County handles growth issues

THE DATA

Though still not the size of its neighbors, Columbia County's growth has outpaced that of Richmond and Aiken counties since a 2000 census, according the recent estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

From April 1, 2000, to July 1, 2007, Columbia County grew in population by 19,813. During that same time frame Aiken County grew by 9,751 while Richmond County shrunk by 2,403.

Richmond County remains ahead of the tri-county area with an estimated population of 197,372. Aiken County residents total 152,307 while Columbia County's population is listed at 109,100 by the census bureau. The census bureau approximated Columbia County's natural increase, which is a calculation of the birth rate minus the death rate, at 5,632. Richmond County's natural increase from 2000 to 2007 was 8,976, and Aiken County's was 3,056.

THE ISSUE

With a population boost often comes a greater demand on county services, more vehicles on the road and a greater need for more schools. With such results already occurring in Columbia County, The Augusta Chronicle asked questions of two residents there, one who has lived in the area prior to 2000 and another who moved to the county after the most recent official census. Tara Martz, who moved to Evans five years ago, was a banker before becoming a full-time mother to her two young children. A retired law enforcement officer, David Dunn has lived in Columbia County since 1997.

Q: How well have county officials kept up with the population growth?

Mrs. Martz: "I think Columbia County manages the growth rather well. They do a good job of keeping the roads in good shape and expanding them where it is needed."

Mr. Dunn: "The county has done a fine job with growth, especially next to Richmond County. The Three Stooges could do a better job than what they're doing in Richmond County."

Q: What about the school system?

Mrs. Martz: "I don't understand why it is that when a school opens it seems to already come with portable classrooms. Something needs to be done to allow schools to build faster and not once they're already overcrowded."

Mr. Dunn: "Well, I don't have any children in the school system, but I've only heard good things. My nephews seem to like their schools."

Q: In what ways has the growth brought about positive or negative change?

Mrs. Martz: "You can look at the beautification projects going on in Evans and see that it (growth) has brought some positive changes. The county has done a good job of keeping on top of projects and keeping growth in check so it doesn't overwhelm them."

Mr. Dunn: "I can't think of anything negative to say. But there are some positive things. It has increased the tax base, which made possible things like the justice center and this place (The Columbia County Library)."

Q: What can be done differently?

Mrs. Martz: "Like I said before, I think it's important that something be done to allow schools to grow faster."

Mr. Dunn: "I don't know that anything could be done differently. I think everything is going pretty well."

-- Donnie Fetter, staff writer