White County Mid-Year Finances In Good Shape
News February 6, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Finance Director Vicki Mays presented the monthly status report at Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting which showed the county’s mid-year finances are in pretty good shape.
Mays reported that by December the county had already collected $11,494,730 or 71 percent of the estimated year long revenue of $16,299,730 and expenditures for the same period of time were only $7,357,964 or just 46 percent.
The county has collected $73,178 in alcohol related taxes and fees (64 percent), $384,541 (52 percent) in Title Ad Valorem Tax and $493,751 (73 percent) in the hotel/motel tax.
Under the Consent Agenda, commissioners voted 4-0 (with Commissioner Lyn Holcomb absent for the second straight week) to approve a request by Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Agreement Grant in the amount of $359,412, an amendment to the county code associated with the excise levy tak for wholesalers of distilled spirits and the appointment of Judi Lawson to the Department of Family and Children Services.
County offices will be closed Feb. 20 in observance of President’s Day.
Drug Enforcement Grant, Tax Levy on Distilled Spirit Distributors Discussed at Monday Work Session
News January 31, 2017
CLEVELAND, Ga. — GBI Special Agent Mitchell Posey came before the White County Board of Commissioners work session Monday to ask for approval to apply a $359,412 grant to fund the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO).
Posey explained that the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant from the federal government is the same grant the board has approved for several years. It pays about half the salaries of the agents and does not require any match from local government.
ARDEO is one of 11 multi-jurisdictional drug task forces and is made up of at least one agent employed by a law enforcement agency in White, Lumpkin, Banks, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens or Towns counties.
Director of Community and Economic Development Tom O’Bryant presented a proposal to amend the county code associated with the excise tax levy for wholesalers and distributors of distilled spirits in the county.
O’Bryant explained that when the county adopted a dozen or more amendments to the county code it overlooked wholesalers and distributors.
“Right now, they’re not paying the tax,” Commission Chairman Travis Turner said. “But they will pay 22 cents per liter.”
Sautee Nacoochee Community Association Executive Director Patrick Brennan previewed SNC’s upcoming Winterfest. SNC is partnerning with Unicoi State park & Lodge and Helen Arts & Heritage Center for the inaugural event being held Feb. 18 and 19 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. More than 145 artists will perform live and visitors can win original art and fine craft prizes. For more information visit the Sautee Nacoochee Community Association web site.
The board also discussed the appointment of Judi Lawson to the White County Department of Family and Children Services for a five-year term.
These items are expected to be voted on at the next scheduled voting session.
Five People Arrested in Cleveland Drug Bust
News September 27, 2016
CLEVELAND, Ga. — Agents from the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, White County Sheriff’s Office and Cleveland Police arrested five people during a drug bust in Cleveland last week and seized 17 grams of methamphetamine valued at $1,900.
White County authorities received information that Justin Allen Boles, age 22, of Cleveland had methamphetamine in his car. Sheriff’s Deputies found Boles at the Dollar General Store.
A search of Boles’ car produced approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine. As White County authorities were searching for Boles, they received information that 40-year old Jimmy Adams, of Cleveland was also transporting methamphetamine in his car.
Cleveland Police Officers conducted a traffic stop on Adams and located approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine. A 3-year old juvenile was found in Adam’s car along with 36-year old David Peck, of Cleveland.
White County Authorities asked the juvenile’s mother to meet at the police department. 28-year old Barbara Jane Parham, of Helen, brought the mother to the police department and methamphetamine was found in her car.
The juvenile was placed into the custody of DFCS. The investigation concerning the juvenile continues.
During the Adams’ investigation, White County authorities learned the location of 35-year old Julie Harris, who had outstanding warrants for Violation of the Georgia Controlled Substance Act. Harris was arrested at 211 Cameron Point.
Boles, Adams, Peck, and Parham were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. These four along with Harris were transported to the White County Detention Center.