The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass an ordinance requiring all non-profit organizations, including places of worship, charitable and educational organizations, to pay a non-prorated, nonrefundable administrative fee of $10 to the Department of General Services and Engineering.
The legislation, strongly supported by Post II Commissioner JanNice Van Ness, requires annual registration and includes new and existing non-profit organizations, and places of worship.
"In our on-going efforts to be fiscally responsible and for the safety of all Rockdale citizens, I felt it necessary for the County to ensure all non-profits, and places of worship were accurately registered," Post II Commissioner JaNice Van Ness said. "For many reasons organizations may move to a different location or cease to exist, and the annual registration keeps entities up-to-date."
By Code Section 1-11, organizations may be issued a citation to appear in Magistrate Court for non-compliance, and failure to register may result in up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 60 days in jail.
"The registration provides a level playing field for all non-profit organizations, including places of worship, charitable and educational organizations, from start-up, to large scale, long-standing enterprises," Commissioner Van Ness stated.
For more information, call the Department of General Services and Engineering at (770) 278-7100. Frequently asked questions as well as the registration form can be found on the website www.rockdalecounty.org, click on the top stories link "non-profit registration."