With apologies, we need to deal with yet another Y2K item: The Federal Reserve Board and the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance have entered a written agreement with Adairsville Bancshares and Bank of Adairsville requiring the bank to substantially beef up its Y2K program.

Speaking of Y2K issues, the Federal Reserve Board (FRB) has requested comment on proposed amendments to Regulation CC (Availability of Funds and Collection of Checks) to temporarily extend one-year merger transition provisions to facilitate banks' efforts for Year 2000 readiness. The comment period, originally slated to end on January 4, 1999, has been extended to February 1, 1999.

Bank trade groups are also increasing their efforts to head off possible Y2K customer relations problems.

Y2K readiness has nothing to do with bank size.