White County Board of Commissioners Archives - Page 7 of 11 - WhiteWhite

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.

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

David Murphy White County Board of Commissioners

BOC approves lower-than-expected millage rate

News August 1, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners struggled to set the new millage rate during a third and final public hearing Monday. Commissioner Craig Bryant’s initial motion called for a rate of 11.25 mills. That was quickly voted down by Commissioners Terry Goodger, Edwin Nix and Lynn Holcomb. Bryant tried again with a motion of 11 mills. That too failed. Finallly, Commissioner Lynn Holcomb’s motion for 10.75 mills gained unanimous approval.

But the lower millage rate led to another struggle. The budget the Board tentatively approved last month was predicated on setting the millage rate at 11.25. But now that the 10.75 rate has been approved, county staff must find approximately $683,000 in spending cuts to balance the budget.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner strongly opposed withdrawing money from county reserves to help balance the budget. The Association of County Commissioners Georgia recommends counties keep three months of operating expenses in reserves to use in an emergency like the tropical storm that blew through White County last month. The county now has the equivalent of about 1.8 months in its reserves.

“For 10 years, the county has received a strong financial rating by carrying two to three months or more in our fund balance,” he said. “I feel like we’re playing with fire (by considering a reduction in the fund balance.”

Commissioners then turned the work over to county staff to find the necessary cuts and bring its recommendation back to the Board as soon as possible.

Chairman Travis Turner Commissioner Craig Bryant Commissioner Edwin Nix Commissioner Terry Goodger White County Board of Commissioners

State deeds 1,000-acre Yonah Preserve to White County

News July 10, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND — White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner opened Monday’s meeting with a blockbuster announcement that will benefit the county for generations to come.

“I have the distinct pleasure of presenting to you, the citizens of White County the official deed — signed by Governor Deal and with the state seal — the 1,000-acre Yonah Preserve.” The announcement drew loud applause from those in attendance.

The county entered into a 50-year lease of the property from the state five years ago.

“Since then, the state of Georgia with Governor Nathan Deal and other state officials have seen White County’s commitment to developing an outdoor destination program from ball fields to hiking and biking trails to fishing,” Turner said. “These activities will not only benefit White County for generations to come, but also give us an opportunity to draw people from outside our area.”

The only caveat attached by the state is the land be used for the public good.

Only about 20-25 percent of the acreage is buildable due the terrain, which consists of mountains and ridges.

“This is a golden opportunity for the county as we move forward if we’re going to be a tourist-based community,” Commissioner Edwin Nix said. “I’m proud the governor has done what he’s done.”

In other decisions, the Board unanimously adopted the annual Legacy Link contract for operation of the Senior Center.

Commissioners also approved:

A resolution to request the Georgia Department of Transportation to install a traffic light at the intersection of Hwy. 129 and Tesnateee Gap Valley Road;
A resolution issuing a call for a referendum for the 2020 SPLOST;
A planting plan to provide a buffer between Yonah Preserve athletic field area and nearby homes;
Allowing staff to proceed with rebidding construction work on the two New Bridge Road bridges;
Scheduling process for setting the 2018 millage rate.
New summer operating hours for Yonah Preserve. Effective July 12, the preserve will be open Thursday through Sunday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. through Labor Day.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner White County Board of Commissioners Yonah Preserve

Second public hearing on 2019 budget set Monday

News June 17, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a second public hearing and consider adoption of the proposed Fiscal Year 2019 budget Monday (June 18) at 4:30 p.m.

The general fund budget is proposed at $18,925,734 combined with a separate fund balance of $4,737,665 for a total budget of $23,663,399, which represents an increase of 11.8 percent in the 2018 budget.

County Manager Michael Melton said during the first public hearing last week the $2 million increase in this year’s budget is the result of adding positions in the fire department, roads and bridges and parks and recreation and a $2 an hour pay raise for employees other than public safety, which received their pay raise earlier this year.

The county has a reserve fund of approximately $4 million and commissioners are considering using about $1.2 million from that fund to balance the budget which would leave about 2.6 months of operational funds to cover an emergency.

Commissioners will also consider approval of a design change presented by Carter & Sloope for the Yonah Preserve football field area, a cost estimate provided by Charles Black Construction for finishing one football field at Yonah Preserve and a lighting service agreement with Georgia Power for Yonah Preserve.

Other issues to be addressed by the Board include the approval of the renewal contract with the Chattahoochee Group for landscaping at Freedom Park and revisions to the current special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) road project timeline.

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

County Manager Michael Melton Jodi Ligon White County Board of Commissioners Yonah Preserve

BOC called meeting and work session Monday

News May 20, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a combined work session and called meeting Monday (May 21) at 4:30 p.m. Aside from tomorrow’s meeting, however, there will be several changes in the meeting schedule over the next three weeks.

County offices will be closed and there is no meeting scheduled May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. The June 4 meeting is also canceled. On June 11, commissioners will hold a budget public hearing and called meeting. Then, on June 18, there will be a called meeting to adopt the fiscal year 2018-’19 budget.

Commissioners have a busy agenda to address at tomorrow’s meeting, including consideration of SPLOST-funded road improvements to be approved for bidding this spring.

Other agenda items to be addressed, include:

Approval of jail use agreements with the cities of Helen and Cleveland;
Approval of a resolution supporting Truett McConnell University’s request to reduce the posted speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph in proximity to the campus on Hwy. 115;
Renewal of the memorandum of understanding with the International Mountain Bicycling Association/Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association;
Approval of White County Chamber of Commerce’s request for funding of a grant request for the Passport to Outdoor Adventure Tourism Product Development;
Review of the contract with Advanced Disposal for operation of the White County Transfer Station;
Adoption of an amendment to the county vehicle use policy;
Appointments to the Department of Family and Children’ Services Board, Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce Board, Avita Community Partners Board of Directors and Industrial Building Authority.

Truett McConnell University White County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners approve project list for proposed 2020 SPLOST

News May 1, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County commissioners approved a preliminary list of projects for a proposed 2020 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) at Monday’s combined called meeting and work session.

The current SPLOST expires next year, and voters will decide in a referendum if they want to continue the one-cent tax through 2026.

Commissioners estimate the tax could generate $24,000,000 if approved. The preliminary list of proposed projects includes courthouse renovations and addition for an estimated $5 million, payment to the White County Building Authority for the new Yonah Preserve Park for $4,800,000 and resurfacing and improvements to county roads and equipment for the Roads and Bridges Department for $3,000,000.

Other projects include E-911 and Fire-EMS equipment, facilities and vehicles ($1.5 million), Administration equipment, facilities and vehicles ($1 million), Parks and Recreation equipment, facilities and vehicles ($1 million), and Sheriff’s Office equipment, facilities and vehicles ($500,000).

Counties can award cities a share of SPLOST proceeds based on each city’s population. The county is considering a 15 percent split for Cleveland and Helen. Both cities are requesting 23 percent.

The two cities each received 23 percent in previous SPLOSTs but both agreed to accept 13 percent in the current SPLOST in order to help the county pay for the new jail. About 50 percent of White County’s overall revenue is tourist related, much of which is generated by Helen’s 2.5 million visitors each year..

City managers and County Manager Michael Melton have agreed to meet Thursday morning at 10 a.m. to discuss the proposed SPLOST.

Cleveland Mayor Shan Ash asked commissioners to “look at the city as an investment in White County.”

He said the city is looking at a state-mandated lowering of the limit of water than can be discharged back into Lake Lanier. “Our biggest expense is going to be the sewer improvement that we know is coming,” he said. “We’re having to look at a more conventional system to get the limits they are going to require. We’ve got a lot of new business coming in. The city has a lot of potential to be a good driver for these (SPLOST) funds. I would just ask that you guys look at the city as an investment in White County.”

Ash noted that if the commissioners approve the 23 percent share as requested, the city’s proceeds would be about $5.5 million.

Helen City Councilman Jeff Ash said half of Helen’s SPLOST request is for wastewater treatment. “We need a new lift station and those things aren’t cheap. We have 93 million gallons of sewage that has to be lifted and put in that pond (for treatment).”

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

Cleveland Mayor Shan Ash White County Board of Commissioners

County to upgrade water lines along Hulsey Road

News March 27, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — In a combined work session and called meeting Monday, the White County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to participate with the city of Cleveland in water service upgrades.

The upgrades consist of changing from an eight-inch water line to a 12-inch water line along Hulsey Road from the water tower to the Freudenberg-NOK plant. The county will provide $100,000 in funding. Freudenberg is the county’s largest employer. The total cost of the project is $540,000.

Cleveland City Manager Tom O’Bryant said, if the city’s grant application is approved, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will provide approximately 50 percent of the funding and the city will provide approximately $170,000. ARC funds could be received by the end of the year.

Commissioners unanimously approved White County Public Safety Director David Murphy’s request to move forward with evaluation of an enhanced 911 phone switch and system to be funded by the voter-approved 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

Murphy said the company that provided the current system has gone out of business, and the county has used another company for maintenance the last three to four years.

“It’s become a concern to me that we could lose that server at any point in time,” Murphy said. He estimated the cost at approximately $250,000 to $260,000 and said he could have a proposal to the commissioners by the end of August and the new system could be installed by the end of the year.

In other business, commissioners unanimously approved:

⦁ Redistricting 19.32 acres at 557 Hwy. 356 in Helen from Residential Single-Family Residential to Residential Seasonal District to accommodate the construction of “treehouse style” rental cabins;

⦁ Allowing the county manager to execute grant documents for the required hazardous mitigation plan update;

⦁ Surplus of a 2007 asphalt distributor truck and 1900-gallon Leeboy Rosco Max II distributor for sale to Stephens County for $63,108; and

⦁ A White County Superior Court misdemeanor probation contract with Northeast Georgia Probation Services, Inc.

Commissioners tabled a proposal to accept Shepherd Drive for county road maintenance.

U.S. Forest Service Ranger Ryan Foote told commissioners the Forest Service is conducting an assessment of the damage sustained by a recent tornado that struck the Upper Chatthoochee Campground in the Wildlife Management Area.

“It got leveled,” Foote said. The campground was closed when the tornado struck, leading Foote to state, “We got lucky. I would be here under different circumstances if that campground had been opened.”

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. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com.

White County Board of Commissioners White County Public Safety Director David Murphy

Busy agenda set for Monday’s BOC work session

News October 27, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Monday’s White County Board of Commissioners work session could be a lengthy one with 18 items — including eight zoning issue — on the agenda. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Work sessions are for commissioners to discuss items they will vote on during regular voting sessions.

Five of the zoning requests are for the purpose of operating as short-term rental units. One proposed use is for operation of a wedding/tourism event center.

Commissioners also will address two requests for county property to be annexed into city limits. One of those is located at 1847 Hwy. 129 in Cleveland. The other is 52 Comer Circle (South Main Street) in Helen.

A representative from Truett McConnell University will appear before the Board to request a revenue bond issuance through the White County Development Authority.

2020 being an election year, commissioners will discuss the administration of next year’s elections.

Other items to be considered, include:

A surplus resolution for disposal of obsolete public safety equipment:

Bids received for two certificates of deposit currently held at United Community Bank;

Fiscal Year 2018-19 budget amendments;

2020 Board appointments to the Board of Assessors, Building Authority, Planning Commission, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

City of Cleveland City of Helen Truett McConnell University White County Board of Commissioners

BOC worked its way through a 3-hour session Monday

News March 26, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Monday’s White County Board of Commissioners combined work session and regular meeting was a lengthy one, lasting more than three hours as commissioners dealt with three public hearings and again wrestled with the short-term rental issue.

Commissioners held public hearings then approved three rezoning requests. Kelli Withrow asked for and received unanimous approval to rezone five acres located at 3216 Hwy. 75 South in Cleveland from Community Commercial District to Highway Business District (Seasonal) to permit the cottages at the Mossy Creek Wedding Venue to be converted to short-term rental units.

Commissioners also approved the request of Melo Hairapetian to rezone 3.72 acres at 102 Dock Dorsey Road from Community Commercial District to Highway Business District to add a shop for diesel repair.G

Keith Edsall and Gina Santaniello asked to have 4.79 acres at 103 Blackwell Drive rezoned from single family district to residential district (Seasonal) to qualify for short-term rental.

Commissioners also approved preliminary road acceptance for Samson Way and Charleston Lane in the Reserve at Mossy Creek. There is a two-year waiting period and the issue will have to come back before the Board to ensure the roads meet the standards for county acceptance.

In other business, commissioners:

Approved a resolution proclaiming this to be 9-1-1 Appreciation Week in White county;
Approved a resolution proclaiming April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month;
Approved a motion to go out for bids for repair of the driveway area at Fire Station No. 6 on Hwy. 129 North;
Agreed to extend the hours at the Parks & Recreation Gym from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.;
Agreed to eliminate the fee for use of the gymnasium to anyone under the age of 15 when accompanied by an adult;
Tabled a decision regarding violations of the Mountain Protection Ordinance at 186 Cub Trail and 41 Nugget Drive;
Continued their discussion about how to regulate short-term rentals in the county.

White County Board of Commissioners

BOC to discuss short term vacation rentals Thursday

News January 16, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. –The White County Board of Commissioners and White County Planning Commission will hold a Joint Called Meeting Thursday, (Jan.17) at 7:30 a.m. to discuss a policy for short term vacation rentals in the unincorporated area of White County.

The number of applicants for short term vacation rentals has risen dramatically in the last year and currently R3 is the only zoning classification that permits such rentals. Residents whose property is not zoned R3 must petition the county for a conditional use permit and submit to two public hearings.

At Thursday’s meeting commissioners will discuss how to make the process easier and make sure they are doing what is best for the county as a whole.

White County Board of Commissioners

White Co. BOC work session scheduled Nov. 26

News November 21, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings and consider year-end board appointments when they meet Monday at 4:30 p.m. in a work session.

The first public hearing will be to consider the land use application filed by Gregory K. Dobson for a conditional use permit at 58 Bonnie Pearl Lane. The property is currently zoned Residential Single-Family District (R1). The proposed use is for a bed and breakfast vacation rental program.

Commissioners will then conduct a public hearing for a land use application filed by Daniel C. Flanders to redistrict 30.24 acres located at 261 J and J Drive in Sautee Nacoochee from Residential Multi-Family District (R2) to Agriculture Forestry District.

Also on the agenda is a tax release application filed by Vernon Dockery for a conservation breach associated with the transfer of three acres in 2017 from the Monroe Dockery Trust to Forest Green, LLC.

Commissioners will also discuss bids received by the Assessor’s Office for business personal property audit/verification services, year-end board appointments and appointments to a historic preservation committee.

White County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners approve contractor to replace two bridges

News August 28, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – In a two-hour called meeting and work session Monday, the White County Board of Commissioners considered a wide-range of issues from the replacement of two bridges on New Bridge Road to setting the fall hours at Yonah Preserve.

The county had hoped to replace the bridges one at a time, but when the initial bid request went out with that requirement, no bids were received. When the county rebid the project to allow the bridges to be replaced at the same time, the low bidder was Savannah-based E&D Contracting Inc. Commissioners with a bid of $1,043,645.50.

Most of the funding for the bridges will come from the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Local Maintenance Improvement Grant. The county will be required to provide a match of approximately $238,000.

Commissioners also approved an amendment to the proposed fiscal year 2018-’19 budget. County Clerk Shanda Murphy informed the board that a line-item by line-item review of the budget identified several instances where, based on historical numbers, the amounts could be increased and several other instances where the amount of expenditures could be decreased.

Additionally, Murphy said the county had received about $440,000 in additional revenue in the last couple of weeks that can be added to the budget.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner announced the county had received a check for $100,000 from the state of Georgia to help with emergency road repair of the damage caused by Tropical Storm Alberto in May.

In other decisions, the board approved:

The annual contract for the senior center with the Department of Human Services to provide transportation for seniors to the senior center and to the grocery and doctor’s offices in the amount of $32,000.
Adopted of a surplus resolution for eight vehicles assigned to the Sheriff’s Office;
The purchase of two new fully-equipped Ford Explorers for the Sheriff’s Office from Jacky Jones Ford for $86,930;
An increase in the fee for participation in league basketball at parks and recreation of $5;
A title transfer of a 2000 Blue Bird bus from the White County Board of Education to the Sheriff’s Office;
Adoption of a resolution passed by the Georgia General Assembly that mandates all counties to increase the cost of 911 calls from pre-paid wireless phones from 75 cents to $1.50;
Authorization to issue a request for proposal (RFP) for a new compactor for the convenience center;
Appointment of Commissioner Edwin Nix to serve as the voting delegate for the 2018 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference;
Appointment of Erica Owens to the White County Department of Family and Children’s Services Board.

Commission Chairman Travis Turner Commissioner Edwin Nix White County Board of Commissioners

Road projects, emergency funding for Alberto damage on agenda for Board of Commissioners meeting Monday

Business, News August 26, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners has a busy agenda schedule for Monday’s work session and called meeting with 15 items to discuss, including a review of the bids received for proposed 2018 road projects.

The roads that were approved by commissioners this year qualify for the state’s local maintenance and improvement grant (LMIG).

The board will also consider designation of Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) emergency funding for damage caused by tropical storm Alberto. White County was hard hit by the storm, especially along Hwy. 75 between Cleveland and Helen. The county received 15 inches of rain during the seven days after the storm made landfall.

Other items to be discussed, include:

A 2018-‘19 transportation contract for the senior center;
Adoption of a surplus resolution for eight vehicles assigned to the Sheriff’s Office;
A request by the Sheriff’s Office to purchase two vehicles;
A revision to the recreation department’s participation fees;
A resolution to amend the fiscal year 2018-’19 budget;
Transfer of a 2000 Bluebird bus from the White County Board of Education to White County EMA;
Adoption of resolutions related to collection of 911 service fees as required by House Bill 751;
Approval of the bidding process for a new compactor for the convention center;
Consideration of appointing a voting delegate for the 2018 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference;
Appointment to the White County DFACS board;
Establishment of fall season hours for Yonah Preserve;
Establishment of a boating policy on Yonah Preserve Lake;
Presentation of a monthly financial status report.

White County Board of Commissioners

BOC holds second public hearing millage increase

News July 21, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – After holding the line on the county’s portion of the millage rate for seven of the last eight years, the White County Board of Commissioners has announced and advertised a second consecutive increase. Commissioners held the second public hearing during a called meeting Thursday afternoon.

The third and final public hearing is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. July 30.

The county’s announced millage rate for fiscal year 2019 is 11.25, an increase of about 1.26 mils from 2018. From 2010 through 2013, the rate remained steady at 9.19 mills despite the economic downturn. From 2014-2016, commissioners reduced the rate to 9.168.

But the operation of county schools makes up the larger portion of a citizen’s tax bills. The White County School System has announced a millage rate of 17.481, bringing the overall rate that homeowners must pay to 28.731 mills.

One mill equals one dollar for ever thousand dollars of taxable value. The Tax Assessor’s Office determines the fair market value of property, which is then taxed at 40 percent. Thus the owner of a $300,000 home taxed at 40 percent of its value ($120,000) multiplied by the overall millage rate of 28.731 would pay $3,447.72 ($1,350 in county taxes and $2,097.72 in school taxes).

The 2019 approved county budget totals $18,925.734, an increase of about $1.5 million. Approximately $1 million will pay for a long overdue salary increase for law enforcement and other county employees as well as the addition of two new positions.

Counties that plan to increase the millage rate are required to advertise the increase in the local newspaper and hold three public meetings. White County will hold its third public hearing on July 30 at 4:30 p.m. Citizens wishing to speak in favor of or in opposition to the increase are invited to attend.

White County Board of Commissioners White County School System

Commissioners will hold a called meeting Tuesday

News May 16, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will hold a called meeting Thursday, May 17, at 8 a.m. Two key issues to be discussed include a resolution in support of the extension of Ga. 400 and the distribution of a proposed 2020 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

The joint resolution being proposed by both White and Lumpkin county governments calls for Ga. 400 to be extended 16.2 miles from its intersection with state Route 60 in Lumpkin County to the new Appalachian Parkway in White County.

Ga. 400 has been an important catalyst for commercial, industrial and economic growth in the counties it runs through. Tourism is one of the top industries in White and Lumpkin counties, hosting about 1.2 million tourists each year. A major four-lane divided highway would make the counties more accessible to tourists.

Commissioners estimate the SPLOST could generate $24,000,000. However, first, city and county officials will have to decide on how to split the tax revenue. City officials want 23 percent each. County officials would like to award each city 13 percent, the same as they received last year. After that, White County voters will have to approve the proposed SPLOST in a November referendum.

All three governments have important projects they would like to fund.

The preliminary list of proposed county projects includes courthouse renovations and additions for an estimated $5 million, payment to the White County Building Authority for the new Yonah Preserve Park for $4.8 million and resurfacing and improvements to county roads and equipment for the Roads and Bridges Department for $3 million. Other county projects include E-911 and Fire-EMS equipment facilities and vehicles ($1.5 million) and Sheriff’s Office equipment, facilities and vehicles ($500,000).

The city of Cleveland’s proposed project list includes water and wastewater improvements, estimated at about $2.4 million, acquisition or improvement of public buildings, infrastructure improvements, parks and public recreation areas, public safety facilities and vehicles, road, street, bridge and sidewalk projects. Mayor Shan Ash estimates the cost of all those projects would be about $5.5 million.

Helen Mayor Jeff Ash said if Helen receives the 23 percent it is seeking, half of that would fund wastewater treatment. “We have 93 million gallons of sewage that has to be lifted and put in that pond (for treatment). We need a new lift station and those things aren’t cheap,” he told the Board of Commissioners recently.

Ash estimated that about half of White County’s overall revenue is tourist related, much of which is generated by Helen’s 2.5 million visitors each year.

White County Board of Commissioners

Commissioners deny single-family residential development

News May 1, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

CLEVELAND, Ga. — Meeting in a combined called meeting and work session Monday, the White County Board of Commissioners voted to deny a request by Tanvor, LLC to rezone 38.59 acres on Georgia Highways 255 and 384 from Agriculture Forestry District to Planned Development to accommodate construction of more than 30 single-family homes.

The Planning Board recommended denial of the request based on its belief the proposed development did not meet Planned Development standards. Commissioners voted 4-1 to accept the recommendation with Commissioner Lyn Holcomb opposed.

Commissioners also approved a preliminary list of 2020 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) projects. Before the one-cent tax can be collected, however, voters will have the opportunity to vote on it in a referendum.

The most expensive projects on the SPLOST list include a $5 million renovation and addition to the county courthouse and payment to the White County Development Authority to pay for Yonah Preserve Park.

The White County Chamber of Commerce was presented with a proclamation declaring April 29 through May 5 as Small Business Week in the county.

Commissioners tabled the approval of spring 2018 county SPLOST road projects and acceptance of Shepherd Drive into county road maintenance.

In other decisions Monday, commissioners approved:

⦁ Purchase of a 2019 Ford F250 and 2018 Ford Explorer for the Road Department at a cost of approximately $55,000. The purchases would be funded by the county’s sale of road paving equipment to Stephens County for $70,000;

⦁ Re-designation of a Local Maintenance Improvement Grant project (LMIG) to construct the Town Creek Bridge at a cost of approximately $1.4 million. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has agreed to pay for the construction;

⦁ Payment of approximately $95,500 for right-of-way acquisition for replacement of Airport Road Bridge. GDOT will pay for the cost of construction;

⦁ An intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the city of Cleveland for transfer of ownership of the Oak Springs School building and property. The city plans to re-purpose the building into a community center;

⦁ The fiscal year 2019 budget for Enotah Judicial Circuit at $327,341;

⦁ A contract with CSRA Probation Services to provide services for probate and magistrate courts;

⦁ An addendum to the 2018 fiscal year contract with Legacy Link for nutrition program services;

⦁ A 2018 cooperative law enforcement plan with the U.S. Forest Service for patrol of Forest Service lands in White County; and

⦁ Award of a $170,000 certificate of deposit to South State Bank at a rate of 1.05 percent for one year.

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

Commissioner Lyn Holcomb Georgia Department of Transportation White County Board of Commissioners White County Chamber of Commerce

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