White County Board of Commissioners Archives - Page 6 of 11 - WhiteWhite

White County may join Habersham, Stephens in becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary

News January 28, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

WHITE COUNTY, Ga. – As Democrats continue to push unconstitutional gun control laws, White County Commissioners are considering a resolution that would declare the county a Second Amendment Sanctuary.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Travis Turner revealed during Monday’s called meeting and work session, that commissioners have asked county attorney Mary Jane Henneke to research a resolution similar to the ones approved in Habersham and Stephens counties this month.

“We want to make sure everything we do stands up in a court of law.”

Commissioner Edwin Nix

Commissioner Edwin Nix made it clear where he stands on the Second Amendment saying, “We all know that the intent of some people in this country is to make sure the criminals have guns and that good people don’t. Sooner or later if that happens, we are all in trouble. They may come and get all my guns. They may take them. But it will be after I have exhausted all my bullets.”

More importantly, White County Sheriff Neal Walden spoke out firmly, saying, “I took an oath to uphold the laws of this state and the U.S. Constitution and that includes the right to bear arms. I will not enforce any law that prevents that.”

The Second Amendment Sanctuary movement is spreading all across Georgia and the rest of the nation. A gun-rights rally in Virginia drew an estimated 22,000 supporters recently. On Saturday, hundreds of gun-rights advocates rallied in Rome to advocate for the creation of Second Amendment sanctuaries in Georgia.

The issue was not on Monday’s agenda, but it was raised by White County resident William King during the Public Comment portion of the meeting.

The Habersham County resolution reads, in part, “No agent, employee or official of Habersham County, or any corporation providing services to Habersham County, shall provide material support or participate in any way with the implementation of federal acts, orders, rules, laws or regulations in violation of the Second Amendment to the United States of America.”

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 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

TMU asks commissioners to authorize tax exempt bond issuance

News October 30, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County Commissioners heard a request from Truett McConnell University Vice President for Finance and Operations Jason Graffagnino at Monday’s work session to approve a bond issuance that would allow it to refinance its long term indebtedness at a considerable savings.

The issuance would be through the White County Development Authority and must be approved by the Board of Commissioners but it does not obligate county taxpayers.

“We are looking into refinancing long-term debt tied to a major project we did in 2011,” Graffagnino said. The project included construction of a new dormitory, expanding the dining hall and administration building and the addition of a new student wellness center.

Graffagnino said the current bond is being paid back at a rate of between 5.75 and 6.0 percent.

“In the current economic environment, we have done our due diligence and through a public bond offering, we are able to ascertain a long term rate for 30 years at 3.6 percent,” he said. “As Mr. Chairman (Travis Turner) said and Mr. Manager (Michael Melton) said, this does not encumber the citizens of White County or the citizens of Cleveland. The collateral is the University. We are taking financial responsibility It will be a tax-exempt offering. For that to be something the public can invest in, and buy tax exempt bonds, we need a government authority to be the issuer so that is why we are coming before you.”

The Board generally discusses issues during work sessions then votes on them at the next regular session.

Commissioners also discussed future options for the administration of county elections since Probate Judge Garrison Baker, who currently oversees elections, will retire at the end of 2020.

A number of agenda items were placed on the consent agenda for the next meeting, including:

A request by Director of Public Safety Director David Murphy to place some obsolete equipment belonging to his department to be sold as surplus;

Bids received for two certificates of deposits currently held by United Community Bank.

Most of the rezoning requests on Monday’s agenda also will be placed on the consent agenda.

Commissioners will place one request for annexation into the city of Cleveland and another by the City of Helen under New Business and vote on them separately at the next meeting.

Michael Melton Travis Turner Truett McConnell University White County Board of Commissioners

Rushton Co. to present 2018-2019 audit report Monday

News November 3, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will meet in a regular voting session Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building.

Clay Pilgrim of the Rushton Company will present the annual financial audit for the fiscal year 2018-2019 and Kevin Hamby, the county’s special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) manager, will have a monthly SPLOST status report.

Commissioners have placed several issues on the consent agenda, mostly dealing with rezoning requests for the purpose of authorizing short term rentals. A consent agenda allows commissioners to approve issues they have discussed during a work session as a group rather than individually to expedite meetings.

Also on the consent agenda is a request by Truett McConnell University to authorize a revenue bond issuance through the White County Development Authority.

TMU would like to refinance its long-term debt tied to a major project in 2011 that included construction of a new dormitory, expanding the dining hall and administration building and the addition of a new student wellness center.

The current bond is being paid back at a rate of between 5.75 and 6.0 percent. If the Board approves the request, TMU would be able to refinance at a rate of 3.6 percent.

The bond issuance would not encumber Cleveland or White County taxpayers in any way.

Jason Graffagnino, TMU Vice President for Finance and Operations, told commissioners last week, “The collateral is the university. We are taking financial responsibility. It will be a tax-exempt offering. For that to be something the public can invest in, and buy tax exempt bonds, we need a government authority to be the issuer so that is why we are coming before you.”

Other items on the consent agenda include a request by Public Safety Director David Murphy to sell some obsolete equipment at surplus and the awarding of two 12-month certificates of deposit currently held by United Community Bank.

Under New Business, the Board will consider 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

Commissioners will also be voting on two annexation requests. One is or 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.

Commissioners will read a proclamation to the White County Chamber of Commerce declaring Nov. 21-29 Farm City Week in White County and another in recognition of White County Fire Services Personnel.

The Board will also consider resolutions to approve fiscal year 2018-2019 budget amendments and fiscal year 2019-2020 establishing a pooled account for jail telephone commissions.

White County Board of Commissioners

Planning Commission work session set Tuesday

News May 27, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Planning Commission will hold a work session on Tuesday (May 28) at 6 p.m. in the White County Sr. Center 1239 Helen Hwy to hear a series of variance requests.

Karson Coker has requested a variance for a sign area on property located at 3216 Hwy 75 South in Cleveland.

Jennifer Thomas Section has requested a variance for more than one dwelling per tract on property located at 291 Logan’s Ridge Road in Cleveland.

Peter Tamblyn has requested a variance for structures over 400 square feet on property located at 379 Hidden Valley Road in Cleveland.

Voyce Hunt has requested a variance for access to property located on Tow Drive in Cleveland.

The Planning Commission makes recommendations on these and other applications to the Board of Commissioners which makes the final decision

White County Board of Commissioners White County Planning Commission

White County BOC called meeting, work session Monday

News April 20, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a series of public hearings and discuss several service contracts when it meets in a combined work session and called meeting Monday (Apr. 22) at 4:30 p.m.

Public hearings to be held include a land use application filed by Josh Garrison on behalf of HG Acquisitions to redistrict 179 acres at 1036 Duncan Bridge Road in Saute Nacoochee from A-1 Agriculture Forestry District to R-1 Residential Family District; Gary Hosemann’s application to redistrict 8.28 acres at 4623 Hwy. 254 in Cleveland from C-1 Community Commercial to A-1 Agriculture Forestry District and Kelli Withrow’s application to redistrict .50 acres at 2416 Westmoreland Road in Cleveland from R-1 Residential Single-Family District to R-3 Residential District (Seasonal).

Commissioners will discuss a proposal for landscape services with ACS Landscape Management at Yonah Preserve Ballfield Complex and a proposal for architectural services with BCA Studios for the courthouse entryway and sally port renovation project.

Other items on Monday’s agenda include:

Consideration of approval of addenda No. 3 for the fiscal year 2019 contract with Legacy Link for funding of services provided by the White County Senior Center;
Consideration of the appointment of Ms. Katherine Thompson, executive director of the South Enotah Child Advocacy Center to the White County Department of Family and Children’s Services Board;
Consideration of the adoption of a fee resolution for the White County Alcohol Ordinance.

White County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners approve funding Mauney Building renovation

News December 4, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved spending $86,500 to renovate the Mauney Building during Thursday’s combined work session and regular meeting.

The county’s planning department and economic development department will move into the facility. The Board also approved a resolution for local legislation to be presented to the Georgia General Assembly for the creation of a Board of Elections and Registration which would also be housed in the building along with 55-60 new voting machines.

Of the $86,500 approximately $54,718 will go to Simco Interiors, Inc. to renovate the interior, install drywall, partition walls, paint and carpet.

Georgia Power Area Manager Brent Edwards presented a check for $10,000 to help the county with its Yonah Preserve Playground Project. He thanked the Board of Commissioners for all they do to improve the quality of life in White County and added, “Yonah Preserve Park is a great example of that,” he said. “It’s something to really be proud of.”

The Board introduced the Sheriff’s Office new code enforcement officer Stephen Sayer.

Commissioners granted a six-month extension for the White County Historic Preservation Committee to complete its development of a historic district overlay.

Commissioners approved a resolution for Fiscal Year 2019-’20 for amendments to the Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Fund (D.A.T.E.)

In other business, the Board:

Denied a request by Shannon Adams to redistrict .58 acres at 325 Hwy. 255 North in Sautee from Community Commercial District (C-1) to Commercial Highway Business (C-2) for the purpose of opening a day care facility for dogs;

Denied a request by Matthew Sieveking to redistrict 4 acres at 76 Ralph Vandiver Road from Residential Single-Family District (R-1) to Highway Business District (C-2)for the purpose of opening a lumber supply company;

Tabled a request by Robert McClure for 6.7 acres at 1111 Satterfield Road in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program because the applicant was not present as required;

Approved a request by Todd Anderson to redistrict 4 acres on Hester Road from Agriculture Forestry District (A-1) to Residential Single-Family District (R-3);

Approved a request by Rolando and Dailis Cabrera to redistrict .5 acres at 20 Kacey’s Lane in Helen from Residential Single-Family District (R-1) to Residential Family District (R-3);

Approved a request by Bryan and Theresa Hamilton for a conditional use permit for 9.45 acres at 6394 Duncan Bridge Road in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program;

Approved a request by Mihai Marin for a conditional use permit for 7.54 acres at 164 Carolina Springs Road in Sautee Nacoochee to use as a wedding/tourism event center;

Approved a request by David Schutt for 3.16 acres at 3215 Hwy. 75 Alternate in Cleveland to be placed in the short-term rental program.

White County Board of Commissioners

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

White County Commissioners will meet Tuesday

News June 3, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will have another busy agenda when they meet in a combined work session and regular meeting Tuesday (June 4) in the White County Administration Building.

Commissioners will consider the proposal for architectural services from BCA Architects for the courthouse renovation and expansion project.

Also to be considered is the 2019-20 contract for emergency medical services with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group through June 20, 2022.

The Board is also expected to vote on bidding improvements to the Post Road and Truelove Road in preparation of applications for the 2020 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) to resurface Post Road.

Commissioners will also are expected to make appointments to the planning commission for three-year terms.

The Board will also hold five public hearings and the public is invited to attend and express their views on each.

The public hearings are as follows:

David Fain has filed a land use application to redistrict 2.35 acres at 1888 Hwy. 115 East in Cleveland from A-1 (Agriculture Forestry District) to C-2 Highway Business.

James Barnaby has filed a land use application for a special use permit for animal breeding facilities on 28.03 acres at 881 Chambers Road in Cleveland.

Nacoochee Methodist Church has filed a land use application for a variance to the setback on 7.31 acres located at 1371 Hwy. 17 in Sautee Nacoochee.

Don Lewis has files a land use application to redistrict 1.83 acres from A-1 (Agriculture Forestry District to R-1 Residential Single-Family District;

Proposed amendments to the county’s land use ordinance related to short-term rentals and permitted uses of R1, A1, C1, AND C2 districts within the unincorporated area of White County and procedural changes for public hearings related to land use issues.

White County Board of Commissioners

White County Commission approves $24.1 million budget

News June 18, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners approved a fiscal year 2020 budget of $24,123,352 Monday. The general fund budget which is made up of agriculture, judicial, culture and recreation, housing and development, general government, public safety and public works is $19,190,827.

Commissioners anticipate $19,190,827 in expenditures and $18,266,105 in revenue with the balance to paid out of the fund balance.

About half the general fund budget ($9,538,610) is earmarked for public safety, which includes animal control, detention center, sheriff’s office, EMA, EMS, 911 and fire services. General government, which includes 12 departments plus the contingency fund will receive 21.25 percent of the general fund.

The Board also approved spending $392,900.40 on road improvement projects for Asa Dorsey Road, F-M Road, Shepherd Drive, Fire Station No. 6 parking driveway area, Yonah Preserve Trailhead Road parking area and Old Blue Creek Road.

Also approved unanimously Monday:

Gary Bowen’s request to rezone 1.66 acres at 4680 Hwy. 115 from C1 Community Commercial District to C2 Highway Business District;

James Penner’s request to rezone 28.67 acres at 5050 Hwy. 129 from C1 Community Commercial District to A1 Agriculture/Forestry District;

James and Sydney Vandiver’s request to rezone 2.23 acres on Asbestos Road from C1 Community Commercial District to R3 Residential District (Seasonal);

Legacy Link Contract 2019-2020 for the operation of the senior center;

The 2019-2020 ACCG-IRMA proposal for liability insurance coverage;

Renewal of the landscape services contract for Freedom Park with the Chattahoochee Group;

Award the contract for propane services with Blossman.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner read a proclamation to Garvis and Judy Kinsey

After 37 years in the ministry, the couple retired Sunday (June 16).

“In honor of Garvis and Judy Kinsey’s lifelong commitment to White County where they have served selflessly for over 40 years, the White County Board of Commissioners hereby expresses our recognition and appreciation for the contributions you have made,” Turner said. “We extend our best wishes o you on the occasion of your retirement.”

The couple met while students at Piedmont College and married in 1971. Five years later, they started a kindergarten in the basement of their home. They began preaching at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in 1982. In 1986, they moved to Cool Springs United Methodist Church and in 1988, the founded the White Creek Christian Academy with a mission of developing students to full potential academically and spiritually.

In retirement, the couple will continue to mentor the new administrators and volunteer at the school.

Fetch Your News would also like to express its gratitude and best wishes to the Kinseys.

Travis Turner White County Board of Commissioners

White County Board of Commissioners meets Monday

News March 23, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County Commissioners will conduct three land use application public hearings when they meet in a combined work session and regular meeting Monday at 4:30 p.m.

The first public hearing on the agenda is for Kelli Withrow who has requested that five acres located at 3216 Hwy. 75 South be redistricted from Agriculture Forestry District (A1) to Residential District Seasonal (R3).

The second is for Melo Hairapetian who has requested redistricting of 3.72 acres located at 102 Doc Dorsey Road from Community Commercial District (C1) to Highway Business District (C2).

The third public hearing is for Keith Edsall and Gina Santaniello who have requested that 4.79 acres located at 103 Blackwell Drive be redistricted from Single-Family District (R1) to Residential District Seasonal (R3).

Commission Chairman Travis Turner will read a proclamation in recognition of 911 appreciation week in White County and another that proclaims that April is Child Abuse Prevention month.

The Board will also consider:

Approval of preliminary road acceptance for Samson Way and Charleston Lane in the reserve at Mossy Creek subdivision;
Violations of the Mountain Protection Ordinance at 186 Cub Trail and 41 Nugget Drive in Sautee Nacoochee;
Improvements to the parking/driveway area at the White County Fire Station No. 6 on Hwy. 129 North;
Various items for the White County Parks and Recreation Department, including hours of operation, fees for White County school students and the Department of Natural Resources annual trout release;
Purchase of bleachers for Yonah Preserve Recreational Park;
Revisions to the White County Land Use Ordinance related to required public hearings procedure and short term vacation rentals.

Chairman Travis Turner Department of Natural Resources White County Board of Commissioners

BOC to vote on contract to resurface Westmoreland Rd.

News March 3, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners are expected to vote on awarding a contract for the resurfacing of Westmoreland Road to CW Matthews in the amount of $890,342.82 when it meets in regular session Monday (March 4) at 4:30 p.m.

Funding for the project is dedicated from the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

Commissioners will also consider awarding a contracts to Greenville Turf and Tractor in the amount of $12,973.74 for a bunker and infield rake; Kabe Cain Enterprises ($18,900) for a 4-wheel drive utility tractor; Nelson Tractor ($12,645) for a utility tractor and Howard Bros. ($12,784) for a commercial grade zero turn riding mower).

Several revisions to the White County Code of Ordinances will be voted on under the consent agenda, including standard operating procedures, emergency management advisory council, payment for services rendered by reserves of the county fire department and volunteer firefighter standard attendance and participation. Items listed under the consent agenda do not require further discussion since they were considered during the last work session and may be approved as a group.

Under new business, commissioners will hold a public hearing for a land use application permit filed by Jesse Darin Knaus to redistrict 3.76 acres located at 252 Garland Bristol Road, Sautee Nacoochee from Community Commercial District (C-1) to Residential Single Family District (R-1)

The Board will also vote on adopting a surplus resolution for equipment assigned to the White County Public Safety and Public Works departments and a resolution of revision to the White County Alcohol Ordinance.

Commissioners will also read a proclamation of recognition of the Public Safety – Animal Control divisions for their achievements.

White County Board of Commissioners

Public hearings on tap for Monday BOC agenda

News February 1, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will conduct two public hearings during the combined work session and regular meeting scheduled for Monday, Feb. 4 at 4:30 p.m.

Jesse Darin Knaus has requested a land use application to redistrict 3.76 acres located at 252 Garland Bristol Road in Sautee Nachochee from Community Commercial District (C-1) to Residential single family district (R-1).

Judith Tolhurst has requested a conditional use permit to redistrict 4.5 acres located at 515 Tolhurst Road in Cleveland from residential single-family district to enter the vacation rental by owner program.

Other items on Monday’s agenda include:

A discussion of mountain protection ordinance violations in Panorama Estates in Sautee Nacoochee;
Consideration of a proposal to bring the White County Alzheimer’s Respite Program under the umbrella of senior center operations;
Consideration of the Legacy Link Fiscal Year 2019 contract addenda for operation of the White County Senior Center;
Consideration of the appointment of Lindsey Oliver to the White County Recreation Advisory Board to fulfill the remainder of a three-year term to expire Dec. 31, 2019;
Discussion of the status of short term vacation rentals;
Discussion of a Board of Commissioners Admin vehicle;
A presentation of the monthly financial status report.

White County Board of Commissioners

Goodger casts only “no” vote on fiscal year 2019 budget that will likely increase millage rate

News June 19, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – On a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Terry Goodger opposed, the White County Board of Commissioners approved a fiscal year 2019 total budget of $23,663,399 Monday that will likely mean the first tax increase for citizens in four years.

The new spending plan calls for an increase of $2,509,954 in the total budget since last year. Also included is the addition of six new full-time and three part-time employees and a $2 per hour pay rise for employees other than law enforcement, which received a pay raise earlier this year.

It was the fact that the pay raise for other employees was included in the budget without a vote of the Board of Commissioners that drew Goodger’s strong opposition.

“I don’t recall that we had a formal vote saying we were going to give a pay raise,” Goodger stated. “If we pass this budget, it will be in there but we never really had a discussion on the Board about that. I know we have got to pass a budget but it strikes me as wrong that we may pass a budget with a big millage increase because we have got to give a pay raise.”

In presenting the budget, County Manager Michael Melton said, the proposed general fund budget is $18,925,734 and balancing the budget would require some use of the fund balance and “more than likely” a millage increase. Public Safety will receive the biggest slice of the budget, approximately 48.7 percent, followed by General Government 23.2 percent.

Separate funding makes up $4,734,665 of the overall budget with E-911 getting the most at $1,051,582.

Commissioners approved a contract with Charles Black Construction in the amount of $121,885 for finishing the football field at Yonah Preserve and a lighting services agreement with Georgia Power in the amount of $107,406 plus $632.46 monthly.

The Board also approved revisions to the special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) road projects that will allow Stanly Nix Road, Mauldin Road, Bonnie Pearl Lane, Hawthorne Drive and Cedar Hollow to be paved by August 31.

Commissioner Terry Goodger County Manager Michael Melton White County Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners sets work session and regular meeting Monday

News May 5, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a combined work session and regular meeting Monday at 4 p.m. in the White County Administration Building, 1235 Helen Hwy.

Commissioners will consider appointments to a number of county committees, including the Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Board of Directors, Library Board of Trustees, Planning Commission and Water Authority.

Other issues to be considered, include:

Information on Mountain Protection Ordinance violations at 186 Cub Trail in Sautee Nacoochee;

Revisions to the county land use plan regarding vacation rentals;

Awarding White County Employee Benefits Plan to a contractor for the 2019-2020 plan year;

A request for annexation into the City of Cleveland for property located at 1769 Hwy. 129 South

White County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners proclaim 9-1-1 Week in White County

News March 26, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – White County Commissioners meeting in a combined work session and called meeting Monday presented a proclamation declaring 9-1-1 week in White County.

The White County 9-1-1 Central Communications Division is an integral part of the White County Office of Public Safety. The division provided optimum communications for the White County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Service, Emergency Medical Services, Animal Control, Cleveland Police Department, Cleveland Fire Department, Helen Police Department and Helen Fire Department.

The E 9-1-1 Communications Center is a 24/7 operation and is manned by four 12 hour shifts utilizing three to four communications officers per shift.

The Center processes phone calls from three sources, 9-1-1 emergency lines, alarm lines and administrative lines. Emergency line are accessed by dialing 9-1-1 or by being transferred from another 9-1-1 center. Alarm lines are used only by alarm monitoring companies reporting various alarms. Administrative lines are uses for all other phone calls.

Public Safety Director David Murphy told commissioners, “In 2018, the call volume increased by 29 percent to 136,940. Radio transmissions/incidents decreased by 12 percent to 164,378.

He added, “The busiest hours of the day are from 8 a.m. until midnight with the busiest days tied between Tuesday and Friday. The busiest agency we serve is the sheriff’s office and the second busiest is the Cleveland Police Department. ”

The 9-1-1 center is led by Chief Leah Sullens.

Public Safety Director David Murphy White County Board of Commissioners

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