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Director Murphy presents Public Safety annual report to County Commissioners

News May 4, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Public Safety Director David Murphy presented his department’s annual report to the Board of Commissioners Monday. The report puts into perspective the amount of hours the men and women in his charge devote to protecting the health and well-being of the citizens of White County.

For example, the Fire Services Division with a staff of just 18 full-time staff members, 44 volunteers and 17 part-time personnel responded to 2,021 fire and medical incidents, an average of about 5.5 calls per day over the course of an entire year. They also completed 1,916 hours of training to make certain they were ready to respond to any emergency.

The Emergency 911 Division was dispatched to 199,687 incidents. Law enforcement accounted for the largest number of calls. The division also completed a number of projects, including upgrades to the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and Rapid SOS programs, security monitoring of the Countywide Camera System and training for 911 supervisors.

COVID-19 presented the greatest crisis of all and the Public Safety Division responded by enacting the State-of-Emergency, EOC-activated Pandemic Response Plan. There were multiple meetings and conference calls, distribution of 71,408 individual items such as personal protective equipment (PPE). The Citizens Emergency Response Team provided critical staffing during vaccine distribution. Now, 16 percent of White County residents are fully vaccinated and at least 20 percent have had the full dose.

The Emergency Management Division completed updates of the Pandemic and Radiological Response Plans while responding to 64 incidents.

The Animal Control Division responded to 715 incidents during the year, mostly of stray animals and 71 percent of those were adopted, rescued or recovered by their owners. The Spay and Neuter Program increased by 38 percent. The division reported receiving a $2,000 grant for its Spay and Neuter Program.

Public Safety will replace aging vehicles

News February 24, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to replace two aging vehicles for the Public Safety Department during a called meeting and work session Monday (Feb. 22).

Public Safety Director David Murphy requested the purchase of a 2021 Ford Explorer for EMA/911 to replace a 2007 Ford Crown Vic and a 2001 Ford Command Van. He also requested the purchase of a Ford 150 4×4 to replace a 2013 Ford F150.

Murphy explained the vehicles, which would be requested to surplus once the new vehicles were delivered all, had high mileage, high idle times, and mechanical issues.

The vehicles will be purchased through Jacky Jones Ford at a cost of $36,704.14 for the Ford Explorer and $35,908.28 for the Ford 510 with funds from the 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Following a public hearing — during which there were no objections — commissioners unanimously approved Verizon Wireless’ land use application for a conditional use permit to build a 195-foot communications tower on 36.11 acres on Howard Road in Cleveland.

The Board also approved the land use application filed by Terry Sims to redistrict 1.01 acres located at 43 Poplar Stump Road in Helen from R-1 (Residential Single Family) to C-2 (Highway Business District) for the purpose of adding restrooms and a dressing room for his business — Cool River Tubing.

The Board also voted unanimously to introduce local legislation to the General Assembly to request an increase in the commissioners’ compensation on a per meeting basis.

There was a was discussion of the bids received for the 2021 LMIG (Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant) for full depth reclamation, leveling, and overlay of Post Road – 2.52 miles from Tom Teague Road to Old Hwy 75 South.

County Manager Jason Cobb stated the low bidder was Blount Construction at $755,019. He noted that award of this project would be brought before the Board at their next meeting. Mr. Cobb explained that materials testing was included in the contract bid, however the Board would need to provide guidance on the inspections portion of the project.

Cobb also said he would provide the Board with information on suggested modifications to the Senior Center Parking area in the near future, as these modifications would be beneficial to complete prior to the temporary closing of facility accesses along Hulsey Road due to the Phase 3 By-Pass Construction Project.

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communications tower County Manager Jason Cobb David Murphy Verizon Wireless White County Board of Directors White County Public Safety

No road issues in White County

Business January 8, 2021 , by Bill Johnson

PRESS RELEASE

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Currently, we have no issues with roadways, even in the higher elevations. Teams have reported light accumulations on the mountain tops and ridges along the county line and into Blairsville, Hiawassee, and Clayton.

We are still under a winter weather warning as we could see a burst of heavy snowfall during the morning hours, with temporary travel issues, however, surface temperatures in the lower elevations of Cleveland, and just south of Helen will remain above freezing or just at freezing during the morning. By afternoon temperatures will reach the 35-38 degrees until sundown, and moisture should be well out of our area.

All offices opened at regular time today. If employees live in areas of accumulation or must travel the mountain from Blairsville, Hiawasee or Clayton area and have concerns, they are to contact the department manager for direction and notification.

We will keep you posted as conditions develop.

Any questions, please contact our office.

David L. Murphy, Jr

Director

Office of Public Safety
White County Government

Cleveland, Georgia

Main# 706-865-9500

David Murphy White County Office of Public Safety

Low-cost spay and neuter program available

News, Press Release November 7, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Animal Control Services announces a low cost spay/neuter program available to the public. The program started on Nov. 1

David Murphy, White County Public Safety Director said; “White County Animal Control Services is pleased to be the recipient of a grant from the State of Georgia, Department of Agriculture. This grant is to assist low-income families with the costs associated with spay/neuter surgery for their pets.”

Approved applicants will be required to pay $20 towards the surgery and will receive a voucher to be presented at Chestatee Veterinarian for the balance of the surgery. Additional costs, pain medications, shots, etc. are the responsibility of the pet owner.

David Murphy; “We are pleased to be the recipients of this grant and to be able to assist families in our community”.

Applications for both the spayWhite/neuter grant and adoptions can be obtained at White County Animal Control, 680 Industrial Blvd, Cleveland, GA. For more information call 706-219-2689 or check our website at www.whitecounty.net

David Murphy Georgia Department of Agriculture spay and neuter program White County Animal Control

Fire Chief Alexander honored on retirement

News April 28, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Monday, White County Fire Services ceremonially honored long time employees and promoted a senior employee to the rank of Chief. This week Chief Norman Alexander will retire after 15 years with White County as an employee. Chief Alexander served prior to his employment as a volunteer firefighter.

“It has been an honor to serve with Norman, a humble man with solid integrity, and professionalism. He is a good friend and I will certainly miss him being part of our team,” said David Murphy, Director of Public Safety.
Norman began his career in August of 2005 as the Assistant Fire Chief. He was promoted to Chief during the consolidation of Emergency Services in White
County.

Prior to his service in White, he retired from Hall County serving faithfully for many years. “Norman is a legend in the North Georgia Fire Service, I say that will all due respect. He is well known, has great connections, and highly respected. He serves his personnel, and leads with passion,” said Murphy.

Another long-term employee retiring is Firefighter/Admin Ana Newberry. Ana has served for seventeen years, under three Fire Chief’s. That tells you a lot about her abilities! “She is the glue that has held the department together,” states Murphy, “She certainly keeps us all in line, and makes sure we are following all requirements to keep our department in compliance and within standards.”

Ana has served in several capacities to include Public Information Officer, training, and safety officer. She has been recognized as well this week by career and volunteers throughout the county.

As the fire department continues to grow and move forward, with the foundations laid by Chief Alexander, and prior Chief’s, the selection of a new Chief was very important.

“Chief Alexander recommended to myself and the County Manager several months ago, Lt. Seth Weaver.” Says Murphy, “Seth has been with the
department since 2014 and has served in a variety of capacities. He was promoted to Assistant Chief several months ago to train directly with Chief Alexander. I’m excited about the future, and he certainly has the foundation to continue to build upon.”

Chief Weaver was ceremonially pinned as the new Chief at 2 p.m. Monday in the County EOC, with peers, family and elected officials in attendance while
maintaining our social distancing.

For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.

Ana Newberry David Murphy Norman Alexander retirement White County Fire Services

White County tornado sheltering guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic

News April 10, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

PRESS RELEASE

White County Government

Office of Public Safety – Emergency Management Division

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

David Murphy, Director of Emergency Management

(706) 865-9500

Fri., April 10, 2020 3 p.m.

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Emergency Management will be monitoring and responding to potential severe weather outbreaks over Sunday Afternoon and into Monday. “While we continue to respond to and mitigate against the COVID-19 pandemic, we still respond to everyday emergencies and prepare for response to severe weather outbreaks.” Said, David Murphy, Director of Emergency Management.

David Murphy

While White County does not provide emergency tornado shelters, the county does want to share preparedness information developed by the American Meteorological Society. This information and guidance will help citizens to better prepare for severe weather. Also, more information can be found at the counties website at www.whitecounty.net

Here is the AMS statement:

A Statement of the American Meteorological Society

(Adopted by the AMS Council on 9 April 2020)

Call to Action

Do not let the virus prevent you from seeking refuge from a tornado. If a public tornado shelter is your best available refuge from severe weather, take steps to ensure you follow CDC guidelines for physical distancing and disease prevention.

Motivation

The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped nearly all aspects of everyday life as the world implements unprecedented strategies to reduce transmission of the virus. While communities continue to respond to the virus, the public must now identify how their severe weather refuges will be affected by the pandemic. We have already seen major tornado events in the midst of the pandemic, demonstrating the urgency for communities across the nation to prepare to simultaneously respond to the spread of the pandemic while dealing with the impacts of deadly severe weather.

Audience

The guidelines below are recommended by the American Meteorological Society for use by the media, emergency managers, weather forecasters, and the general public as they prepare for severe weather threats during a pandemic.

How to Prepare Now

Make your severe weather plan now and identify the best storm refuge available. Determine if your home can provide you with a good location to take refuge, such as a basement or an interior, windowless room. If you cannot take refuge in your home, discuss sheltering with neighbors, friends, or family. If your community has shelters, verify now which will be open and operating during the pandemic.

Use of Public Storm Shelters

Many communities have announced that they will not open public storm shelters during the pandemic. If you rely on public shelters, like schools, stores, or community facilities, determine if that shelter will be available during the COVID-19 pandemic. This information can be found through websites and official social media accounts or by contacting your local emergency management agency.

When to Seek Shelter

The American Meteorological Society recommends that you use multiple trusted sources to monitor the threat of approaching severe weather and be prepared to take refuge at home when a tornado warning is issued. If you need to travel to seek shelter, and the shelter you travel to is open, make sure that you complete your travel before a tornado warning is issued for your area.

Virus Transmission Precautions within Storm Shelters

It is recommended that you follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for COVID-19 transmission prevention, including physical distancing, and any additional guidelines set by your local emergency management agency.

For more guidelines on tornado preparedness, visit https://www.ready.gov/tornadoes.

About the American Meteorological Society The American Meteorological Society (AMS) advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. AMS is a scientific and professional society headquartered in Boston, with its Education and Policy Programs located in Washington, DC. For more information, visit https://www.ametsoc.org/.

For more information concerning this press release contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500

American Meteorological Society David Murphy guidelines tornado shelter White County Emergency Management

Public Safety Director says first responders have treated patients with coronavirus symptoms

News March 25, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

David Murphy

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – As of Wednesday (March 25) morning, no confirmed cases of COVID-19 had been reported in White County. But Public Safety Director David Murphy told county commissioners during Tuesday’s called meeting that first responders had encountered several patients who had symptoms of coronavirus and were awaiting test results.

Murphy told commissioners that the county is not immune to the virus but is fortunate it has a smaller population and its citizens typically follow the guidelines of state and local officials. He added, “I have said it is not a matter of if something would happen. It’s a matter of when.”

Four weeks ago, Murphy and his teams began to review the county’s Pandemic Response Plan. As a result, the county has moved seamlessly into an annexation of the plan.

Murphy said he expects the executive order issued by Gov. Brian Kemp earlier this week will need to be extended or additional orders added beyond the April 6 deadline. He added the purpose of the order is to flatten the curve and stop the virus from overwhelming the health care system.

“This will last for weeks and we will probably see cases rise in our state and nation. This will probably get worse before we start seeing things turn around.”

But he also said he is encouraged by what is going on nationally. “We are seeing the full force of our federal government working to provide necessary equipment and supplies and researching for anti-viral drugs to stop this virus or, at least, mitigate the effects. All hands are on deck.”

coronavirus symptoms David Murphy Gov. Brian Kemp White County Board of Commissioners White County Public Safety

BOC meeting will be held by teleconference

News March 23, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a called meeting on Tuesday ( March 24) at 9 a.m. Due to the county’s response to COVID-19 – this meeting will be held by teleconference. The public is welcome to join the teleconference.

Instructions for joining the teleconference are as follows:

Dial: +1 (872) 240-3412

Enter access code: 276-449-349

Important Notes:

1) Once on the call use *6 to mute your phone so we do not hear everyone’s background noise.

2) Anyone recognized by Chairman Turner to speak will use *6 to unmute their line.

3) Please do not place the conference call on hold once you have joined.

Ten of the agenda items involve land use applications. Following those items, commissioners will consider a moratorium on action and/or acceptance of land use applications during the prescribed time of closure of county offices.

Public Safety Director David Murphy will then provide an update on the county’s COVID-19 response.

called meeting David Murphy teleconference Travis Turner White County Board of Commissioners

White County issues storm damage report

News January 14, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga.– White County Public Safety Director David Murphy provided the following damage/injury update following the storm that passed through Cleveland and Helen area over the weekend:

19 reports of trees down (including a tree on a vehicle on Albert Reid Rd. There was one minor injury to occupant)
8 reports of lines down
Multiple reports of damage to business signs within the city limits of Helen.
1 reported tree on residence at 407 Pless Rd, Cleveland

David Murphy White County Public Safety

BOC approves purchase of voting machines

News January 7, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County commissioners unanimously approved an amount of up to $55,000 for the purchase of new voting equipment and supplies to be used during the 2020 primary election cycle during Monday’s combined work session and regular meeting.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill last April that authorizes the statewide purchase of new touchscreen voting machines that prints paper ballots. Probate Judge Garrison Baker, who oversees elections for White County, told commissioners the county will need to purchase 60 of the voting machines and 12 security cages at a cost of $35,370. Baker said there is an additional cost of approximately $20,000 for supplies to be used in conjunction with the machines.

There is a Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant of about $15,000 Baker said he plans to apply for that could help offset some of the cost. But he pointed out that his request is time sensitive. “We are kind of under the gun,” he said. “We are less than a month away from having to mail out absentee ballots for the presidential preference primary.”

The purchase can be funded as a capital expense from special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) funds. The county expects to receive the new machines early next month.

Commissioners unanimously a resolution adopting qualifying fees for candidates who will run in the 2020 election cycle. The new fees are as follows:

Clerk of Superior Court ($1,591.05); Sheriff ($1,943.28); Probate Judge ($1,591.05); Tax Commissioner ($1,591.05); Chief Magistrate Judge ($1,591.05); Board of Commissioners District 1 ($360); Board of Commissioners District 4 ($360); Board of Education Chair ($148.50); Board of Education District 1 ($121.50); Board of Education District 3 ($148.50); Coroner ($226); Surveyor ($25).

The Board also approved Public Safety Director David Murphy’s request for renewal of the statewide mutual aid agreement.

“It simply puts mutual aid into effect throughout the state for anyone that agrees to it,” he said. “We have agreements with any county in the state to provide us assistance during any man made or natural disaster that could occur.”

Commissioners tabled a vote on a proposal by Brewster & Crocker Associates for engineering services for the Yonah Preserve football field, press box, concession stand and restrooms.

The Board also considered four land use applications.

It approved a conditional use permit for Benjamin Goodman to place 4.61 acres at 177Rabun Road in Sautee Nacoochee into the county’s short-term rental program. Commissioners also approved a land use application filed by Bryan Lee for property locatedat28 Lothridge Road in Cleveland from Community Commercial District to Community Business District for the purpose of expanding his mini storage facility.

Two requests for a conditional use permit were denied by the Board.

Mark Carriger’s request for a conditional use permit to operate a wedding chapel/event facility at 520 Adair Mill Road was denied by a unanimous vote.

Sam Kondamudi’s request for a conditional use permit to place 1.01 acres located at 635 Yonah Mountain Road into the county’s short-term rental program was denied by a vote of 4-1.

David Murphy Gov. Brian Kemp White County Board of Commissioners Yonah Preserve

Annual audit shows White County in strong financial position

News November 5, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Clay Pilgrim of the accounting firm of Rushton Company presented a positive annual audit report to the White County Board of Commissioners during their voting session Monday.

Pilgrim said the county is in a strong financial position. “Nothing came to our attention to prevent us from issuing an unmodified or clean opinion on the financial statement for White County,” he said.

The county’s total net position is $51,328,861, an increase of $1,942,074 from the previous year. General fund revenue increased $1,630,497 while expenditures increased by $935,627. The unassigned fund balance is $3,946,540 which represents about 2.7 months of operating expenses.

Commissioner Terry Goodger said, “The county has come up $11 million in the last five years. That really shows a tremendous amount of growth in the county.”

Kevin Hamby followed Pilgrim’s report with more good financial news about the special purpose local option sales tax.

Commissioners then took time out to recognize two important groups during the meeting – farmers and public safety workers.

“Farming is still the No. 1 economic engine for White County,” Chairman Travis Turner said “It provides food for out tables, more than we realize.” Turner then read a proclamation declaring Nov. 21-29 Farm City Week in White County.

Commissioners then heard from Public Safety Director David Murphy, who paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the men and women under his command.

Murphy said public safety workers respond to calls covering 242 square miles. “So far this year, they have responded to 1,968 calls, performed eight fire inspections, reviewed 187 pre-fire plans, provided fire prevention education to 4,709 students and community members. We have given away and installed 80 fire detection devices to our most vulnerable population.”

These things have been accomplished with only 12 career firefighters, 45 volunteers and three administrative personnel.

Murphy singled out the county fire chief for special recognition. “The leadership of this group came from Norman Alexander,” Murphy said. “He has served as fire chief and assistant fire chief since 2004. He has led these individuals from an all-volunteer to the combination department we have today. Under his leadership style and integrity he has moved this department forward into a position where the goals of protecting lives, property and the environment can be accomplished with excellence.”

Many of the members of his department — both career and volunteer — attended the meeting and Murphy said “I would like to publicly thank them for their service to White County and the diverse communities we serve today.”

The Board unanimously approved all consent agenda items, including a request by Truett McConnell University to authorize a revenue bond issuance through the White County Development Authority. The bond issue does not obligate White County taxpayers in any way, but will allow the university to refinance its existing debt at a more favorable interest rate.

Under New Business, the Board approved a request by Clyde Fleming for a conditional use permit for 2.77 acres located at 672 Foothills Drive in Cleveland to be placed in the county’s short-term rental program. The vote was 4-1 with Commissioner Craig Bryant opposed.

The Board also approved two annexation requests. One is for property located at 1847 Hwy. 129 South to be annexed into the City of Cleveland. The other is for 4.55 acres located at 52 Comer Circle to be annexed into the City of Helen.

The Board also approved amendments to the fiscal year 2018-2019 budget and fiscal year 2019-2020 budget establishing a pooled account for jail telephone commissions.

David Murphy Meeting Truett McConnell University White County Board of Commissioners

Saturday morning storm knocks down trees, power lines in White County

News May 12, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — A thunderstorm that swept through White County Saturday morning damaged a church building, knocked down trees and power lines, left roadways blocked and about 1,100 Habersham Electric Membership Corporation members without power.

The company’s crews worked throughout the weekend to restore power. According to Habersham EMC’s website, nine power poles were broken — several along a stretch of Duncan Bridge Road. Each pole will take about eight hours to replace.

Transmission lines that deliver electricity to substations were also damaged and lost power.

HEMC and assisting crews are working to repair damage to lines that carry electricity from the substations to members. Georgia Transmission Corporation, which operates the transmission lines, has restored service to the substations. However, due to ongoing work to repair broken transmission poles, some members were without power until late Saturday evening.

There was also a report of structural damage to the Chattahoochee Baptist Church where White County EMA Director David Murphy had set up a command post. There was another report of damage to the church van.

HEMC reminds members to avoid downed lines and treat all as if energized and to report outages and hazards by calling (706)754-2114, (706)865-4362 or (800)640-6812. Social media is not monitored 24/7.

David Murphy

Training exercise at WCHS postponed

News May 22, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Public Safety Director David Murphy announced today that the training exercise scheduled for Tuesday, May 28 at White County High School has been postponed. No future date for the exercise has been announced.

This exercise was scheduled to simulate emergency response to an incident at the high school utilizing law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services.

David Murphy White County High School

Public safety officials will conduct training exercise at White County High School May 28

News May 18, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

White Co Emergency Management Agency

For More Information

Contact David Murphy

706-865-9500

NEWS RELEASE

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Public Safety Officials in cooperation and coordination with the White County Board of Education will be conducting a mock exercise and training at the White County High School Campus, located at 2600 Hwy. 129 North on Tuesday (May 28⁾ between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m.

This training exercise will simulate emergency response to an incident at the high school utilizing law enforcement, fire services and emergency medical services. Drivers passing the school and those residents around the school will notice several emergency vehicles on and around the school campus. The White County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency, with support from Cleveland City Police, Cleveland City Fire, White County Fire, White County EMS, and White County Emergency Management Agency. GEMA, Homeland Security and Georgia State Patrol will also be part of the exercise.

The exercise will be using UAV (drones) support and aviation assets if available. Students and school personnel have also volunteered to participate in the training exercise.

This training exercise is one part of the school safety initiatives implemented by the Board of Education and local public safety agencies.

“We take every opportunity to train and exercise our plans to protect the students and faculty at all our schools,” stated Public Safety Director David Murphy. “This drill helps us to identify more efficient ways and improvements to our school safety program.”

For more information concerning this exercise & training event, contact the White County Emergency Management Agency at 706-865-9500.

Cleveland Police Department David Murphy White County Sheriff's Office

Firefighters battle two residential fires in two days

News December 19, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Fire Department has had a busy week so far, responding to two residential fires in two days. Fortunately no injuries were reported in either.

White County Public Safety Director David Murphy reported that firefighters responded to a residence on Star Lake Lane in the Sautee Valley at approximately 6 a.m. Monday. Upon arrival, light smoke was showing from the structure. Upon investigation, the home had a wood burning stove which was too close to the sofa. A log had rolled out and struck the sofa causing it to ignite.

An occupant was checked by White County Emergency Services but denied any injury and refused transport. The home sustained significant smoke damage.

On Tuesday at approximately 2 p.m., firefighters were called to a residential structure fire on Anteater Drive south of Cleveland. Upon arrival, all occupants were out of the home.

The fire was quickly extinguished however the home had extensive damage at the front door and the attached porch/deck. In checking for extensions, a portion of the metal roof had to be removed and a tarp was placed on the roof to protect some of the contents.

A family pet was able to escape injury and was turned over to the occupant for safe keeping.

No injuries were reported. The Red Cross was called to assist the occupants. Fire Investigator Jason Reed with White County Fire Services determined that an electrical arcing of an extension cord occurred at the front door which started the fire. Firefighters were on scene for approximately two and one half hours.

David Murphy White County Fire Department

Commissioners discussed a new 9-1-1 phone system during a three-hour work session Monday

News September 25, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners discussed a number of key issues during Monday’s work session, including the purchase of a new 9-1-1 phone system, the possible creation of a committee to draft a historic preservation protection plan and bids received for a maintenance and operation contract for the transfer station as well as replacement compactor for the convenience center.

Commissioners do not typically vote on issues during a work session. Instead, they are placed on the agenda for the next voting session which will be Oct. 1.

Public Safety Director David Murphy presented the results of a request for proposal (RFP). After review of the bids received, staff recommended the contract be awarded to AT&T for a total amount of $222,298 which is approximately $38,0000 less than what was encumbered in the 2018 budget to be paid for by special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenue.

Murphy said the current system was installed in 2007 and has outlived its usefulness and the company that sold it is no longer in business. The new system, which includes electronic equipment, computer equipment and software that will allow the 9-1-1 center to pinpoint the caller’s location which could save first responders valuable time if someone is injured in a remote location and don’t know where they are.

John Erbele asked the board to consider creation a committee charged with drafting a county-wide historic preservation protection plan and map overlay. Erbele said White County is a very special place and it will be even more special 20 years from now if such a plan is adopted.

Commissioners have received a number of citizen complaints about the transfer station so they have been considering awarding the maintenance and operation contract to a different vendor. When the bids came in, however – Advanced Disposal, which holds the current contract – was the lowest bidder.

Staff recommended awarding the contract to Advanced Disposal, but with some additional requirements aimed at cleaning up the site.

There was also a discussion about vacation rentals by owner (VRBO). County Manager Michael Melton pointed out that a number of property owners who rent their houses out to tourists are not paying the hotel/motel tax or sales tax which they are required to pay.

There were three public hearings. One was a request from Jon Steven Neal for a conditional use permit to operate a rent-by-owner property on 1.18 acres at 253 Enota Drive in Sautee Nacoochee. Another was a request by Jeremy McAfee to redistrict 7.10 acres at 2779 Tesnatee Gap Valley Road to C-2 Highway Business District. The property now houses a automotive body shop. McAfee wants to expand the building to house other businesses. Neither of those public hearing attracted any opposition.

However, Michael Clark’s request for a conditional use permit at 5058 Helen Highway in Sautee Nacoochee to operate a “place of worship” did draw opposition from an adjacent property owner who said the building lacks adequate parking space and septic system.

Commissioners also reviewed bids for the contract to operate the transfer station. Three bids were received and the current provider Advanced Disposal was the lowest bidder with a proposed tipping fee of $49.75 per ton, a 12 percent increase of the current fee.

David Murphy White County Board of Commissioners

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