BOC will consider LED lighting for pickleball courts during Monday meeting

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Commissioners will discuss installing LED lighting at the County’s pickleball courts when they meet in a called meeting and work session Monday, Sept. 26 at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Highway.

The Board is expected to authorize the Parks and Recreation Director to go forward with the bidding process for the project and will consider designation of lodging tax tourism product development funds (TPD).

Commissioners will also hear a presentation of the Engineers report regarding repairs needed to the White County Transfer Station, to include a full depth slab replacement of the floor.

There will also be a request to approve the grant application process for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant for development of an updated community wildfire protection plan.

The Board will also consider several requests for conditional use permits (CUP) to be included in the County’s short-term rental program.

BOC to name delegation to ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference Thursday

Business, News

WHITE COUNTY Ga. — White County Commissioners are expected to name the voting delegation for the 2022 Association County Commissioners Georgia Legislative Leadership Conference when they meet in a called session Thursday Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. in the County Administration Building, Helen Highway in Cleveland.

Other items on the Board’s agenda include:

  • Consideration of approval of the Enotah Judicial Circuit Independent Contractor Court Reporter agreement and transfer of associated funds from General Fund to the Enotah Judicial Circuit Fund;
  • Consideration of a funding request from the Friends of Hardman Farm State Historic Site for the purpose of continuing to produce, expand and improve the annual outdoor drama “Valley Voices.”
  • Consideration of the land use application filed by Dustin Borth for a conditional use permit at 10 Caffus Abernathy Road in Helen to be placed into the short-term rental program;
  • Consideration of the land use application filed by Jeff Edrington for a conditional use permit on 1.167 acres at 1173 River Road in Cleveland to be placed into the County’s short-term rental program;
  • Consideration of the land use application filed by Marta Turley for a conditional use permit on 4.70 acres at Meadow Brook Land in Sautee Nacoochee, GA. to be placed into the county’s short-term rental program.

Board of Commissioners approved major road improvements this week

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WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners approved two major road projects during Monday’s work session and called meeting.

The Board awarded a contract to Square Deal Enterprises, Inc. for installation of a bottomless aluminum box culvert at Barrett Mill Road in the amount of $247,954. The existing pipes have reached the end of service life and the road is subject to flooding during heavy rainfall events. The funding source is the 2020 SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax.

The public works department has been working to prepare May White and Hester roads for paving. On Monday, the Board approved a contract with Allied Paving Contractors, Inc. in the amount of $381,336.50 for surface preparation and paving a total of 1.73 miles on the two roads.

The Board also approved:

  • A contract with ACG in the amount of $17,373.80 for expansion of the County’s Watch Dog security system to include the Public Works facility;
  • The allocation of Title 1 funds from the Secure Rural Schools Act;
  • A revision of the County’s Personnel Management System to allow employees a paid time off (PTO) cash out policy in which they can cash out up to 40 hours of PTO twice a year. Expense for this item ($340,000) was approved in the FY 2023 budget.
  • A request by Jessica McClary to grant a conditional use permit (CUP) on 1.58 acres at 3253 Hwy 75 in Cleveland for the purpose of entering the County’s short-term rental program.

The Board also approved the purchase of two Dominion voting machines at a cost of $18,636 and a contract with Dominion for technical services during the 2022 General Election. Those two items were covered in an article by Fetch Your News earlier this week.

BOC moves to provide free, fair elections and comply with Election Integrity Act of 2021

Business, News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — With an increase in the number of registered voters in White County in the last year, the Board of Commissioners made a significant investment at Monday’s meeting to ensure a fair and accurate General Election in November.

The first came with the introduction of Jody Davis who began working as the County’s Election Supervisor in August.

Davis served as a U.S. Army officer for 23 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Most recently, he served as an area manager for the Douglas County Board of Elections and Registration where he was responsible for hiring, staffing and training for five precincts that serve 10,000 people.

Davis said the County has added about 50 registered voters per month for the last year. In 2021, the Georgia Legislature passed SB 202 –the Elections Integrity Act — which requires one voting machine for every 250 voters. Davis said right now the County needs two more machines in order to be in compliance.

The Board then unanimously approved the purchase two machines from Dominion voting for $18,636.30.

The Board also approved a contract with Dominion Voting to provide technical assistance for the November General Election to include three days pre-election logic and accuracy support, three days election support and one-day, post-election support from Dominion voting for an amount not to exceed $12,100. If the post-election support is determined not to be needed, that will reduce the cost by $2,200.

County will introduce new Elections Supervisor

Business, News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga.White County Commissioners will introduce new County Elections Supervisor Jody Davis to the public when they meet Monday, Aug. 29 at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building

The Board will also consider:

  • Dustin Borth’s request to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for 1.107 acres at 10 Caffus Abernathy Road in Helen to be included in the County’s short-term rental program;
  • LJ Grizzard’s request to approve a conditional use permit (CUP) for 1.58 acres at 3253 Hwy. 75 Alternate in Cleveland to be placed into the County’s short-term rental program;
  • Purchase of additional elections equipment;
  • An agreement with Dominion Voting for technical assistance for the 2022 General Election to include three days pre-election logic and accuracy support and one day post election support;
  • Approval of a quote from ACG Solutions for the installation of security cameras at the Public Works Facility;
  • Award of the Barrett Mill Road aluminum box culvert construction contract;
  • Award of contract for surface preparation and paving on May White Road and Hester Road;
  • Election for allocation of secure Rural Schools Act funds;
  • Adoption of a resolution establishing the policy for employee paid time off;
  • Approval of a contract for employee assistance program services with one-source counseling;
  • Financial Director Jodi Ligon’s presentation of the monthly financial report

BOC ready to set rollback millage rate

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. The White County Board of Commissioners will set the 2022 millage rollbackrate at 9.505 when it meets in a called session Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Hwy.

The county initially sent a notice to the newspaper that the millage rate would be set at 10 mils because the tax digest was late coming in, When the digest finally came in, it was better than had been anticipated, leading commissioners to decide to lower the rate a full percentage point to 9.505

The Board will also consider Kendyl Brock’s request to rezone 5.14 acres at 540 Ascension Trail in Cleveland to be placed into the County’s short-term rental program. 

The Board will also consider Margaret Guzinski and Carl Heck’s request to reason 1 acre at 349 Horton Creek Road in Helen to be placed into the County’s short-term rental program.

Board of Commissioners supports full millage rollback

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –The White County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously during Thursday’s called meeting to support a full rollback in the county millage rate. The vote, however, does not become official until after the Board of Education sets its millage rate later this month.

Because the Tax Assessor’s office was later than usual in reporting the tax digest, commissioners had already advertised the millage rate would be 10 mils. When Thursday’s vote becomes official, however, the millage rate will be set at 9.505.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner said, “Our county staff is in the process of retracting that announcement and will be reflecting us, as the board of commissioners, taking the rollback which is 9.505 which would require only one public meeting or hearing.”

Tax Assessor Roy Johnson and Chief Tax Appraiser Bryan Payne gave a report on the tax assessment process.

Commissioners table an appeal to Alcohol Beverage Commission denial of a license

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Businessman Jason Graham would like to develop this crumbling eyesore into a modern revenue-producing, tax-generating business but a county ordinance that prohibits an alcohol beverage establishment from operating within close proximity to a church may make that impossible.

White County’s Alcohol Beverage Commission denied Graham’s request to operate a brew pub and the Board of Commissioners had been reluctant to grant a variance to the county ordinance that would allow the business to operate the business at 7607 South Main Street in Helen due to its proximity to Helen First Baptist Church.

For the second time on Monday, the Board of Commissioners tabled the request for a variance. Commission Turner said he is reluctant to reverse the ABC’s decision. “I don’t believe that has ever been done,” he said.

At a meeting a week ago, commissioners recommended that Graham  request the Helen City Council annex the property but is doubtful the request will be granted.

Commissioners are expected to consider the variance request at their next regular meeting.

 

 

 

Sheriff Kelley will request funding for two additional school resource officers

Business, News

 

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Sheriff Rick Kelley will request the purchase of several items for the operation of the Sheriff’s Office and jail when the Board of Commissioners meets Monday (July 25) in a called meeting and work session at 4:30 pm in the County Administration Building, 1225 Helen Highway in Cleveland.

Kelley will request the addition of two school resource officers in cooperation with the White County School System, four new vehicles for patrol personnel and records management software  for the White County Detention Center, Sheriff’s Office, Fire Services Operations from Synergistic Software Integrated (SSI).

Jason Graham will ask commissioners to reverse the decision of the Alcohol Beverage Commission of to deny a variance to the White County Code Chapter 6 affecting retail package dealer, retail consumption dealer, wholesaler, manufacturer and alcoholic beverage caterers, but excluding farm winery licensees and tasting rooms of a farm winery related to a proposed business on Main Street in Helen.

Commissioners will also discuss the status of the Claude Sims road extension project and the  purchase of an operator office building/restroom for the White County Convenience Center.

The Board will also consider Fiske Hopkins and William Parker’s request for a conditional use permit on 7.58 acres at 605 Lynch Mountain Road in Sautee Nacoochee for the purpose of being placed into the county’s short-term rental program.

White Co. purchases land for new fire station

Business, News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Thursday, the White County Board of Commissioners took a major step toward enhancing the safety of its citizens by voting to purchase a site to construct a new fire station in the northern section of Duncan Bridge Road.

The 1.81-acre site will cost taxpayers $55,000. It is located at the intersection of Duncan Bridge and Sonny Circle.

“There are two areas of White County that have a need for enhanced fire presence,” said Commission Chairman Travis Turner. “For years this Board and our staff have tried to find a property that would give us the biggest bang for the buck and cover the most houses. This location has the potential to benefit 2,096 residences and single-family structures.”

Director of Public Safety David Murphy said he is excited about the opportunity to improve safety and added that he will begin collecting data to provide the Board with an estimated construction cost.

Murphy also noted that a new fire station has the potential to serve 275 industrial/commercial properties, 13 agricultural properties, 286 vacation rental properties, public facilities and utility structures.

“This is one area an ISO consultant recommended for construction of a new fire station,” Murphy said. “It can cover Duncan Bridge and Helen Highway all the way to the bypass into the City of Helen and out to Sautee and 95 percent of Panorama subdivision.

 

 

 

 

Commissioners to hold rare Thursday meeting

Business, News

 

 WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a rare Thursday called meeting Thursday (July 14) at 10 am in the Board Room of the County Administration Building. to discuss a real estate purchase.

Commissioners will also consider:

  • Bruce Kofke’s request to redistrict 1.01 acres at 86 Unicoi Hills Trail in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the county’s short-term rental program;
  • Don Ferguson’s request to redistrict 6.80 acres at 200 Hugh Self Road in Cleveland to be placed in the county’s shorterm rental program.

LeFevre named White County Fire Chief

Business, News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Public Safety Director David Murphy introduced Mike LeFevre as the county’s new fire chief at Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting.

Lt. LeFevre has 23 years of experience in fire services, much of that in neighboring Hall County, and is certified as a National Registered Emergency Technician. He has worked part-time in White County the past seven years.

“He was instrumental in our COVID Pandemic response starting in 2020 and has been an integral part of our team,” Murphy said.

“We want to do everything we can to reach out to the community and ensure them that we’re there taking care of them when they are at sleep at night along with the Sheriff’s Office,” LeFevre said.

The Board also approved the following applications for conditional use permits for short term rentals:

Karen Britt at 144 Horse Range Place in Cleveland;

Judy Conner at 640 Sang Road in Cleveland;

Lynn Patterson with Three Points Planning, LLC presented a long-range Strategic Economic Development Plan on behalf of the White County Development Authority.

The Board then approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Georgia Department of Transportation for a temporary debris management site.

The Board also approved an amendment to the Automatic Aid Agreement for fire services with the City of Cleveland and then2022-23 contract with Legacy Link.

The Board also approved the following2022-23 contracts

AVITA Community Partners

County Health Department

Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocates

Family Connection

Sautee Nacoochee Community Association

White County Chamber of Commerce

White County Board of Library Trustees

White County Convention & Visitors Bureau

White County Department of Family and Children Services

White County Development Authority

White County Historical Society

White County accepting applications for Board of Elections and Registration

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga.  — White County Board of Commissioners will accept applications for appointment to the Board of Elections and Registration until Friday, June 17 at 5 pm.

This will be to fulfill the remainder of a two-year term that will expire Dec. 31, 2022,. Applicant will thereafter be able to apply for reappointment to a full term.

The White County Board of Elections & Registration is responsible for conducting fair and impartial elections and registering local residents to vote – all within prescribed federal, state, and local laws. This is an advisory board that assists with department-related decision-making on elections, events, and other important items with regard to elections and registration. The Board performs all services and functions necessary to support the election process.

Qualifications of board members are as follows:

  • Must be a resident of White County;
  • Must be registered to vote;
  • Must be available to attend training required by O.C.G.A § 21-2-100; and
  • Must be available to meet, at a minimum, on a quarterly basis.

Application for appointment is available at the White County Board of Commissioners Office, 1235 Helen Hwy Cleveland, GA 30528 (706)-865-2235 or at www.whitecountyga.gov/county-clerk

Commissioners will ratify contract for new County Manager Joseph Renshaw Monday

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — White County Commissioners are expected to ratify a contract for the new County Manager Joseph Michael Renshaw when it meets Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Highway.

The Board is also expected to award the contract for the 2022 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) project that will include Asbury Mill Road, Gerrell’s Road and Skitts Mountain Road.

Other agenda items to be considered include:

  • Adoption of a resolution to authorize issuance of a revenue bond through the  White County Development Authority for Woodlands Camp and Conference Center;
  • Approval of a contract with BCA Studios for the planning, architecture and engineering for the Yonah Preserve Recreational Preserve Recreational Center Project;
  • Quotes received for the purchase of a vehicle for the Parks and Recreation Department;
  • An agreement with the City of Helen for the conduct of municipal elections by the White County Elections Department;
  • Approval of a recommendation for the official nameing of a reservoir on private property owned by Gold ‘N Gem mine off Town Creek Road;
  • Jimmy Daniel’s request to rezone 25 acres at 2600Hwy. 115 from Agriculture Forestry District to C-2 Highway Business District;
  • Michael and Cheryl Michael Richey for a conditional use permit on 1.02 acresat 152 Star Lake Lane in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the county’s short-term rental program;
  • Deborah Vanderwerf’s request for a CUP on 4.61 acres at 1747 Duncan Bridge Road in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the county’s short-term rental program.

Finance Director Jodi Ligon will present the SPLOST status report.

Renshaw named finalist for White County Manager position

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — Matthew R. Renshaw is under consideration as the sole finalist for the position of County Manager for Forsyth County.

He has over 29 years of experience in local government leadership and management and, as a result of his commitment to his profession and high ethical standards, he is a Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association.

His experience as a county manager spans over 10 years, having previously served in that role for Barrow County and the County of Camden, North Carolina. A proud veteran of the United States Navy and Persian Gulf War, Mike returned to school following his honorable discharge and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and Master of Public Administration degree at Arizona State University.

He and his wife Judy are the proud parents of five children and eight grandchildren. They are active members of their church and enjoy spending time exploring state parks and recreating in the outdoors.

White County will make its final decision on Monday, May 23 at 4:30 p.m.

BOC will proclaim Small Business Week during regular meeting Monday, May 2

News

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners will present a proclamation to the White County Chamber of Commerce in honor of Small Business Week (May 1-7) when they meet in regular session Monday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Highway in Cleveland.

 Other items on the agenda to be considered include:

  • Approval of the 2022 Local Option Sales Tax (LOST);
  • Approval of a contract for Fire Station No. 2 parking lot rehabilitation project;
  • Approval of the contract for the Barrett Mill Road aluminum box culvert purchase

Finance Director Jodi Ligon will present the county’s monthly financial status report.

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