text: Hall commissioners' work session to consider tennis court repairs - Gainesville Times
  Hall commissioners' work session to consider tennis court repairs
  Hospital Authority bond resolution, wine code amendment also on agenda
  The Hall County Board of Commissioners has a full agenda for today's work session, including discussion about whether to finance tennis court repairs, whether to approve a supplement to a previously approved bond resolution with the Hospital Authority and whether to amend the malt beverage and wine code.
  The board postponed a decision on whether to spend $20,000 to repair a tennis court at the Village at Deaton Creek last month in the hopes of gathering more information.
  Commissioners expressed frustration that they were again on the hook for repairs, pointing out the city of Gainesville was the project manager and several subcontractors were used in construction of the tennis courts.
  Moreover, the county has worked to fix the court, one of eight in the subdivision, several times in recent years.
  Commissioners have said they are willing to pay for another repair of the court, but want assurances from residents that this will be the last time the county is asked to pay up.
  Meanwhile, a supplemental resolution has been proposed with the Hospital Authority, though scant details are known at this time.
  Commissioners approved an agreement last month with the Hospital Authority to refinance debt on construction of the new Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, as well as refinance a few revenue bonds at a lower interest rate.
  The board will also discuss an amendment to the malt beverage and wine code that will provide definitions and licensing for businesses that sell growlers, or draft beer to go, as well as establish fees for farm wineries.
  Finally, the board will receive an update on the opening of a clinic and pharmacy to serve county workers.
  Controversy has surrounded the plan to open a clinic/pharmacy at the old East Hall library branch, which was shuttered as a result of budget cuts in July 2011.
  County officials have said it will save on health care costs.
  But representatives of local retail pharmacies have told The Times they fear the county's move will hurt their businesses.
  And Gainesville officials have been unwilling to go along with Hall County, with officials saying they intend to continue operating their own clinic for city workers.