RINGGOLD, Ga. — Catoosa County Commissioner James Emberson, who’s said he won’t seek another four-year term, said he sought to balance conservative and progressive ideals during his tenure.
He became District 3 commissioner in a September 2003 special election, then won a full term in 2004. His current term ends Dec. 31.
Mr. Emberson is a native of Catoosa County and was employed as a regional service manager at Provident Life when he retired after 36 years service.
The Ringgold High School graduate also served in the U.S. Marine Corps and attended the University of Georgia.
Mr. Emberson sat down last week with the Chattanooga Times Free Press to talk about accomplishments of the commission in his five years on the board, as well as future challenges the county faces.
Q: Why did you seek office?
A: I had been retired for several years, and I was approached about running for the post following the death of Commissioner Burk Hale. I declined to consider running at first but decided I could make a positive impact on the county with my background.
I have tried to be conservative and sufficiently progressive to bring our county into the 21st century.
Q: What commission accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction during your service?
A: Spearheading the tax millage increase in 2006 wasn’t popular, but I hate to think where we would be today without it. When the increase was voted in, there were citizens who were opposed to the hike. There were some residents who stated the increase was needed. Since the increase, several individuals previously opposed to the hike have said the tax jump was needed. Our citizens want and deserve good representation. I hope I have had a positive influence.
Q: What are significant challenges facing the county?
A: I believe economic development and clean industry would help relieve residents of additional taxes. We are now a bedroom county to Chattanooga. It may be that it’s not in the cards for us to be anything more substantial. It’s hard to find significant tracts of land near the interstate that (are not) in the flood plain. I want development to take place, but for whatever reason it may not happen.
Improving county roads presents a financial challenge. Many of our roads are narrow and were essentially developed as cow trails 100 years ago. Straightening these roads and acquiring the necessary land would require displacing many families who live near the road. The expense of such projects would be prohibitive. I believe the county will look to implement intersection upgrades rather than developing wide county roads.
Q: What positive steps have occurred with the closed county landfill?
A: When I joined the commission, we were on probation. The landfill situation was chaotic. We are off probation, and the county has improved control over issues there. The possibility exists that methane gas in the landfill may be harnessed and sold commercially. That will help fund post-closure expenses of the landfill that are now paid from taxes in the general fund.
Q: What is the importance or impact of the special purpose local option sales tax for capital projects?
A: Projects funded by that tax are vitally important. If voters rejected SPLOST, the millage rate would need to double to provide the same services it funds. No one will double local taxes, and services would suffer tremendously.
A major area funded by SPLOST involves needed sewer projects. The health department has largely dictated where sewer SPLOST funds are expended. There were some areas where raw sewage was on the ground. I am pushing for sewer to be made available in the Graysville area in the upcoming vote on the special tax. I believe it will happen in the years ahead. Some areas around Graysville may not now have a dire need, but we need to get the structure in place before the cost becomes prohibitive.
Q: Are there other areas where commissioners have made a positive impact for citizens in recent years?
A: We continue to have one of the lowest millage rates in Georgia.
The Learning Center and Colonnade continue to provide services for our residents.
The Colonnade provides a venue for large groups to meet and, with the theater, is an outlet for individuals interested in the performing arts.
The sheriff’s department is the envy of other similar-size departments in the state. We have the department properly funded. At long last, the judicial system is properly funded. More than half our budget funds the sheriff, judicial needs and public safety. It’s money well spent.
We’ve strengthened our zoning ordinances. One example is to keep such areas as White Oak Mountain and Taylor’s Ridge from being stripped of vegetation.
NEWSMAKER
Name: James Emberson
Occupation: Catoosa County commissioner
Age: 72
Hometown: Ringgold, Ga.
