Bob Pepalis

Georgia

Reporter at Rough Draft Atlanta

Freelance Writer at Freelance

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Articles

Cell phones, marijuana found in Rice Street jail after perimeter breach

2 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

The discovery of a breach in the Rice Street Jail perimeter fencing on June 5 led to the seizure of contraband inside the jail. Fulton County Sheriff's Office staff found a hole in a hole in an exterior jail window. That prompted a shakedown of the corresponding housing zone. The contraband seized included: 32 packs of cigarettes Five bags of loose cigarettes Eight packs of rolling paper Five lighters 10 baggies of suspected marijuana (approx. 1 lb.
Ford seeks election to Sandy Springs Council District 5 seat

2 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Mary Ford announced her intention to run for the Sandy Springs City Council District 5 seat. Ford said she knows the community, has built trusted relationships, and can hit the ground running on day one.
Locke announces campaign for Sandy Springs City Council District 2

3 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Lauren Locke announced her campaign for the District 2 Sandy Springs City Council seat. Her reasons for seeking the council seat include a desire to help reclaim, revitalize, and reimagine what's possible in the north end of the city. Lockewants to incorporate natural assets, such as the river and the surrounding landscape, into the city's future growth.
Tri Scapes chosen to build Burdett Park in Sandy Springs

3 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Sandy Springs picked the $376,229 bid by Tri Scapes of Alpharetta to construct Burdett Park in the right-of-way at the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Burdett Drive.
Free garage parking at events for three major events and other news

4 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Visitors heading to City Springs for three major events will park for free in the city's underground parking garage, as city staff plans to make it easier to get vehicles moving out of City Springs after these events. Sandy Springs City Council approved a change that will make parking in the garage free for: Juneteenth on June 19 Stars and Stripes July 4 Fireworks Celebration Sparkle Sandy Springs Parade and Holiday, Dec.
Special master finds water surcharge on Sandy Springs customers unjustified

5 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

A ruling by a special master in Sandy Springs' water rate lawsuit with the City of Atlanta may lead to residents getting their bills cut by 20 percent or more. Mayor Rusty Paul announced on social media that the special master appointed in the lawsuit ruled in Sandy Springs' favor.
Sandy Springs Society awards $382,000 in grants to nonprofits

6 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

The Sandy Springs Society awarded $382,000 in grants to 44 nonprofit organizations that operate in the city during its annual meeting on May 20. Since its founding in 1988, the nonprofit service organization has given away $5.4 million in donations to local organizations. Lisa Ford, vice president of fundraising for the club, said 33 percent of the Sandy Springs Society's members, or 106 people, made donations or sponsorships this year, an increase from 29 percent the previous year.
County facilities solar panels to save Fulton taxpayers millions

6 days ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

The installation of solar panels at the Dorothy C. Benson Senior Center in Sandy Springs and 45 other Fulton County facilities will save taxpayers an estimated $2.4 million over the next 20 years. Jessica Lavender, Energy and Sustainability manager for Fulton County, said in 2019, the Board of Commissioners adopted a plan to offset 25 percent of county building electricity use with solar by 2030.
Fulton County property owners surprised by old tax bills in mail

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

Some Fulton County property owners recently got a surprise when years-old property tax bills they paid years ago arrived in their mail. Jon Effron said he was shocked when he opened up his mail and saw a tax bill saying he owed taxes from 2019. "I know I paid my taxes," Effron said. After getting over the shock of a six-year-old tax bill, Effron said he wondered why the county would send him a bill from pre-COVID times, but told Rough Draft Atlanta that he realized it must have been a mistake.
Sandy Springs projects $6 million increase for General Fund budget

1 week ago | roughdraftatlanta.com | Bob Pepalis

The Sandy Springs City Council heard on May 27 the first presentation of a $131 million FY 2026 General Fund budget that's $6 million more than its current budget. City Manager Eden Freeman said the city continues to stay conservative in its revenue projections and in its expenditures. "We always overestimate our expenditures and underestimate our revenues so that we are better prepared for coping with budgeting pressures that may occur during the year," Freeman said.

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