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City Clerk

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1. Where do I register to vote?

Go to the Douglas County website, select departments, and then select voter registration.
Douglas County website

2. When are City elections held?

Municipal general elections are held in odd numbered years according to Georgia law. On November 2013 council members from Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3 Post 1, and Ward 3 Post 2 will be elected. On November 8, 2011 council members from Ward 4, Ward 5 Post 1, and Ward 5 Post 2 will be elected, along with the office of Mayor.

3. How Do I Get Started?

Those wishing to run for the Mayor or Council member positions should contact the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission pursuant to the recent directive from that office:
Effective January 10, 2011, the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, the GGT&CFC (Formerly the State Ethics Commission), became the filing officer for all candidates and public officials within the State of Georgia.
All candidates and public officials should be instructed to contact our offices if they require informational assistance or guidance.

PRIOR TO BEGINNING YOUR CAMPAIGN: Please contact the GGT&CFC by telephone at 404-463-1980 or electronically at their website www.ethics.ga.gov prior to beginning your campaign so that you can be issued a PIN number for electronic filing, file the necessary forms with the commission, and receive all information and guidance necessary to comply with State Law. GGT&CFC

4. Where do I vote?

The link below contains addtional information about where to vote. More...

5. When are the City Council meetings held?

Regular voting meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month, and Legislative work sessions are held on the Thursday prior to each Regular meeting. All meetings begin at 7:30 pm, at City Hall, 6695 Church Street, in Council Chambers.

6. What is the City of Douglasville's Prayer Policy?

The Mayor and City Council meet regularly at 7:30 pm on the first and third Mondays of every month, and on the preceding Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. The City allows a brief invocation to be given before each meeting by an invited minister or individual. The City is committed to religious and ethnic diversity, and welcomes people of all faiths to participate in leading a pre-meeting prayer or brief inspirational statement. Interested churches and individuals should contact the Executive Assistant to the City Manager to schedule a date and time.

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Court Services Division

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1. Where is court located?

The Douglasville Municipal Court is located in the new Douglasville Public Safety complex at 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville, GA. For directions, call 770-920-3010 and choose option 9. For further information, call 770-920-3010 and choose option 2.

2. Is it mandatory that I appear in court?

Some violations require a court appearance and others do not. Please contact Court Services at 770-920-3010, option 2, to verify.

3. Will there be a Spanish-speaking interpreter for me on my court date?

Yes, we have a Spanish-speaking interpreter available on our arraignment dates. If one is needed for another court, we will have one assigned for that date.

4. Can I pay my fine before court?

Yes, you can pay your citation before court as long as your case is not a mandatory court appearance. You can satisfy your citation by doing one of the following:

a. You can pay your citation in person at the Douglasville Municipal Court
b. You can pay your citation via phone by calling 770-920-3010, option 2, and following the directions.
c. You can pay your citation online at our website: www.ci.douglasville.ga.us (COMING SOON!!!!)

5. What happens if I miss my court date?

If you fail to pay your citation or fail to appear in court on your assigned court date, a $200.00 failure to appear fee will be added to your case. This office will notify you via mail that you missed your court date, a warrant has been issued for your arrest, and we are in the process of suspending your driving privileges. We will also notify you of the total bond that is due and how you can take care of your situation. If you need to speak with someone about a warrant, please contact Court Services at 770-920-3010, option 2.

6. Can you pay your fine at court and leave?

If your fine is a payable offense, you can pay in the following manner:

Cash, Money Order, Bank Check, Personal Check, or a Credit or Debit Card (Visa and MasterCard Only)

7. What if I do not have the full payment, but I wanted to dispose of my case today?

You will have to go before the Judge and ask to be placed on our payment plan.

You will be able to pay over a pre-determined length of time.

You will pay a $50.00 surcharge to the City of Douglasville for being placed on the plan.

You must pay a pro rata share of your fine monthly.

You will remain under the jurisdiction of the court until the fine and surcharges are paid in full.

You must follow the payment plan order that you signed in court.

8. What about my right to a Trial by Jury?

If your case qualifies, you can transfer your case to Douglas County State Court.

You will have to be present in court on your assigned arraignment day to sign the bind over order for State Court.

The bind over order will contain your new court date for State Court.

You will be responsible for keeping Douglas County State Court informed of your address or change thereof.

9. What is a bench trial?

A bench trial is a trial held before a judge without a jury.

The same Rules of Evidence apply in a bench trial as a jury trial.

The judge decides both questions of fact and questions of law.

The Burden of Proof is beyond a reasonable doubt to a rational trier of fact

The judge’s decision is appealable to the Douglas County Superior Court within 30 days of the decision.

10. What if I want to enter a plea of Guilty or Nolo Contendere?

You have to read, understand, and sign a plea proceeding agreement and rights of waiver form.

If you do not have an attorney representing you and you want to proceed by representing yourself, you will have to waive your right to have an attorney represent you and acknowledge that you are proceeding Pro Se (on your own behalf).

Tell the court that you are freely, knowingly, and voluntarily participating in the plea and you understand what you are doing.

Tell the court what happened.

Admit to the court that you are pleading guilty of the charge of pleading nolo contendere because you know that the City could prove the elements of the charge(s) beyond a reasonable doubt to a rational trier of the facts.

11. What is the maximum fine and punishment in this court?

Fines are set by the Mayor and City Council and are reviewed annually.

The maximum fine that can be imposed for a violation of the state law is $1000.00 per citation/charge.

The maximum time of incarceration that can be imposed for a violation of the state law is up to one year for each citation/charge.

The maximum fine that can be imposed for a violation of a city ordinance is $500.00 per citation/charge.

The maximum time of incarceration that can be imposed for a violation of a city ordinance is up to six months for each citation/charge.

Certain offenses have surcharges imposed by the State of Georgia that are added to the fine.

12. If I plea not guilty on my court date, will the case be tried that same day?

No. Your original court date is an arraignment date for you to enter your plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or not guilty. A plea of not guilty will require a new date, established by the court, for the purpose of trials only. The officer and any witnesses involved in your case will be subpoenaed to be in court on this new trial date.

13. Can I handle my not guilty plea before my assigned arraignment date?

Yes and no. This depends on what type of trial that you want. If you would like to plea not guilty to your case and have a bench trial, you may come in before your assigned date and fill out the proper paperwork. If you want to plea not guilty and have a jury trial, you will have to come to court on your assigned arraignment date to fill out the bind over order with the Judge.

14. How do I request a public defender? Can I do this before my assigned arraignment date?

You may apply for a public defender on or before your court date. You will be required to fill out a financial affidavit. Court personnel will look over your application and determine if you qualify to have a public defender assigned to your case. We determine this by using the poverty guidelines that have been set by the Mayor and City Council. If you qualify, we will reschedule your court date to the public defender’s assigned date. If you do not qualify, you will have to determine what plea you want to enter and if necessary, a new court date will be issued.

15. How can I obtain a continuance?

The Municipal Court will only issue continuances under certain circumstances. They are:

a. Death in Family
b. Hospitalization
c. Incarceration
d. Doctor’s Note
e. Court date in another court
f. Mandatory test in school
g. Travel plans for work/school/trip

The court must have proper paperwork received before your assigned court date. If we have any questions about your paperwork, we will call and speak with you to see if we can rectify the problem. If you have any questions about continuances, please contact Court Services Division at 770-920-3010, option 2.

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Frequently Asked Alcohol Questions

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1. How do I apply for an alcoholic beverage certificate?

Please contact the Finance Department – Alcohol Licensing Department.
Initial application for license.
Each initial applicant shall make written application to the council for the privilege of engaging in the sale of alcoholic beverages using forms approved by the clerk and specifying wholesale, retail sales, brewpub, or consumption on the premises, and specifying liquor or beer and wine. Such initial application shall be accompanied by a certified or cashier's check in the amount of the first year's license fee. Should the initial application be denied, such license fee shall be refunded to the applicant.

2. Do I renew my alcoholic beverage certificate annually?

Yes, all alcoholic beverage certificates expire December 31st of each year. A renewal letter is mailed to Each licensee shall make a written application for renewal on or before November 15 of each year on forms approved by the clerk, and the license fee shall be paid in full no later than December 31 of each year. If the renewal application is not made by November 15 of each year or if such fees are not paid by December 31 of each year then an additional $500.00 late fee will be assessed against the licensee.

3. If I sell my business, who do I notify?

You will notify the City Finance Department.
The City Finance Department will process your application of alcoholic beverageslicenses only after sale of the business has been completed, and this application may be made the same day as the sale. After the alcoholic beverage application has been filed, the business may continue to serve alcohol for the shorter of 45 days or the time of approval or denial of the application.

4. If I close my business, who do I notify?

You will notify the City Finance Department.
We request written notice of business closure and surrender of alcoholic beverages licenses. Please also notify the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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Frequently Asked Business Questions

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1. Do I renew my occupational tax certificate annually?

Yes, all occupational tax certificates expire December 31st of each year. Three renewal notices are mailed annually as follows:

1st Notice: October
2nd Notice: November
3rd Notice: December

You only need one renewal notice to renew, if you do not receive your renewal form(s), please contact us at: 678-715-6047

Please attempt to renew by reporting actual gross receipts no later than March 31st of year to avoid late fee penalties.

2. If I move my business from one location to another location inside the City of Douglasville, who do I contact?

Please contact the Finance Department – Occupational Tax Department. An administrative fee of $10.00 shall be required on all occupational tax accounts for the transfer of the registration certificate to a new business location for the same owner to operate the same business under the same name at the new location for the remainder of the existing license period.

3. If I close or sell my business, who do I notify?

Change of ownership, business closing, a change of ownership shall constitute the closing of one business and the beginning of a new business. You must notify the occupational tax department if you sell your business so your occupational tax certificate can be inactivated. Purchase of a business; application may be made on the same day as the sale, after the application has been filed, the business may continue to operate for the shorter of 45 days or the time of approval or denial of application. A bill of sale shall be submitted with the new application.

If you terminate a business in the City of Douglasville, you should notify the occupational tax department in writing so your occupational tax certificate can be inactivated.

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General

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1. Where is City Hall located?

On O'Neal Plaza in Historic Downtown Douglasville. 6695 Church Street.
Map

2. What are your hours?

8:00 am - 5:00 pm - Monday - Friday
City Hall is also closed during certain holidays throughout the year. Click below for a list. City Hall Holiday Schedule

3. Where can I pay my traffic citation?

Douglasville Muncipal Court - 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville, GA 30135
Map

4. Where can I purchase my business license?

City Hall Finance Department - 6695 Church Street
Map

5. Where can I get a building permit?

City Hall, Development Services Dept. - 6695 Church Street
Map

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Planning & Zoning

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1. What is the Liveable Centers Initiative (LCI) Program?

The City of Douglasville is an LCI Community. The LCI program encourages communities to implement strategies to link transportation with land use development to create mixed-use communities where you can live, work and play.

2. What is the process for transportation projects to be developed?

For a major transportation project the process can take up to 6 years, 2 years for preliminary engineering and environmental clearances, 2 years for right-of-way acquisition and 2 years for construction.

3. What is the cost of transportation projects?

Transportation projects can be very costly. Most projects are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and larger projects can run in the millions of dollars.

4. Why does road construction take so long?

Roads must be kept open to traffic during the construction phase. Often times traffic congestion only allows for construction to take place at night or off peak periods.

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Police Department

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1. I was a victim of a crime. When will I be able to get my property back?

Evidentiary items collected for a criminal case will have to be kept until the trial or until the case is disposed of. Once a property release is authorized by the District Attorney’s Office or prosecuting office handling the case, the Douglasville Police Department will then be able to work on returning the property to its owner.

2. I was a victim of a crime. When will I hear from a detective?

Crimes are assigned based on solvability. Once the investigator is assigned, he/she will try to contact the victim within 48 hours.

3. How can I find out about gang activity and learn about gangs?

The Douglasville Police Department attends and hosts informational meetings at community gatherings, churches, etc. in an effort to educate the public.

If your group or organization has any interest, or to find out about upcoming events, please contact Sgt. Ken Winklepleck.
Email Sgt. Winklepleck

4. Is the police department doing anything proactive to deal with gangs?

Yes, the Douglasville Police Department has spearheaded a program for at-risk youth, which consists of a 12-week class sponsored by the police. This program is taught by an ex-gang member who turned his life around after his prison term and who developed a program called Ex-Gress in conjunction with social workers.

This program is open to all youth and parents are welcome to sit in and learn themselves.

For more information, or to register your child/children, please contact Sgt. Ken Winklepleck.
Email Sgt. Winklepleck

5. How long will it take for me to get my accident report?

The Records Division will typically have a report available after 3-5 business days. Records Division

6. Will the accident report list what driver was at fault?

Yes, the at-fault driver will be listed on the report, except in very rare cases during which it may be impossible to determine.

7. When can I get police and accident reports?

Please allow for 3-5 business days for your report to be available. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and is located at the new Public Safety and Municipal Court Building, 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville. Map

8. Does it cost anything for a police or accident report?

Currently, the Douglasville Police Department does not charge for small reports. Open records requests typically carry a charge.

9. How do I obtain an Alcohol Serving Permit?

City of Douglasville Alcohol Serving Permits are issued by the Records Division of the Police Department Monday through Friday from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.

An applicant needs to go to the Public Safety and Municipal Court Building, located at 2083 Fairburn Road, Douglasville, GA 30135 with a valid photo ID and pay $25 for the permit.

A background check will be done and the applicant must pass a ten question test. The Alcohol Serving Permit Photo ID will be made at that time.

Please note that there are no refunds for any reason. Alcohol Serving Permit

10. What is the city ordinance concerning Alcohol Serving Permits?

Sec. 10-152. Employee identification. Read Ordinance

11. Where can I get fingerprinted for a job application which requires fingerprints?

The Douglasville Police Department is no longer able to provide fingerprinting services for the public. Please visit the website below for more information about fingerprints and a list of locations that provide this service.

There are two locations within the city limits of Douglasville that provide fingerprinting. These locations are:

The UPS Store #1690
8491 Hospital Drive
Douglasville, GA 30134
Phone: 770-489-6178

The UPS Store #2523
7421 Douglas Boulevard
Suite N
Douglasville, GA 30135

GAPS (Georgia Applicant Processing Services)

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Sanitation

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1. How do I start my sanitation service?

Please call us at 770-920-3005 or email sanitaiton@ci.douglasville.ga.us

2. What are my sanitation options/rates?

The City of Douglasville offers its residents two options for the collection and disposal of household
garbage—(1) 90-gal. cart, $19.50/mo. (2) 65-gal. cart, $16.50/mo. Residents who have Option 1
(90-gal. cart) and find their weekly garbage does not fit into the container may elect to order a
second container for an additional fee—additional 65-gal. cart, $4.40/mo. or additional 90-gal. cart,
$6.50/mo.

3. Is there a special program available for senior adults?

Yes, there is a special program is available for senior adults 64 years of age and older, with proof of age and no other adults living in the house aside from a spouse, 65-gal. cart, $3.00/mo. Backdoor pickup is available to handicapped or special needs residents, with proof of medical condition and no
other able-bodied adults living in household.

4. What time will my garbage be picked up?

Pick up times vary. All residents should have their City of Douglasville carts (no personal containers may be used) placed at the curb by 7:00 am on your scheduled collection day.

5. How am I billed for my sanitation service?

Monthly fees for the sanitation service are charged to your water bill each month.

6. What do I do with excess garbage that will not fit in my cart?

Excess garbage that will not fit in your cart (lid must be completely closed) may be placed beside your cart in closed plastic bags and attached with a City of Douglasville Sanitation Sticker that is visible from the street.

7. Where do I get the City Sanitation Stickers for my excess garbage?

Stickers may be purchased at City Hall (6695 Church Street) at a cost of $1 each and sold in lots of five.

8. What is the fee for curbside recycling?

There is no additional fee for curbside recycling
— it is included in your sanitation rate.

9. When is my curbside recycling picked up?

Curbside recycling is collected on the same day as your regular sanitation. A separate truck picks
up recycling. As with sanitation, recycling bins should be placed at the curb by 7:00 am on your
scheduled collection day.

10. Will you pick up appliances or bulky items?

The City will pickup large items for a minimum fee of $25. Please call to schedule a special pickup.

11. What are the Spring and Fall Cleanup Weeks?

One week during the Spring and Fall the City picks up large items such as furniture and appliances for no charge. A special pickup does not need to be requested for these weeks. Items should be placed at curb by 7:00 am on your scheduled collection day. Dates are TBA.

12. Do I need to call for a special pickup for my yard waste?

No special pickup is necessary. Yard waste is picked up weekly on your scheduled sanitation day. Please do not hold yard waste for Spring and Fall Cleanup. Brushes, vines and small limbs no longer that 5 feet or 6 inches in diameter may be placed by the curb. Grass clippings and leaves must be bagged, preferably in biodegradable bags.

13. Why was my garbage not picked up?

Garbage must fit in cart with lid completely closed and be at the curb by 7:00 am. Carts that are not at the curb by 7:00 am or have lids that are not completely closed may not be picked up.