Board of Commissioners work session, called meeting set Monday

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Commissioners will have a full slate of public hearings and rezonings to consider when the White County Board of Commissioners holds a combined work session and called meeting Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Center Baptist Church has filed an application to expand non-conforming use of 4.38 acres located at 109 Elrod Road in Helen. The property is currently zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1).

Michael Shore and Lewis Fortner have applied to redistrict 2.28 acres located at 10635 Duncan Bridge Road from Community Commercial (C-1) to Highway Business District (C-2).

Gerald Sims has applied to redistrict 16.5 acres located on Albert Reid Road from Agriculture Forestry District (A-1) to Highway Business District (C-2).

Also on Monday’s agenda will be responses received to a request for proposals for the Yonah Preserve Park improvement project.

Commissioners will also consider quotes received for replacement of the HVAC unit at the Mauney Building.

Sheriff Neal Walden will present a request for compensation adjustments for employees of the sheriff’s office and detention center.

 

 

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

 

 

BOC public hearing on proposed tax increase Monday

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CLEVELAND, Ga.—White County Commissioners will hold the third public hearing on the proposed millage rate of 10.75 Monday, Aug. 5 at 4:30 p.m. in the County Administration Building at 1235 Helen Highway.

The proposed rate is the same as last year, however, keeping the millage rate at the same level represents a tax increase of .204 mils. Without the tax increase, the rate would be no more than 10.546 mils.

The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $160,000.00 is approximately $12.65 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $130,000.00 is approximately $10.61.

Commissioners will consider adopting a resolution to approve the 2019 millage during the regular meeting that immediately follows the public hearing.

During the regular meeting, commissioners will also consider:

  • Bid proposal for deep patching and overlay of Truelove Road;
  • Deep Patching of Post Road and Old Hwy. 75 South;
  • Purchase of a bucket truck;
  • A proposal for the installation of a security camera system at Yonah Preserve;
  • Designation of the ACCG voting delegate for the 2019 ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference.

 

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 will hold public hearing on FY 2019-20 budget Monday

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CLEVELAND, Ga.  White County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the fiscal year 2019-20 budget when the Board meets in a called session at 4:30 p.m. Monday (June17) in the county administration building.

Following the public hearing, commissioners will consider adopting a resolution to approve the budget.

Commissioners will also consider several land use applications, including 1.66 acres at 4680 Hwy. 115 East in Cleveland from C-1 Community Commercial District to C-2 Highway Business District.

James Pender has filed an application for 28.67 acres at 5050 Hwy. 129 North in Cleveland to be redistricted from C-1 Community Commercial District to A-1 Agriculture Forestry District.

The Board will also consider James and Sydney Vandiver’s request to redistrict 2.23 acres on Asbestos Road from C-1 Community Commercial District to R-3 Residential District (Seasonal).

Other agenda items commissioners will consider at Monday’s meeting include:

Approval of the 2019-20 Legacy Link contract for operation of the senior center;

Awarding a bid for road improvement projects on Asa Seay Road, F-M Road, Shepherd Drive, Fire Station No. 6 parking and driveway area and the Yonah Preserve Trailhead Road and parking area;

Approval of the 2019-20 ACCG-IRMA inter-local risk management agency proposal for liability insurance coverage;

Awarding a contract for landscape services for Freedom Park to Chattahoochee Group;

Awarding a contract for propane supply for county facilities;

Consider appointments to the White County Department of Family and Children’s Services, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Board and the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission Council.

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

 

BOC approves redistricting for 100-single family homes

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CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the request by HG Acquisitions to redistrict 179 acres located at 1036 Duncan Bridge from A-1 Agriculture to R-1 Single-Family District for the purpose of the construction of a 100-home subdivision during Monday’s called meeting and work session.

Commissioners held the required public hearing on the request and nobody spoke in favor of or in opposition

Following a second public hearing, the Board also approved the land use application filed by Gary Hosemann to redistrict 8.28 acres at 4623 Hwy. 254 and Mossy Creek Road from C-1 Community Commercial to A-1 Agriculture Forestry District for the purpose of building his personal residence on the property. Again, there were no speakers in favor of or in objection to the proposal.

Kelli Withrow’s request to redistrict half acre at 2416 Westmoreland Rad from R-1 Residential Single Family to R-3 Residential District (Seasonal) was also approved unanimously.

Commissioners approved addenda No. 3 for the fiscal year 2019 contract with Legacy Link for funding of services provided to the senior center.

The Board also unanimously approved a request for SPLOST funding in the amount of $68,842.45 for a nine-month continuing agreement with ACS Landscape Management for installing and taking care of the ballfields at Yonah Preserve ballfields.

Commissioners did not vote on the on a proposal for architectural services with BCA Studio for the courthouse entryway and sally port project, but directed County Manager Michael Melton to gather more information on the project.

 

 

 

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

 

 

Short-term rentals back on BOC agenda Monday

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The issue of short-term rentals will be back before the White County Board of Commissioners when it holds a voting session Monday (Feb. 25) at 4:30 p.m. followed immediately by a called meeting.

Two weeks ago, commissioners directed staff to draft a stand-alone ordinance to regulate what has become a booming business nationwide. The issue is considerably more complex than what it seems on the surface.

On the one hand, those who would like to rent rooms in their home on a short-term basis argue they have a right to use their property as they see fit. On the other, some neighbors counter that kind of activity can affect security in the neighborhood as well as property values.

Nix advised staff to pay attention to health issues while drafting regulations. “You’ve got health issues when drafting criteria,” he said “Are (rentals) on public water? Are they on well water? Is the sewage system designed to handle what they are doing?”

There are also licensing issues, insurance issues, parking issues and zoning issues to be addressed.

Commissioners had to decide whether to regulate short-term rentals under the county’s land use plan or to draft a stand-alone ordinance. They voted unanimously for the stand-alone ordinance.

Also on Monday’s agenda, commissioners will discuss:

  • A proclamation in recognition of Exceptional Children’s Week March 4-8;
  • A request to improve Redd Road;
  • Proposed revisions to the White County Code of Ordinances relative to Emergency Services;
  • Proposed surplus resolutions for public safety and the road department;
  • Bids received for resurfacing Westmoreland Road under the local maintenance improvement grant (LMIG);
  • Bids received for Yonah Preserve Equipment (mower, tractor, bunker rake and utility vehicle);
  • Proposed revisions to the alcohol ordinance;
  • Approval of the March 4 regular meeting agenda.

 

 

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

 

County Commission to hold called meeting Tuesday

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – A couple of funding requests will highlight the White County Board of Commissioners called meeting scheduled for Tuesday (Dec. 11) at 8 a.m.

The Sautee Nacoochee Community Association will present a request for funding of the official guide and destination map for the historical Sautee Nacoochee Arts and Heritage District.

The White County Historical Society will ask commissioners to approve a funding request to allow completion of “The Potter” statue at the Historic Courthouse.

The Board will then consider an appointment to the Board of Assessors before entering into an executive session to discuss personnel.

 

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 honors retired White County teachers

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(Pictured front row: Commissioner Terry Goodger, Elaine McCleary, June Collins, Martha Senkbeil, Judy Lovell and Tony Kemp. (Back row) Commissioner Craig Bryant, Chairman Travis Turner, Frank Senkbeil and Lamar Collins.)

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners had a full slate of agenda items to address at Monday’s work session and called meeting.

The first order of business was to read a proclamation in recognition of retired White County teachers and declare Nov.  4 as Retired Teachers Day in White County.

Retired teachers who attended Monday’s meeting included Elaine McClean, June Collins, Martha Senkbeil, Judy Lovell, Tony Kemp, Frank Senkbeil, Lamar Collins.

Commissioners held two public hearings. The first was to consider the application for a land use permit submitted by Todd Campbell to redistrict 3.2 acres located at 1617 Hwy. 115 East from Community Commercial District (C1) to Highway Business District (C2). Campbell would like to extend a parking lot to accommodate his used car lot.

The second public hearing was to consider the application for a land use permit filed by Tina M. Della for 1.66 acres located at 373 Yonah Mountain Road. The proposed use is to place the property in a “Rent by Owner” program. The present use is Residential Single Family District (R1).

Commissioners also discussed awarding contracts for animal control/veterinary services, senior services and scoreboards for ball fields at Mount Yonah Preserve.

Public Safety Director David Murphy asked the board to approve a one year contract for veterinary services with VCA Chestatee Animal Hospital in Dahlonega.

Murphy said that six request for proposal (RFP) had been hand-delivered to veterinary services and VCA Chestatee Animal Hospital was the only one that responded. The county has used a local veterinary service in the past, but was charged $108 to have the vet prepare the animal for adoption. Since the county’s fee to adopt an animal was only $90, taxpayers were losing money. Chestatee VCA charges the county $55 per animal.

The Board also discussed:

  • An update of the Chestatee/Chattahoochee Research Conservation and Development Council activities;
  • A contribution to the “Cabin Fever Campaign” to relocate a historic Appalachian log cabin to the visitor’s center at Smithgall Woods State Park;
  • An update of the SPLOST program;
  • Options for a scholarship program at White County Parks and Recreation Department;
  • The 2018 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program application for the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office (ARDEO);
  • Revisions to the fire recover fee schedule in accordance with revised Federal Emergency Management Agency standards;
  • Including Westmoreland Road repairs for the 2019 local maintenance and improvement program (LMIG) for deep patching, leveling and resurfacing from Hwy. 129 to Hwy. 154;
  • Awarding two certificates of deposit currently held by United Community Bank;
  • Changes to the Alliant/Health Partners Network effecting county employees access to Northeast Georgia Diagnostic Clinic providers;
  • An appointment to the White County Board of Health to fulfill the remainder of a six-year term previously held by Emmett Shotts.

Issues discussed during a work session are not generally voted on until the next county commission voting meeting.

 

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

 

Cities can hold SPLOST funds for indefinite period of time

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners held a brief called meeting Tuesday (June 26) to consider a request by the City of Cleveland for an amendment to the 2020 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) intergovernmental agreement (IGA).

County Manager Michael Melton confirmed he received an email from Cleveland City Manager Tom O’Bryant asking that the language in IGA be amended to allow the city an indefinite period of time in which to spend its share of the SPLOST proceeds.

Collections of the 2020 SPLOST will end in 2026. The state typically requires that municipalities spend the proceeds within five years after collections are terminated. Failing to do that, the city is required to return the unspent money to the county.

However, White County SPLOST and Project Manager Kevin Hamby said, “The state leaves these things up to an agreement between the county and cities.”

Commissioners unanimously agreed to the amended IGA which allows both Cleveland and Helen to keep the proceeds for an indefinite period, but both are still required to spend the money only on SPLOST-approved projects.

The Board also unanimously approved the reappointment of Bill Black as the private sector representative on the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission.

Commissioners also approve the distribution of local victim assistance payout (LVAP) funds which recognizes a new fund recipient, South Enotah Child Advocacy Center.

 

 

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

Commissioners agree to give cities 20 percent split of proposed 2020 special purpose local option sales tax

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 during a called meeting Thursday to divide the revenue from a proposed 2020 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) with the cities of Cleveland and Helen on a 60-20-20 basis.

Before it can be collected, however, voters must approve an extension of the one-penny tax in a November referendum.

In a recent work session, Helen Mayor Jeff Ash and Cleveland Mayor Shan Ash requested their cities receive 23 percent each. County officials, however, only seemed willing to part with 13 percent. Put to a vote Thursday, Commissioners Terry Goodger, Craig Bryant and Lyn Holcomb voted in favor of awarding the cities 20 percent each.

“I thought it was fair,” Goodger said. “Several years ago, they had a bigger split. They moved down to 13 percent to help us bond the jail and now they want to go back to 23 percent.”

Commissioners originally estimated a six-year SPLOST would generate about $24 million. However, Goodger said collections have been stronger than anticipated the last few years. “Collections remained strong even during the bad times of the economy,” he said. “With two or three percent growth, over the six years of the SPLOST we could collect closer to $28 million.”

Both mayors said projects they would like to undertake would cost about $5.5 million.

Helen Mayor Ash said an expensive upgrade of its wastewater treatment facility would cost about half that. “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 said earlier this month.

The city of Cleveland wants to use its share of the revenue for improvements to the city courthouse, infrastructure, public safety facilities and roads and bridges.

Commissioners also approved a joint resolution with Lumpkin County that 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. The counties will now present the resolution to state Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega).

“Senator Gooch will bring it to the Georgia Department of Transportation to see if they will put it into their bucket of things to do,” Goodger said. “It’s going to happen eventually. We just want to be proactive rather than reactive in trying to get this on the table now.”

 

 

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

 

Travis Turner elected chairman of GEFA

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BOC Chairman Travis Turner

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County Commission Chairman Travis Turner has been elected chairman of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) board of directors effective Jan. 1.

“I am very honored to have been voted chairman by our board of directors,” Turner said Tuesday. “I will have some big shoes to fill in Boyd Austin who has a great understanding of the water issues in Georgia. I hope to continue his strong leadership.”

GEFA provides low-interest loans for water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure, manages energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, oversees land conservation projects and manages and monitors state-owned fuel storage tanks.

To date, GEFA has provided more than $3.7 billion in low-interest loans to cities, counties and infrastructure authorities for improvements to water, sewer and solid waste systems. More than 1,600 projects have been funded by GEFA to date, including solid waste management projects and land conservation purchases and easements.

Turner is currently serving his second four-year term on the White County Board of Commissioners. He also serves as vice chairman of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia’s Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund board of trustees.

 

 

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

 

Controversial CUP Request Draws Opposition

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CLEVELAND, Ga. – A request for a conditional use permit (CUP) to allow a home in a residential, single-family district to be placed in a “For Rent By Owner” program drew objections during a White County Board of Commissioners work session Monday.

Felix Love requested the CUP for a 2.75 acre parcel of land he owns at 55 Mill Creek Trail during the first of two public hearings. Love said he initially purchased the property to flip for a profit but has been unable to find a buyer.

Neighbors Michele Johnson and Cindy Bailey rose to speak in opposition. They cited several objections, including violation of homeowner association covenants, noise and declining property values. Johnson said many of the homeowners in Mill Creek are retirees who were attracted by the restricted covenants. She said security and privacy were also concerns.

Bailey acknowledged that at least one other home in the neighborhood is used as a weekend rental and that renters tend to throw loud parties, leave garbage outside and ignore community speed limit signs.

During a second public hearing, Sonya Chesser asked commissioners to redistrict a small parcel of the 8.24 acres she and her husband own at 2836 Skitts Mountain Road from C-1 (Community Commercial District) to Residential Single-Family District to accommodate construction of a new home.

Retired White County educators were honored during Monday’s county commission meeting.

More than a dozen retired White County Educators attended the work session and Commission Chairman Travis Turner read a proclamation in honor of Georgia Retired Educators Day Sunday, Nov. 5.

Commissioners also discussed:

  • Priorities for potential spring road paving projects;
  • Renewal of the Parks and Recreation concessionaire agreement with Complete Comfort Inc.;
  • Ratification of the contract for debris removal and disposal with Southern Disaster Recovery;
  • An amendment to the White County Flood Plain Management Ordinance;
  • Upcoming Appointments to the Board of Assessors, Building Authority and Library Board;
  • Replacement of Road Department Vehicles.

These and other issues are expected to be voted on at the next regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners Monday, Nov. 6.

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Commissioners update county land use map

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Following a public hearing Monday, White County commissioners approved an update to the official land use map during a combined called meeting and work session.

The map update does not make any additional changes, but merely incorporates all land use actions taken by commissioners since the map was last updated in December 2015.

Habersham County Commission Chairman Victor Anderson attended the meeting to read a proclamation honoring Habersham’s 2018 bicentennial and declaring Habersham’s adjacent counties as “honorary Habersham countians.”

With the rise in popularity of tiny houses (under 400 square feet), commissioners have questioned whether a modification of the county’s housing regulations would be in order. Community and  Economic Development Director John Sell reported that the regulations already cover single-wide mobile homes (320 square feet) and that no changes would be necessary.

Commissioner Edwin Nix expressed concern about the impact of property values on neighboring homes should an applicant decide to build a tiny home in a neighborhood of more expensive homes.

Sell explained that homes under 400 square feet would only be allowed in “permanent campground settings.”

Later, Sell was appointed to replace Tom O’Bryant on the Joint Development Authority of White, Lumpkin and Dawson counties. O’Bryant left White County government to become Cleveland city manager.  Cheyenne Thornton was appointed to serve on the county’s Department of Family and Children Services board.

Commissioners unanimously approved renewal of the joint use agreement with the Board of Education to share the school’s recreational facilities and a corrected resolution setting qualifying fees for county commission candidates at $360 rather than the $497.64 that had been previously approved.

Commissioners also agreed to provide correspondence to the city of Cleveland regarding water and sewer service to Freudenberg, the community’s largest employer.

 

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

Commissioners called meeting, work session set Monday

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners will meet Monday at 4:30 p.m. and hold a public hearing to consider, among other issues, modification of the county’s official land use map to reflect all land use actions taken by commissioners since December 2015.

Community and Economic Development Director John Sell will present information regarding a proposal for minimum square footage for residential structures.

Commissioners will consider making appointments to the Joint Development Authority of Dawson, Lumpkin and White counties and the White County Department of Family and Children Services board.

Other agenda items to be considered include:

  • Surplus of a 2003 Dodge Caravan currently assigned to the White County Senior Center;
  • Renewal of the annual joint use agreement with the White County Board of Education for recreational facilities;
  • Approval of a resolution for fiscal year 2018 budget amendments;
  • A resolution to revise banking institution signatories;
  • A resolution setting the qualifying fees for the county offices to be filled in the upcoming 2018 primary election; and
  • Approval of correspondence to the city of Cleveland regarding water service.

 

 

 

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

 

BOC to Provide Information on Ninth District Opportunity at Monday’s Called Meeting

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – Michael Fisher with Ninth District Opportunity (NDO) will present information on a wide array of services offered by that organization when the White County Board of Commissioners meets in a combined work session and regular meeting Monday at 4:30 p.m.

The Ninth District Opportunity Community Services Department works with low-income families to help reduce the devastating impact of poverty through various programs like crisis rent and utilities assistance, emergency food assistance, transportation assistance and indigent medication assistance. The office is located at 1331 Helen Highway in Cleveland. For more information, call 706-865-6220.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing on an application filed by Nacoochee Property Management, LLC to redistrict one acre of land located on Comfort Woods Lane in Sautee Nacoochee from seasonal (R-3) to residential single family (R-1).

Following the public hearing, the board will consider approval of the Fiscal Year 2017 year-end budget amendments and discuss maintenance of Bonnie Pearl Lane in Lotheridge Estates.

Commissioners will consider approval of the appointment of Suzanne D’Abate to the Library Board.

Michael Harry Powell will speak on behalf of the Support Your Local Police Committee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

White County Adopts Proposed 2018 Budget No Millage Increase is Anticipated

News

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution approving a proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget of $21,153,444 at Tuesday’s called meeting that anticipates no increase in the 9.998 millage rate.

The total budget, which exceeds last year’s amended budget by $614,044, is made up of a General Fund budget of $16,938,774 and Special Revenue Funds of $4,214,670.

The proposed Public Safety budget, which includes operation of the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, Detention Center and E911, is $8,165,548 or 48.2 percent of the budget. General Government operations gets the next largest slice of the pie at $3,791,145 or 22.4 percent.

The budget will be amended next month after the final tax digest figures are calculated.

Commissioners say they will use the available fund balance to eliminate any shortfall between revenue and expenditures and avoid a tax increase.

The board also voted unanimously to move forward with repair work and paving of the main entrance to Carolina Springs Road off Helen Hwy. The work would be funded by proceeds from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commission Bids Farewell to County Attorney Bill House

News

County hosts reception for retiring county attorney Bill House (R).

CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Board of Commissioners had a full agenda at Monday’s combined work session and regular meeting. But not to busy to recognize long-time County Attorney Bill House who is retiring and Finance Director Vicki Mays whose department received the Certificate of Excellence for Financial Reporting.

Before the start of the meeting, county officials hosted a reception for House.

By a vote of 4-1, with Commissioner Craig Bryant opposed, Commissioners approved the lease of seven new Ford Explorers for the Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $309,000.

In a unanimous vote, commissioners:

  • Renewed the annual contract with Chattahoochee Group, Inc. for maintenance of Freedom Park;
  • Awarded a HVAC maintenance contract to the low bidder A&A Electric to maintain all county officials except the Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $15,780;
  • Awarded a contract to Cantrell Construction for roof construction at the entrance to the coroner’s office at a cost of $9,785;
  • Awarded a contract for trail construction to Flow Motion Trails for Phase 2 of Yonah Preserve at a cost of $77,376.
  • Awarded a contract to Fire Recovery, Inc. for billing of fire response fees.

Commissioners also took care of several housekeeping items, including renewal of agency contracts for the new fiscal year, including:

  • Avita Community Partners (Mental Health);
  • County Health Department;
  • Enotah anti-drug coalition;
  • Enotah Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA);
  • Family Connections;
  • Legacy Link
  • Sautee Nacoochee Community Association;
  • Board of Library Trustees;
  • Chamber of Commerce;
  • Convention and Visitors Bureau;
  • Department of Family and Children Services;
  • Extension Service;
  • Historical Society

Dr. John Yarborough was appointed to a one-year term on the Planning Commission and Susan Ross was appointed to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for Region 1.

 

 

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