🌱 Commissioners Approve $186M Budget + Gas Prices Declining

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh edition of the Cumming Daily. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town...

Birthdays: Happy 91st birthday to Warren Buffett and Happy 50th birthday to Cameron Diaz!

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Today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 91 Low: 71.

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Here are the top three stories today in Cumming:

1. Forsyth County Commissioners approved a $186.1 million budget for 2023 which includes a salary increase for first responders. It's a 13.4% increase from last year's budget, which includes a 4% cost of living adjustment and funding for 25 new full-time employees. The millage rate did not change. County Manager Kevin Tanner said "all of our neighbors, those that we compete with" have increased first responders' pay, so the 2023 budget proposed a 16% increase to keep in line with surrounding municipalities and to "keep the highest quality staff … keeping our community safe." (Forsyth County News)
2. Want to finally hear some good news? Gas prices are continuing to decline, AAA reports. Regular gas in Georgia now costs $3.38 per gallon on average. Motorists are paying almost $7 less to fill up compared to a year ago. Prices however may increase over the next few months due to hurricane season. Since Monday, the national average price for gasoline is $3.85, a decrease of five cents. (WSB)
3. Cherokee County Sheriff's deputies arrested 63-year-old David McConnell and charged him with simple assault for yelling racial slurs towards a truck driver outside a Cherokee County McDonald's on Bells Ferry Road. The incident was caught on video and McConnell was booked into the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center. (Fox 5 Atlanta)

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Today in and around Cumming:

• Quilt Show - Hampton Park Library (All Day)
• Royal Reader Celebration - Cumming Library (10:30 a.m.)
• Caymus Wine Dinner - Casa Nuova (4 p.m.)
• Halcyon Farmers Market - Halcyon (4 p.m.)
• Public Art Discussion - Kirkwood Library (4 p.m.)
• Wine Tasting for the Win - Atlanta (5:30 p.m.)
• Conversational English - Post Road Library (5:30 p.m.)
• Cummings Barbershop Chorus - Lanier United Methodist Church (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Forsyth County is looking for poll workers for the upcoming election season. Serve the community, meet neighbors, make new friends, and even get paid (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Family YMCA is hosting Senior Bingo Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. (Forsyth County Family YMCA via Instagram)
• The Forsyth County Georgia Animal Shelter "Summer of Love" event is coming to an end. All pet adoption fees are waived through Sept. 6. (Forsyth County Georgia Government via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to park their phone before they drive. Georgia is a hands-free state. Drivers cannot have a phone in their hand or touching any part of their body while driving. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Schools is looking for carpenters and electricians. FCS has two openings in its facilities department. http://ow.ly/8SA750Kqwsc (Forsyth County Schools via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Family YMCA's virtual esports fall league is open for registration for ages 8-18. Register by September 12. (Forsyth County Family YMCA via Instagram)
• Whitlow Elementary is hosting Curriculum Night September 22. There will be two sessions from 5 - 6 p.m. or 6 - 7 p.m. Parents/guardians can choose a session or attend both. (Whitlow Elementary via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Sheriff's Office is hiring. Visit www.forsythsheriffcareers.com. (Forsyth County Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Need a pet sitter? Tricia Pokorney is bonded and insured with over 20 years experience. Call or text 941-284-0122. (Nextdoor)
• The USDA has ended free meals for all students. Many students are selecting meals at school but with no payment plan established. Please access mypaymentsplus.com to pre-pay for your child's meals or apply for free/reduced meals at forsyth.k12.ga.us/freereduced. (Matt Elementary via Facebook)
• If you enjoy singing, visit Cummings Barbershop Chorus. It meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lanier United Methodist Church. (North GA Barbers Singers)
• Forsyth County Schools is in need of bus drivers. Pay begins at $18.02 per hour with full benefits. (Forsyth County News)
• Interested in becoming a mentor in Forsyth County Schools? Check the link training dates and more information. (Shiloh Point Elementary via Facebook)
• Humane Society of Forsyth County is looking for folks to join its Street Team, a group of volunteers who attend community events, man the booths and spread the word about what the shelter and HSFC does. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Public Library is looking for teenagers interested in serving on a Teen Advisory Board (TAB). TAB is for teens in grades 6-12 that help plan and promote teen programs in the county's libraries. It's designed to help students gain leadership experience, help the community and meet new people. (Forsyth County Public Library via Facebook)
• Forsyth County Government is hiring. Check out the opportunities available (Forsyth County Government)
• If you need help, get it! A new mental health hotline is now active. You can now call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Prevention Hotline and get the care you need 24/7. You can also visit 988lifeline.org/chat to chat with a caring counselor. This shortcut is not replacing the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), but will serve as an easy alternative for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. (United Way Of Forsyth County via Instagram)
• Tickets are now available for the 18th Annual Bark & Boogie Ball. This is the premier fundraising event for the Humane Society of Forsyth County. The ball will be held Saturday, October 15 at 6 p.m. (Humane Society of Forsyth County, GA via Facebook)
• Pinecrest Academy will host nationally known author, syndicated columnist, and family psychologist John Rosemond September 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. (Pinecrest Academy)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• LADIES NIGHT and Live Music with Billy Vanilla (August 31)
• 2022 Purple Pansies Annual Gala Pillars of Hope Presented by Kroger (September 18)
• Add your event

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That's it for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Phil Giltman

About me: I've lived in Cumming since 2010. I'm married with two kids, both in Forsyth County Schools. I consider myself a jack of all trades. I love solid news reporting, scoring baseball games, playing golf, watching movies, reading books, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, competing in fantasy leagues, commissioning said fantasy leagues, playing poker, trying new foods, traveling, and hanging with friends and family. I appreciate you stopping by.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Cumming Daily? Contact me at phil.giltman@Patch.com