GEFA news quarterly, Sept. 2015

GEFA NEWS QUARTERLY SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME XX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Georgia Sales Tax Holiday

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Infrastructure Projects Approved

2

GEFA Staff Updates

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GEFA Around Georgia

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GEORGIA SALES TAX HOLIDAY FOR ENERGY AND WATER EFFICIENT PRODUCTS

Georgians will have the opportunity to conserve energy and water and save money by purchasing energy-saving and water-efficient products without sales taxes during the upcoming ENERGY STAR and WaterSense Sales Tax Holiday. The state of Georgia's ENERGY STAR and WaterSense Sales Tax Holiday will take place Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4, 2015. During the sales tax holiday, these items will be exempt from sales tax if they have the ENERGY STAR label and have a purchase price of $1,500 or less per item:

Air conditioners Ceiling fans Clothes washers Dehumidifiers Dishwashers

Doors Fluorescent light bulbs Refrigerators Windows

In addition, these items will be exempt from sales tax if they have the WaterSense label and have a purchase price of $1,500 or less per item:

Bathroom sink faucets Faucet accessories
(such as aerators) High-efficiency toilets

High-efficiency urinals Weather- or sensor-based
irrigation controllers Showerheads

The sales tax exemption will not apply to ENERGY STAR or WaterSense products purchased for trade, business or resale.

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy, which encourages the use of energy efficient products and practices to save money and protect the environment. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.

WaterSense, an EPA partnership program, seeks to protect the future of our nation's water supply by offering consumers a simple way to use less water with water-efficient products. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/watersense.

Learn more by visiting www.gefa.org.

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GEFA NEWS QUARTERLY
SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME XX
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS FUNDED BY GEFA
Eleven Georgia communities were awarded financing totaling more than $68 million for water, water supply, sewer, solid waste and wastewater infrastructure improvements by the GEFA executive committee in July and its board of directors in August. Atlanta was awarded a $51,426,136 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan. The $51,426,136 CWSRF loan will finance improvements at the R.M. Clayton Water Reclamation Center headworks facility. The existing coarse screening and grit removal systems to treat raw influent will be replaced. The city will pay 2.03 percent interest on the 20-year loan. Loganville was awarded a $3,000,000 Georgia Fund loan. The $3,000,000 Georgia Fund loan will finance needed upgrades to the city's Big Flat Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, such as repairs, replacements and renovations to the existing influent pump station, screens, filters, centrifuge, and pump equipment. The project will result in improved water quality and operational reliability. Loganville will pay 1.02 percent interest on the 10-year loan. Claxton was awarded a $1,000,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan. The $1,000,000 DWSRF loan will finance replacing water mains, adding loops, and renovating well three, which includes replacing the building, interior piping, pump, valves, chlorinators, and related appurtenances. This project will improve the water system's reliability, help the city continue to supply quality potable water to its citizens, and conserve water. Claxton will pay 1.38 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The blended interest rate is calculated on $647,059 at 1.03 percent for 20 years for the water conservation eligible water line repairs, and $352,941 at 2.03 percent interest for 20 years for the non-water conservation eligible portions of the project. GEFA provides loans through state and federal programs to fund water, solid waste and wastewater infrastructure, and water pollution control and conservation projects. GEFA also provides loan financing at a reduced interest rate to local governments and authorities for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at water and wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and municipal solid waste facilities, in addition to infrastructure improvements. For more information, visit www.gefa.org.
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GEFA NEWS QUARTERLY SEPTEMBER 2015 VOLUME XX

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GEFA WELCOMES NEW STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS; STAFF EARN CERTIFICATIONS AND AWARDS

GEFA welcomed a new staff member and a board member in August. GEFA staff members were also promoted and received industry certifications and recognitions.

Chris Jones was appointed deputy director at GEFA. Jones will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to GEFA's Energy Resources, Water Resources, and Information Technology Divisions. He will continue to assist with GEFA's external affairs by serving as a liaison to local, state and federal officials, the General Assembly, and agency stakeholders.

Steven F. Smith is succeeding Jones as GEFA's chief financial officer (CFO).

Chris Jones Deputy Director

Steven F. Smith CFO

Smith will lead the Fiscal Services Division, which directs the agency's finance and accounting operations; manages loan underwriting, servicing

and financial analysis; and provides budgetary and administrative support for GEFA's programs and initiatives.

GEFA also welcomes George McIntosh to its board of directors. He is a semi-retired builder and developer in southwest Georgia, and a member of the Flint River Basin Committee. GEFA also thanks John Perryman for his work and service on the board.

LaShanna Young, accountant, recently completed the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation. The CGFM provides a comprehensive training on federal, state and local government accounting practices through the Association of Government Accountants. Wan Yi Chen, accountant, earned her professional certification in payroll, and is now an ADP Certified Specialist. The ADP Professional Certification Program sets the standard for excellence in the use and application of ADP solutions. Certification from the industry leader proves that you have the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to perform critical payroll and related tasks.

GEFA received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association. Submitted by Fiscal Services Division Director Jammie Harden, the association recognized the agency for work on the comprehensive annual financial report for fiscal year 2014.

GEFA AROUND GEORGIA
GEFA will be at several conferences throughout the state throughout 2015. Stop by and visit if you'll be at one of the events listed below.
The Georgia Government Finance Officers Association (GGFOA) Annual Conference - TThe Jekyll Island Convention Center, Jekyll Island, Ga., October 4 - 7, 2015
Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA) Fall Conference Lake Lanier Islands, 7000 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford, Ga., October 25 - 27, 2015
The Georgia Association of Regional Commissions (GARC) Annual Conference - King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, 201 Arnold Road, St. Simons Island, Ga., November 4 - 6, 2015
The Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) Fall Conference Athens Classic Center, 300 N Thomas St., Athens, Ga., November 17-18, 2015

233 Peachtree Street NE Harris Tower, Suite 900 Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-584-1000 (Main) 404-584-1069 (Fax)
www.gefa.org
If you wish to add or remove yourself from this newsletter distribution, please email publicaffairs@gefa.ga.gov

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