Cumming to Vote on Sunday Alcohol Sales March 6

The City of Cumming will join with a growing number of municipalities across Georgia that are allowing voters to decide if they want to allow local merchants sell alcohol on Sunday.

Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to place the question before voters during the March 6, 2012 presidential primary election.

"There's been a lot of interest in this from stores like , and and some other grocery and package stores, so we should let the people decide," Mayor Ford Gravitt said.

Forsyth County commissioners also have discussed the issue but have not yet scheduled a referendum.

In neighboring Hall County, the cities of Gainesville, Oakwood and Flowery Branch said "yes" on Nov. 8 to Sunday alcohol sales. Only Pendergrass voted it down.

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In other business, council members approved the annexation of Ventura Park and the rezoning of nine parcels of land. Six of the parcels will be zoned City Restricted Industrial and three will be zoned City Highway Business.

Council also approved rezoning of 70 acres along Pilgrim Mill Road, the site of the Cumming Aquatic Center, Department of Driver Services facility, Regional Readiness Center, which is currently under construction, and the new University Center.

Public Utilities Director John Heard proposed that council approve a 10 percent late fee on all delinquent utility bills rather than the $5 fee currently being assessed. Council gave its unanimous consent.

Gravitt pointed out the change will have little or no impact on residential users but would impact several large city customers.

The mayor also read a Proclamation declaring the month of November as Family Month in Cumming.

Council also approved the appointment of Chief Building Official Everett Thompson as the American Disabilities Act Compliance Coordinator.

and contributed to this article.