvement budget, as well as Transportation Investment Act projects and economic development.  It will be held at 6:30 p.m., at Summit Chase Country Club, 3197 Classic Drive in Snellville.

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39th Annual Snellville Days May 5, 6

The annual parade down Wisteria Drive kicks off two full days of family fun.

The 39th Annual Snellville Days Festival weekend is coming up soon, and festivities kick off with a parade on May 5. The annual two-day family event is expected to draw an estimated 30,000 people, according to festival organizers. Festival hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., on Saturday, May 5; and 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday, May 6. The parade begins on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and starts at the Wisteria Village Shopping Center. It will then wind down Wisteria Drive, North Road and Oak Road before ending at the City Hall parking lot. It is uncertain whether the city of Snellville has a grand marshal for the parade. According to an employee at the city's parks department, that information has not yet been confirmed. Cash prizes will be awarded to the …

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Report: Snellville Wanes in Resident Growth, College Degrees

Although researchers found that the rate of growth in new residents is slowing and that fewer adults have college degrees, the city is becoming more affordable and more diverse.

Market analysts recently released key data regarding the competitive profile of the city of Snellville, and the findings may be surprising. Using data compiled from a number of sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Market Street Services looked at a variety of areas to help Snellville officials maximize potential for economic development. Areas in the report include: population, race, education, workers, poverty and more. Here is list of several of the key findings presented: To read the entire report, click the attachment to this article.

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Crystal Huskey

10:38 am on Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Bill, I agree with you. Our neighborhood in unincorporated Snellville is using Village Defense (http://villagedefense.com/), a program that sends text, email, and voice alerts if anyone reports suspicious activity. Crime has gone down and I personally feel a lot safer. I also agree that this is a great place to live! There are so many great things being planned, like the Towne Center and Arts …   more ›

City Attorney Documents Detail Costs

The city's interim attorney is owed more than $23,000, but his predecessor also has been charging the city this year. View documents here.

Snellville's interim city attorney isn't the only attorney that has racked up a number of fees in the past several months. However, there's at least one stark difference between the two stacks of bills. Staurt Oberman, interim city attorney since mid-November 2011, has been fighting to get paid. Tony Powell, the previous city attorney, has not. Although officials say both Oberman and Powell charged the city the same hourly rate of $150, several city council members have maintained that Oberman's fees are excessive. According to information received through a Freedom of Information Act request, Oberman was owed a little more than $23,000 as of January 30. (See the documents attached.) Nearly $19,000 are fees associated with administrative …

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Darla Dixon

9:49 am on Thursday, February 23, 2012

PS: As with any bill, if you have questions about the charges, and you do not receive adequate, detailed explanation so you understand your bill, you don't pay it. Once you pay it, all bargaining power goes out the window. This is basic Business Law I learned in 10th grade.   more ›

Run the Reagan Ushers in New Year

An estimated 3,000 runners will take to one of the most well-known streets in Snellville today -- Ronald Reagan Parkway.

Run the Reagan kicks off today, when as many as 3,000 participants are expected to take to Ronald Reagan Parkway for the annual family sporting event. It kicks off today -- February 18, 2012 -- at 9 a.m. Ronald Reagan Parkway will be closed for the festivities. Organizers say the year-long planning has been tough, but that they're ready for busy day. They hope this year's event is better than the last. Kim Maddox, a volunteer extraordinaire said they have volunteers and sponsors to thank for a smooth, albeit exhausting planning process. In addition, there's been new cooperation from the Snellville City Council and the Gwinnett Sports Commission, she said. "We are using many of our loyal vendors for tents, inflatables, DJ, awards, etc.," …

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Treadway Unanimous Choice in Sevierville, Contract Negotiations Begin

Officials in an east Tennessee city will now begin the process of negotiating with Russell Treadway to take over as city administrator there. He is currently the city manager in Snellville, Ga.

Updated: Snellville City Manager Resigns, Mayor Issues Statement

Russell Treadway, who has been city manager in Snellville since 2008, has accepted another job in Tennessee. Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz says she wants interim city manager soon.

Updated 11:40 a.m., February 7, 2012: A statement from the mayor is added below. Snellville's city manager Russell Treadway tendered his resignation today, ending nearly four years as the city's chief staffer. Treadway is leaving to become city administrator in Sevierville, Tenn., where he previously served in the same capacity for 16 years. "It is extemely rare for a manager/administrator to get the chance to return to a community they have previously served," Treadway said in his resignation to Mayor Kelly Kautz. " I am excited and grateful for that opportunity." Treadway also said that it had been "an honor and privilege to serve" as city manager in Snellville. Hired in June 2008, Treadway added that his time has been "both challenging …

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City Manager Eyes Another Position

Snellville's city manager Russell Treadway is looking for a new job -- in Sevierville, Tenn.

Russell Treadway, who has been city manager in Snellville since 2008, may soon learn whether he is chosen to be the administrator in an east Tennessee city. The mayor and aldermen's board of Sevierville, Tenn., will meet today to discuss the position of city administrator, and Treadway is being considered. The meeting is at 7 p.m. Treadway, a native of east Tennessee, previously served as city manager in Elizabethton, Tenn., where he was fired in 2007, according to media reports. Before than, he also served for several years as city administrator in Sevierville, according to the The Mountain Press. Treadway interviewed for his old job back last month, and he was the only candidate asked to proceed with the process, The Mountain Press …

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