Shanda Murphy will serve as interim County Manager
News June 18, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners has announced that Shanda Murphy will serve as Interim County Manager effective June 26 – upon the resignation of Jason Cobb, who has served as County Manager since April 2020.
Mr. Cobb’s last day with White County will be June 25, 2020. Ms. Murphy currently serves as the County Clerk & Human Resources Director. She has worked in this capacity for the past 16 years.
Ms. Murphy will serve in this interim role as the Board of Commissioners continue the search to fill the County Manager position on a permanent basis.
Chairman Travis Turner said, “As the Board continues our interview process for our full-time county manager position, the Commissioners have asked Ms. Murphy to act as interim manager for a short-term basis. The board wants to see our citizens served with the best customer service and Shanda’s working knowledge will help keep business moving forward. I appreciate Shanda agreeing to continue to serve our citizens as we are growing as a community.”
Regarding this appointment, Ms. Murphy stated, “I am happy to serve the County in this interim role and I look forward to working alongside our great team of elected officials and department heads to keep all the positive things moving forward in White County until the Board can make a selection for this position. I appreciate the Board of Commissioner’s confidence in me”.
City, County issue joint statement on consolidation of fire services
Press Release June 8, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The City of Cleveland City Council and the White County Board of Commissioners will be entering into discussions regarding the consolidation of Fire Protection Services for the City of Cleveland and White County.
Both the City and County have worked diligently to provide the highest standard of fire protection to the citizens and businesses of Cleveland and White County. Direct improvements such as increasing the number of full-time fire fighters, investment in the water system, and increased training and certification of personnel have resulted in the improvement of both the city and county ISO rating.
While the current mutual aid agreement allows the city and county to work closely with each other on the delivery of fire services, it is important to note that both agencies have an obligation to the taxpayers to operate as efficiently as possible and reduce any duplication of services.
“I view this as a chance to incorporate the Cleveland Fire Station into one of our county’s lead stations with additional personnel and resources. The ability to disburse fire and emergency personnel from the City of Cleveland will enhance our capability to serve Cleveland and half of White County due to its proximity to major roads. Through the sharing of resources, we hope to create a more efficient and cost-effective way to better serve ALL the citizens of White County.” – Chairman Travis C. Turner
“We are pleased to begin negotiations with the county to consolidate fire services. We are exploring this consolidation with public safety being the top priority and continuing a high-level a professional service that the city and county fire personnel currently provide. There will be ample opportunity for the public to provide input and share concerns throughout this process including a public hearing. I look forward to working with the county commissioners and the city council over the coming months as we negotiate an agreement beneficial to all parties.” – Mayor Josh Turner, City of Cleveland
White County Manager Cobb resigns
News, Press Release May 4, 2021
PRESS RELEASE
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — On Monday evening during the executive session of the Board of Commissioners, Mr. Jason Cobb, County Manager, submitted his resignation to pursue a private business opportunity. To say that we were surprised is an understatement however; we appreciate Jason’s work for the citizens of White County over the last year and pray for the best for him and his family on this new undertaking.
The Board and Jason have agreed that Friday, June 25, will be his last day with White County. This will give us the opportunity to finish our budget process and prepare for a transition as we go into the new fiscal year.
Chairman Turner states, “On a personal note I had high expectations that Jason and his family would have been with us for many years to provide daily leadership for the great citizens of White County however that wasn’t meant to happen. We wish Jason, Callie and his girls the best on their future endeavors. Given that this is so fresh for us all, the Board will be meeting in the coming days to discuss what our next steps will be because we truly need guidance through prayer on where to take this very important position for the county.”
Director Murphy presents Public Safety annual report to County Commissioners
News May 4, 2021
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.
BOC to consider rezone of 37 acres on Holiness Campground Road to Residential Single-Family
News April 24, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a combined work session and called meeting Monday (April 26) at 4:30 p.m. in the Administration Building on Helen Highway
Items to be considered include:
- The land use application filed by James Allison to redistrict 37 acres located on Holiness Campground Road in Cleveland from A-1 Agriculture Forestry District to R-1 Residential Single-Family.
- The land use application filed by Jennifer Palazzo to redistrict 2.68 acres located at 861 High Meadow Trail in Cleveland from R-1 to R-3 Residential Seasonal District for the purpose of being placed into the short-term rental program;
- The application filed by Eduin Rossell to redistrict .76 acres at 176 Lookout Ridge Road in Cleveland from R-1 to R-3 for the purpose of being placed into the short-term rental program;
- A presentation by the White County Historic Preservation Committee of a proposed Historic Overlay and other recommended provisions;
- An expenditure for scanning of historical documents for White County Probate Court by Kofile, Inc. and ongoing scanning services for the probate court through CJT Software;
- The appointment of Bill Scandrett to the Region 2 Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council for a three-year term;
- Options for the installation of a parking fee/pass kiosk at Yonah Preserve Trailhead.
BOC approves expansion of Tax Commissioner Office space
News March 30, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – During Monday’s meeting, the Board of Commissioners agreed with Tax Commissioner Cindy Cannon that an expansion of her office is long overdue and they directed staff to begin soliciting bids on the design phase of the project.
The Tax Commissioners Office collects property taxes, financial information and motor vehicle titles. Some of the records cannot be stored offsite and many records must be retained permanently. The office is currently 2,444 square feet. Cannon has proposed an expansion of an additional 1,936 square feet.
Commissioners also directed staff to begin to advertise for public hearings on a proposed nuisance ordinance governing the maintenance of property in the unincorporated area of the county, including open storage of inoperable motor vehicles alongside roadways and in the front yard where they are visible.
The Board tabled renewal of a joint use agreement with the Board of Education for use of athletic facilities and agreed to allow the COVID emergency sick leave pay for county employees to expire on Mar. 31.
In other business, commissioners:
- Denied a land use application request by Earl Buse at 1627 Mill Creek Trail in Cleveland;
- Tabled a land use application request by Sandra Durick at 306 Scenic Drive in Sautee Nacoochee for one week;
- Approved the land use application request by Debi Frye at 16 Windy Acres Road in Cleveland;
- Approved the land use application request by Tony Greenway at 111 Jenny’s Cove Road in Cleveland;
- Approved the land use application request by Haley Stapleton at 570 Ostrich Drive in Cleveland.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Land use application requests dominate BOC agenda Monday
News March 28, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will consider a number of land use applications when they meet in a combined work session and called meeting Monday (March 29) at 4:30 p.m.
Earl Bouse has requested that 3.55 acres at 1627 Mill Creek Trail in Cleveland be rezones from single-family residential to Residential Seasonal District for the purpose of being included in the county’s short-term rental program.
In other rezoning requests:
Sandra Durick has requested a conditional use permit for .79 acres at 306 Scenic Drive in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the short-term rental program;
Debi Fry has requested that 1.98 acres at 16 Windy Acres Road in Cleveland be rezoned from Community Commercial District to Residential Seasonal District;
Tony Greenway has requested that 10.01 acres on 111 Jenny’s Cove Road be redistricted from Community Commercial to Residential Single Family District;
Haley Stapleton has requested that 7.0 acres at 570 Ostrich Drive in Cleveland be redistricted from Residential Single Family to Residential Seasonal District for the purpose of being placed into the county’s short-term rental program.
In other business, commissioners will discuss:
A revised draft of the county’s nuisance ordinance governing the maintenance of property and removal of hazards in the unincorporated area of White County:
The renewal of the joint use agreement with the White County Board of Education for use of the county’s athletic facilities;
COVID-19 emergency sick leave pay for county employees to expire 31, 2021.
Finance Director Jodi Ligon will present the monthly finance status report.
Commissioners approve website design
News January 7, 2021
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – In the first meeting of the new year, the Board of Commissioners appointed Craig Bryant Vice Chairman and approved a contract with Municode for website design services at a cost of $16,500 plus an additional fee of $4,000 for hosting and support.
County Manager Jason Cobb and Commissioners Terry Goodger and Edwin Nix participated in the meeting via teleconference.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner said, “We have recognized for some time that our website could be more user friendly and provide more information. Our goal is to get that information into the hands of our citizens in a more efficient manner.”
The county’s new IT Director Joel Witcher said the new website will accomplish that goal.
The Board also denied Michelle Gunnin’s application for a conditional use permit (CUP) at 228 Spring Crest Road in Cleveland to be placed into the county’s short-term rental program.
Commissioners also approved the county’s 2021 Holiday schedule.
Finance Director Jodi Ligon presented the November financial report that shows revenue for the month at $4,412,326 and expenditures at $1,444,753. Year-to-date revenue s $10,276,572 and expenditures at $7,997,705. The November SPLOST (special purpose local option sales tax) collection totaled $546,482. The cities of Cleveland and Helen will each receive $70,332 from those collections.
BOC will name vice-chairman at first meeting of the New Year
News December 30, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The Board of Commissioners will assemble for the first time in the New Year Monday (Jan. 4) when a combined work session and regular meeting is scheduled at 4 p.m. in the County Administration Building.
Commissioners will hear a request by Michelle Gunnin for a conditional use permit on .918 acres at 228 Spring Crest Road in Cleveland. The present use is R-1 Residential Single Family. Proposed use is to be placed in the short-term rental program.
The Board will also consider designation of a vice-chairman for the 2021 calendar year as well as a contract with Municode for county website design services and ratification of the 2021 holiday schedule for county staff.
Finance Director Jodi Ligon will present the monthly financial status report.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
SPLOST revenue reaches $26.5 million
News December 1, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – Kevin Hamby delivered the good news at the Board of Commissioners meeting Monday that the 72-month special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) program has exceed all expectations.
Hamby, who oversees the program for the county, reported that the final collections are in and a program that started six years ago and was projected to raise $19 million actually generated $26.5 million to fund a variety of local projects, including the construction of a new jail.
Hamby also noted the county will soon make the final payment on the $9.1 million jail. “This Board made a commitment 10 years ago and we’re very blessed that in 10 years, we’ve paid the debt off.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of an information technology back-up software and hardware for the network system for one year at a cost of $38,884.60 and the purchase of a lightning detector for Yonah Preserve Baseball Fields at a cost of $8,350.
Commissioners also approved an adjustment to the county employee retirement that will match the employee’s contribution to a 401a plan up to 7 percent after a probationary period of 90 days.
The Board also unanimously approved the following:
- A land use application filed by Ed Maxwell to redistrict approximately nine acres located at 9648 Duncan Bridge Road in Cleveland from Community Commercial District Highway Business District;
- A land use application filed by Glenn Walker to redistrict approximately three acres at 502 Duncan Bridge Road from Single Family District to Residential Seasonal District to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- A land use application filed by Bryan Lee to redistrict approximately 8.1 acres at 66 Lothridge Road in Cleveland from Community Commercial District to Highway Business District for the purpose of expanding his mini-storage business.
A land use application filed by Chad Knott on behalf of Diane Hutcherson for a conditional use permit on 1.3 acres located at 213 Peppermint Drive in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the short-term rental program was postponed due to the applicant not being present.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
State Rep.-elect Victor Anderson addresses County Commissioners
News December 1, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – District 10 State Representative-elect Victor Anderson made an unscheduled appearance at Monday’s Board of Commissioners meeting Monday to discuss some of the issues the state legislature will address during the 2021 General Assembly.
Anderson, is the former Chairman of the Habersham County Board of Commissioners and owner of a carpet and flooring store. He replaces State Rep. Terry Rogers, who chose not to seek reelection. Anderson defeated Democrat Nick Mitchell in the November General Election.
Anderson said he hopes to serve on the Governmental Affairs Committee next year. “Counties are considered an extension of state government but a lot of times we, as counties, get edicts instead of participation. That’s something I hope to carry to the state capitol and work on as well as some other fields I’m very interested in.”
Anderson cited the budget, election laws and continuing the state’s economic recovery as the top three priorities for lawmakers in 2021.
“In addition to the state budget, which is always a priority now we have two other major priorities which is a little different from previous sessions,” he said. “One is dealing with the election laws. Right now we have to clear that up before the next round of elections in two years. The second thing is dealing with the continuing economic recovery in the state from all the shutdowns and the impact of the COVID virus as affected.”
Commission Chairman Travis Turner said the Board looks forward to working with Anderson but is hopeful that following the Census and reapportionment White County would have fewer state representatives.
Currently, the county is represented by Rogers (R-Habersham), Matt Gurtler (R-Rabun) and Lee Hawkins (R-Hall). Because the county is split into three districts, White County residents often feel their interests are often ignored.
“I’ll be very open,” he said. “In conversations we have had, we would like to be narrowed down to two representatives. I say that very respectfully. For the representation of us as a community, we feel like we have been somewhat disenfranchised, especially in a growing community as we are.”
The state is expected to realign state districts late next year, following the completion of the Census.
BOC to discuss purchase of lightning detector for Baseball Complex
News November 29, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a combined work session and called meeting Monday Nov. 30 at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Hwy.
There are several New Business items on the agenda to be discussed, including:
- The purchase of information technology back-up software the White County Network System;
- Revisions to the Recreation Department Fee Schedule;
- Purchase and installation of lightning detector for the Yonah Preserve Ballfield Complex;
- Proposed improvements to the Health Department facilities;
- Establishment of a compensation policy for members of boards, committees and authorities appointed and overseen by the Board of Commissioners;
- Year-end appointments to many boards and committees;
- Amendments to the employee retirement plan;
- Development of a financial policy for White County Government.
There are also a number of zoning applications to be considered, including:
- A land use application filed by Ed Maxwell to redistrict approximately nine acres located at 9648 Duncan Bridge Road in Cleveland from Community Commercial District Highway Business District;
- A land use application filed by Glenn Walker to redistrict approximately three acres at 502 Duncan Bridge Road from Single Family District to Residential Seasonal District to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- A land use application filed by Bryan Lee to redistrict approximately 8.1 acres at 66 Lothridge Road in Cleveland from Community Commercial District to Highway Business District;
- A land use application filed by Chad Knott on behalf of Diane Hutcherson to request a conditional use permit on 1.3 acres located at 213 Peppermint Drive in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the short-term rental program.
SPLOST Manager Kevin Hamby will present the SPLOST status report.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
BOC to proclaim Nov. 18-25 Farm-City Week
News October 30, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – Clay Pilgrim of Rushton and Company will present the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 financial audit report when the Board of Commissioners meets in regular session Monday (Nov. 2) at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building, Helen Hwy. in Cleveland.
The Board will consider the following items during the meeting:
- A proclamation to the White County Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness Committee in observance of Farm-City Week Nov. 18-25,2020;
- Adoption of a broadband ready community ordinance;
- A resolution approving the final budget amendments to the 2019-2020 fiscal year;
- Award of certificates of deposit.
Finance Director Jodi Ligon will present the monthly financial status report
Discussion of proposed ordinances highlight Monday’s commission meeting
News October 25, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners will hold a combined called meeting and work session Monday (Oct 26) at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building on Helen Hwy.
Items to be discussed include a nuisance ordinance for the county’s unincorporated area and a proposed draft broadband ready community ordinance.
Commissioners will also consider the land use application of Caitlin Payne for a conditional use permit on 1.22 acres at 379 Howell Mill Drive in Sautee Nacoochee to be placed in the short-term rental program.
Other agenda items to be discussed include:
A proclamation to the White County Retired Educators’ Association in honor of Retired Educators’ Day, Nov. 1;
A SPLOST Funding request by the Fire Department for the replacement of 15 sets of turn-out gear;
Approval of the 2020 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant application submission by the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office;
Submission of Post Road (25 miles from Old Hwy 75 South to Tom Teague Road) for the 2021 Local Maintenace Improvement Grant (LMIG) application.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com
Promise made, promise kept
News September 30, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. –Uncertain as to what impact the pandemic may have on county resources, the Board of Commissioners imposed a spending freeze last Spring which delayed the long-awaited cost of living allowance COLA raise for county employees.
Commission Chairman Travis Turner promised at the time the Board would consider a COLA once it knew more about the county’s financial situation.
“This is a follow-up on that promise,” Turner said as commissioners voted to approve the raise during Monday’s combined work session and called meeting.
County Finance Director Jodi Ligon told commissioners she believed there were adequate funds to cover the $255,000 needed for the increases during her monthly budget update.
“We appreciate them bearing with us,” Turner said. “We are very blessed to be in the financial shape we are as a county today and this is our way of reaching out to our employees, who are the boots on the ground, a simple way of saying thank you for your hard work.”
BOC will consider cost of living increase for county employees Monday
News September 25, 2020
WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will consider a cost of living allowance (COLA) for county employees and setting compensation for Board of Elections and Registration members when they meet in a combined called meeting and work session Monday (Sept. 28) at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building.
Commissioners will also discuss:
- A land use application filed by Justin Hester to redistrict 1.04 acres at 3391 Hwy. 129 in Cleveland from C-2 Highway Business District to R-1 Residential single family district;
- A land use application filed by Chad Knott for a conditional land use permit on 1.5 acres on Sang Springs Trail in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- A land use application filed by Sam Kondamudi for a conditional use permit at 645 Yonah Mountain Road in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- A land use application filed by Trina Lovell to redistrict 1.41 acres on Hiawassee Lane in Cleveland from R-3 Residential Seasonal District to R-1 Residential Single Family District;
- A land use application filed by Priscilla Pearson to redistrict two acres at 333 Skywood Lane in Cleveland from R-1 Residential Single Family District to R-3 Residential Seasonal District to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- A land use application filed by Robert Sloane for a conditional use permit on 17.16 acres at 3088 Skitts Mountain Road in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program;
- A draft nuisance ordinance;
- A Fire Department request to purchase two truck chassis for two wildland fire units;
- A surplus resolution for the sale of obsolete items by the Public Safety Department;
- Renewal of a two-year veterinary services contract with VCA-Chestatee Animal Hospital for White County Animal Control;
- A Business and Grounds Maintenance request to purchase two zero-turn mowers and a new field lining machine;
- Purchase of a remote monitoring management software for utilization by the Information Technology Department;
- Appointments to the Board of Elections and Registration.