Lumpkin Commissioners approve new hospital

Business, Community

Lumpkin, Ga.- The County Commissioners approved the plan for the new hospital that Northeast Georgia submitted an application for known as the planned unit development. Additionally, they approved a pay raise for jurors, an increase in recycling fees, and options for the Yahoola Creek basketball court.

The planned unit development for the hospital was presented to the board at their July 7 work session. The presentation outlined what the hospital and surrounding area would look like when fully completed. The representatives from the hospital also took time to answer a citizen’s concerns with the plans. For more information about the plans visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/07/07/northeast-georgia-plans-new-hospital-for-lumpkin/

The next item that the commissioners approved was a pay raise for jurors. The raise would be to $35 the first day and $50 each additional day. This was a recommendation from the Grand Jury.

“I don’t really have any problems with that even at the maximum pay no one is getting anywhere near where their regular daily pay is,” commented Commissioner Bobby Mayfield District 2.

At their July 7 work session, Mark Robison from the landfill requested that the fees for recycling be raised. The commissioners voted on three courses of action for the recycling problem.

The first was an increase from $4,350 to $6,000 per month until contract renewal. Additionally, they voted to ask the city to contribute to the program, and they also asked staff to come up with PR programs to instruct people on the correct uses for cardboard at the facilities. All these measures are in effect until October right before the contract renewal when they will have a better plan moving forward.

“There are a lot of smart people out there so if someone smarter than me can tell me how to make this recycling work and be able to afford it. I welcome that person to set up and show us how to make it work,” stated Chairman Chris Dockery.

The board also approved the completion of a full-court recreation facility with six goals with the possibility of adding at least one pickleball court to the court if feasible. The courts will cost $86,287 with the maximum addition of another $5,000 for the pickleball court.

This meeting was the last meeting that County Manager Stan Kelley will attend before his retirement goes into effect. Kelley has served the county for the last 16 years.

County Manager Stan Kelley speaking at his last meeting.

“I wanted to thank the board for allowing me to do this job for the last several years, I do appreciate that and I’m honor to have served this community in this capacity,” remarked County Manager Stan Kelley.

Lumpkin County selects a new County Manager

Business

PRESS RELEASE

Alan Ours

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. –The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce Alan Ours as the next County Manager.

Ours has many years of experience as a county manager and is well known and respected throughout the State. His last job was as the County Manager of Glynn County, Georgia, where he served for ten years.

Over 50 candidates from across the nation applied for the position. A search committee consisting of community leaders helped narrow the list.

The top candidates were interviewed by the Board of Commissioners and the list was reduced to two finalists. Extensive discussions and meetings were held with those two individuals. He will start Monday, August 2.

UPDATE: Vaughn, Ours named finalists for Lumpkin County Manager

Business

Alan Ours

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. –The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce that two finalists have been identified in the search for a new County Manager. The names of the candidates are Alan Ours and Alicia Vaughn. Pursuant to Georgia law, the Board expects to make a job offer no sooner than 14 days after this announcement.

Ours has more than 40 years in public service, having worked as County Administrator in Lowndes County and Pickens County, S.C. before accepting the position of County Manager in Glynn County in 2010 where he has served the last 11 years.

Alicia Vaughn

Vaughn served as Chief Financial Officer for Whitfield County for six years before accepting the position of County Manager in Catoosa County in 2018. Vaughn resigned that position last month. She earned an accounting degree from the University of Georgia

Yahoola Creek Reservoir hybrid plan; Lumpkin BOC work session

Community, Lifestyle, News
Executive Director Rebecca Mincey pointing out master plan for Yahoola Creek Reservoir

Big ideas are floating around in Lumpkin County. The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners met to discuss the master plan of the Yahoola Creek Reservoir on Nov. 17.

The work session provided a chance for commissioners, council members and other attendees to discuss the master plan and future tourist attraction for the county.

Rebecca Mincey, executive director of Development Authority of Lumpkin County, led the meeting at 4 p.m. The master plan for the reservoir was to put their natural resources and trails around them to use.

The plan includes several tourist-like attractions: ziplining, lodging, camping, hiking, fishing, canoe/kayaking and more.

The design of the master plan was laid out by a firm called Lōse Design. According to their website, Lōse Design is dedicated and “do not settle for “off the shelf” design solutions.” Mincey said the team that aided to their vision have engineers, environmentalists, designers and more that considered all factors to make their project possible.

Master plan of Yahoola Creek Reservoir made by Lōse Design

Chairman Chris Dockery said the goal of laying out each specificity of the master plan was to be done in phases. Dockery added that there are several considerations that are acknowledged within the process.

“It’s important to realize this is strategic planning,” Dockery said. “We’re just trying to synchronize those efforts and make sure everybody in the community is aware and we’re all pulling in the same direction.”

Dahlonega Mayor Sam Norton said the plan they have is a “wonderful legacy” to carry on throughout the years to come.

“[This project] is a great vision on how to get more out of it than just the trails,” Norton said. “This is phase development, so it is going to be efforts after we’re probably gone. This legacy will continue.”

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

Dedication of the Kelley Building to city manager Stan Kelley

Community, News, Politics
County Manager, Stan Kelley, stands with the crowd at the Board of Commissioners meeting with framed documents.

Stan Kelley smiling at Board of Commissioners attendants.

It wasn’t the usual Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners meeting. Of course, normal discussion and approval the agenda preceded but the main topic of conversation was the city manager Stan Kelley.

The meeting was in honor of a soon-to-be retired Kelley, as well as the dedication of a building named after Stan.

State Senator Steve Gooch said a few words on Kelley’s behalf. Stan had the least amount of experience, according to Gooch, out of the 47 applicants when they were going through the hiring process. Gooch said that Kelley was the man for the job.

“It took a couple of years, but we really became a fine oiled machine,” Gooch said. “We had to take the politics out of the day-to-day decisions, which is different…it’s hard to separate the politics from the decision-making when you have one person making all those decisions. Stan made those decisions based on merit and what was best for the community as a whole – didn’t please everybody but we did a good job.”

State Senator Steve Gooch speaks at podium

Kelley has done a great job since day one, according to Gooch, and said with county government, usually city managers last two-four years with constant turnover. Kelley has been in his position since 2005. A total of 15 years.

“It says a lot about our community and how we’ve embraced change and put a lot of confidence in the elected officials that run the county,” Gooch said.

As Kelley’s resolution states, during his years serving as the county manager, Kelley has been the spearhead of many projects, thus “increasing the quality of life for the citizens of Lumpkin County.”

Some of those projects include a new Justice Center, Library, Splash Park, “All-Accessible” Playground and the forthcoming Aquatic Center.

Chairman Chris Dockery said he is thankful for Kelley’s integrity throughout the years and it has much respect for him.

“I appreciate his honesty, I appreciate his faith, I appreciate his leadership,” Dockery said. “He sets an example for this board and I am certainly not ashamed or afraid to say that…his character, his morals, his values, the way he carries himself at work…it certainly sets the bar for this community.”

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 will hold work session Tuesday

News

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – During Tuesday’s 4 p.m. work session, the Board of Commissioners will consider contracting with Total Cost Advocates to conduct an audit of all utility and telecommunications accounts to determine if the county can realize some cost savings on its bills.

In 2013, the county retained the services of a third-party vendor to conduct a similar audit but no viable savings were achieved therefore, there was no cost to the county. In January of 2020, the county was approached by TCA, a firm located in North Georgia, regarding an opportunity to reduce operational costs. Total Cost Advocates presented their material and stated that their experience shows 80% of entities overpay on their invoices.

Should the board decide to approve the audit, the county has to provide data to TCA, and the audit should be completed in 6-8 weeks. Similar to the previous agreement, this firm will be paid 50% of any rebates/refunds which are created by their efforts. This share of savings would last 60 months. Expected savings are limited given the nature of the county’s processes regarding utilities and phone service but there is no harm in having an outside firm review the statements.

Staff recommends approval of the contract since it provides a third-party review of all accounts by a firm that is very familiar with these types of accounts and any associated rebates or tiered ratings available to institutional entities that are unknown to the staff. There could be operational savings at no additional cost to the county.

Senior Center Director Linda Kirkpatrick will ask commissioners to consider renewal of a contract with Legacy Link for the Lumpkin County Senior Center to provide nutrition and wellness services, nutrition screening and support services for senior adults in Lumpkin County. The Senior Center is contracting to provide 6,500 congregate meals, 24,300 home delivered meals, 6,000 units of transportation and a total of 1,527 wellness units (wellness units to include 739 units of Lifestyle Management services, 27 units of Nutrition Education services, 728 units of Physical Activity services and 33 units of Program Awareness/Prevention services).

Lumpkin County’s senior program was created over 25 years ago. The Center has been operating for many years with services that are centered on traditional programming such as nutrition which includes home delivered and congregate meals, social activities, and transportation. These programs were created for older adults to age in place in their communities. Clients receiving meal services tend to be older adults, are isolated, often experiencing chronic health and mobility issues, and do not have access to transportation. These programs will always remain the core of the Center as the population continues to “age up” at a rapid rate and particularly for those who are most at-risk due to their socioeconomic status.

If approved, the services will be provided to senior residents of Lumpkin County for the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Federal and state funding will provide $156,579 and the county will provide a match if $8,232. Staff recommends approval of the contract.

Commissioners will also consider ratification of a new and expanded memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the UGA Board of Regents regarding Lumpkin County’s extension service program which started in the 1920s. The new MOU calls for employees to be paid directly by UGA.

Other items on the menu include a presentation by Tourism Director Sam McDuffie and the reappointment of Tony Nunley to the Lumpkin County Planning Commission.

BOC will review proposed FY 2021 budget during Tuesday work session

News

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — Finance Director Abby Branan will present the proposed FY 2021 budget when the Board of Commissioners meets in a work session Tuesday (June 1) at 4 p.m. in the County Administration Building.

Commissioners will also consider several resolutions, including:

The approval of the Enotah Judicial Circuit Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Budget;

An amendment to the county Animal Ordinance:

Adoption of annual updates to the Civil Service Plan/Employee Handbook;

The appointment of a Personnel Hearing Officer and a Civil Service Clerk;

Appointment of a member to Airport Authority;

Contracts and agreements to be considered include;

Carroll Daniel Construction Company Aquatic Center contract;

Architecture Unlimited, PLLC Aquatic Center Architecture and Design Contract;

Enotah Public Defender Indigent Defense Contract – City;

Enotah Public Defender Indigent Defense Contract – Four Counties;

Medical Director – Emergency Services – Dr. Jack Freeman;

ACC Property & Liability Insurance Renewal;

Transit CARES Act Supplemental Funding;

Charles Black Construction Company – Old Library Renovation Design Build Contract;

Historic Jail Window Replacement Contract;

Other items to be considered during the work session include:

Recycling Program Options;

Plans for Lumpkin County Park;

Temporary Special Event Permit for Iron Mountain Park;

Water and Sewer Authority Letter of Support to request assistance from GMRC;

NGO County Facility Use Committee Report;

Road Maintenance & Improvement Tax Work Plan 2020 Amendment.

The purpose of work sessions is to discuss issues that will appear on a future 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 commissioners agree to extend term of Yahoola Creek Reservoir group

News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners gave new life to the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Property Study Committee during Tuesday’s work session.

The seven-member committee was appointed for one year to study potential and future uses for the property. That year was scheduled to end next week, but commissioners agreed to extend the committee for 18 months.

Chairman Chris Dockery said, “I think we need to extend it for a period of 18 months.” He noted that things have changed since the committee was first appointed.

“When we first started, we talked about the Aquatic Center going over there,” he said. “I don’t think that’s going to happen now. So they need to go back now and see how they are going to plan that and come up with some short-term, intermediate and long-term goals for that property. I’d like to have something in place for the next SPLOST cycle.”

Another top commissioners discussed was the use of county facilities by non-governmental organizations (NGO).

Dockery pointed out that there are some NGOs that have been using county facilities for decades and that some pay rent and some don’t.

“I personally think the thing for us to do as a Board is to come up with some standardization for NGOs in county facilities.” He suggested giving staff a chance to draft a policy for the Board to review.

Commissioner David Miller agreed and suggested, “It’s probably wise to evaluate the way citizens of Lumpkin County are getting a good return for the use of county space.”

Miller also stated that some non-governmental organizations provide an important service that the county might otherwise have to pay for. “So the offset of us having to pay for it might be worth it.”

The Board then discussed a request by a resident to lease the house on Rock House Road. It was suggested that the house needed electrical repair that might cost up to $20,000. Commissioner Bobby Mayfield said, “I really don’t think $20,000 to update the electrical is huge expense if we plan on leasing it long term.”

It was ultimately agreed to let the Yahoola Creek Reservoir Property Study Committee recommend a plan to the Board about how the house will be used.

Commissioners also discussed reappointing Sandra Smith to seat 3 and David Luke to seat 5 on the Board of Tax Assessors and Brigette Barker to seat 2 on the Department of Family and Children Services Board.

Before the meeting adjourned, County Manager Stan Kelley reminded the Board the Tax Commissioners office will open Thursday (May 14) and the plan is to open the entire facility on May 15. The number of people who can enter the building at one time will be limited and each department has an operational plan in place for the reopening.

Items discussed during a work session are generally voted on at the next regular 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

 

 

 

 

BOC to consider Big Green Sign Co. request for planned unit development

News

.LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session Tuesday (May 5) at 4 p.m via video/teleconference. The purpose of the work session is to discuss agenda items for the Regular Meeting.

Commissioners are expected to discuss Big Green Sign Company’s request for a planned unit development (PUD) on 9.3 acres located at 1382 Lumpkin County Parkway. The company is one of the leading traffic-control manufacturers in the U.S. and has operated at that site for five years with five employees.  The purpose of the PUD is to allow for the construction of a 30,000 square foot facility and addition of 20-25 employees.

Commissioners will also discuss the reappointment of Sandra Smith to Seat 3 and David Luke to Seat 5 on the Board of Tax Assessors, the appointment of Brigette Barker to  Seat 2 on the Department of Family and Children Services Board and the appointment of Denson Martin to Seat 3 and Laura LaTourette to Seat 7 on the Library Board.

Other items to be discussed include:

  • The possible lease a house at 1 Rock House Road which the county purchased this year to a county employee. Currently there is no formal plan for the property and historically, the County has chosen to lease properties that do not have a formal use plan.
  • Use of County Facilities by Non-County Functions.

 

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

 

 

COVID-19 will have a major impact on Board of Commissioners agenda items

News

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – The COVID-19 pandemic will impact a number of issues the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will decide when they meet in a voting session Tuesday (April 21) at 6 p.m. in the Administration Building.

That meeting will be preceded by a public hearing at 5:15 p.m. on abandonment of George Avery Road and a work session at 5:30 p.m. The public can view the meetings via teleconference by calling 1 929 436 2866. The ID to access the public hearing is 937 8088 2957. ID for the work session is 912 0787 2266. ID for the voting session is 927 2337 3831.

Agenda items affected by the virus range from renewal of county employees’ health insurance plan to the expansion of the county’s senior center.

A new county employee health insurance plan with a small premium increase to both employer and employee was scheduled to go into effect July 1. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Lincoln Financial has made a decision to assist with certain premiums by keeping the rates at their current level through Jan. 2021.

In 2017, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs granted the county’s request for a community development block grant to expand the senior center with a deadline of Nov. 2019. County commissioners were subsequently granted an extension through May 15, 2020. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, the county is unable to meet the second deadline and commissioners will have to vote Monday on requesting a second extension.

The virus has also made a significant impact on the Park and Recreation Spring Sports program. None of the sports have had any games or meets this year and the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association (GRPA) has cancelled all district and state tournaments. The county has already purchased uniforms for the spring sports teams. Commissioners must decide whether to cancel the season and issue full refunds or account credits, cancel the season and issue refunds, minus the cost of uniforms, choose a start date for an in-house season for the age groups able to form an in-house league for baseball/softball or issue full refunds for Track & Field.

Another agenda item impacted by the virus is the county’s Local Emergency Operations Plan (LEOP).  Staff has been directed to prepare operational plans that detail how essential services will continue to be provided to citizens, given the spread of the virus. The plans will then be incorporated into a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) that would become an annex to the LEOP.

Finally, the Board must vote on a request by Classic Cleaners to have its rent reduced or suspended due to the economic impact of the coronavirus. Classic Cleaners is under contract with Lumpkin County to rent the building in which the business is located. The specific request is to defer May’s payment, and divide it evenly throughout the remainder of 2020.

Other items on Monday’s agenda include:

  • A resolution that the city and county proclaim the month of April 2020 to be Child Abuse Prevention Month, and urge all citizens to recognize this month by dedicating themselves to the task of improving the quality of life for all children and families.
  • Revision of the Lumpkin County Building Committee that includes the addition of four new members.
  • Abandonment of George Avery Road.
  • An update of the Hotel/Motel Ordinance that reflects the role of Host Compliance to manage complaints, renewals, and tax collections.
  • A bond resolution for county recreation projects and refinancing of the Justice Center bond.
  • Development Authority request for an intergovernmental agreement for full-time staff to be added to the county’s financial services and insurance. There would be no impact to the Lumpkin County budget for adding the services as the Authority agrees to pay the Finance Department $350/month for the financial services and add on costs for insurance.
  • Approve a contract with Chattahoochee Group in the amount of $67,325 for the restoration, drainage and improvements of baseball fields at Yahoola Creek Park.
  • Abandonment of a portion of Lawrence Road.
  • Request to sell county-owned right-of-way off Cavender’s Creek Road.

 

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

 

 

Lumpkin County facilities will close Monday

News

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners issued the following press release on Saturday (March 21).

Lumpkin County Facilities will be closed to the public beginning March 23, 2020. If you need to conduct business with the county, please call our offices or email; you will find this information on our website at www.lumpkincounty.gov. We will announce when facilities are reopened to the public. We apologize for the inconvenience as we take the necessary measures to stem the spread of Coronavirus.

Lumpkin Co. Senior Center will close for 2 weeks

News

The Lumpkin County Senior Center will be temporarily closed for two weeks beginning Mon. Mar. 16, the Board of Commissioners announced in a press release today.

The press release states: “Out of an abundance of caution and because the senior population seems to be one of the groups most susceptible to the COVID-19 virus, the Board of Commissioners has taken the pro-active step of temporarily closing the Senior Center.”

While the center will be closed, the delivery of meals to those who are currently receiving the service will continue. Additionally, the Senior Center staff will be checking on clients daily and will continue the practice of deep-cleaning the entire facility.

During the next few weeks, county officials will re-evaluate the decision as the situation unfolds with an expectation of reopening on April 1.

 

 

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

 

Dist. 2 Commissioner Mayfield will run for re-election

News

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — Commissioner Bobby Mayfield has announced his intent to run for re-election to the Board of Commissioners District 2 Seat. He was elected in 2016 with an agenda of economic development along the highway 400 corridor. Since that time, the county has produced regulations that will ensure that any development on the corridor will reflect the spirit of our community and will provide a very appealing and “pleasing to the eye” experience for all who enter Lumpkin County from the south.

Among some of the accomplishments, he is most proud of during his term is the soon-to-be-built hospital at the end of the 400 corridor, extension of water to the county line, and a sewer system poised to be implemented. Commissioner Mayfield has also been instrumental in getting our new library constructed as well as in seeing the completion of a fire station that was approved by the voters over ten years ago.

During his tenure, Commissioner Mayfield has voted to lower the mill rate every single year and this past year voted to roll property taxes back an entire mil. It has been a goal of Commissioner Mayfield to grow our tax digest and, for the first time in years, the tax digest is indeed growing again.

When asked why he wanted to run again, Commissioner Mayfield was very direct – “Because there is more to do in the service of Lumpkin County, the job is not complete.” Mayfield stated that the Board of Commissioners is currently working on plans to build a swimming pool, expand park and rec facilities, upgrade some of our single lane roads, put more firefighters in more stations, and to continue to cut property taxes as our digest grows.

 

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 discusses 2nd Amendment Sanctuary resolution

News

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners discussed joining a growing number of Georgia counties in adopting a Second Amendment Sanctuary resolution during Tuesday’s work session. A vote is expected at the next regular meeting.

The movement to declare sanctuary counties started in Virginia when Gov. Ralph Northam introduced a package of gun-control legislation, including red flag laws, universal background checks and a limit of one gun purchase per month.

That movement quickly spread to Georgia where many counties have already adopted Second Amendment Sanctuary resolutions or are considering doing so. But passing any form of gun control would be a lot more difficult in Georgia with a Republican governor and a Republican-controlled Legislature.

Lumpkin County commissioners (Chairman Chris Dockery was absent due to an illness) expressed support for the Second Amendment Tuesday, but questioned whether the resolution was necessary of merely symbolic.

Sheriff Stacy Jarrard addressed the Board saying, ”I can tell you we have a Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office that is very pro-Second Amendment. We have a skeet shoot every year. I teach hunter safety and firearm safety. We open the gun range to the public. I hold a gun show yearly and a fundraiser. I don’t know how much more pro-gun rights I can actually be.”

Georgia has very specific laws to protect gun owners. “O.C.G.A. 38-3-37 states rules regarding the right to carry will not be changed by declaring a state of emergency,” Jarrard stated. “Any person from the government, including the National Guard, is prohibited from seizing any firearm or ammunition in the possession of a license holder. So what does it really do, becoming a sanctuary county? “If someone came to me and told me I would have to collect people’s firearms that would be the day I would resign. I could not fulfill that obligation and by not fulfilling that obligation, I could be arrested.”

Commissioner Bobby Mayfield proposed passing a “pro-Constitution county proclamation” rather than the Second Amendment resolution. “Fortunately, we live in a state where our Second Amendment rights are not at risk,” he said. “Many of our other rights are being challenged as well – freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble, freedom of life. If we are going to do something, I suggest doing something similar to what our friends in Floyd and Hart counties have done and that is to pass a pro-Constitution proclamation. That really makes a statement about our commitment to uphold our Second Amendment rights but also the rest of the Constitution and its amendments.”

During the public comment period, two speakers rose in support of the resolution. Zane Doles said, “This is about being proactive and getting ahead of the rash of bills that will be introduced. Let’s make it clear that the representatives of Lumpkin County stand with the citizens, side-by-side in their intent to make Lumpkin County a Second Amendment Sanctuary county.”

Other issues discussed during the work session that will be voted on during the regular meeting include the following:

RESOLUTIONS

Veteran’s Affairs Advisory Committee name change request

Reappoint members to Development Authority

Reappoint Member to Public Building Authority

Reappoint Members to Hospital Authority

Identity Theft Prevention Program Update (Finance Director Abby Branan)

2020 – 09 – Georgia Fund 1 – General Fund Account (Finance Director Abby Branan)

2020 – 10 – Georgia Fund 1 – 2020 SPLOST Account (Finance Director Abby Branan)

2020 – 11 – Georgia Fund 1 – 2019 TSPLOST Account (Finance Director Abby Branan) •

CONTRACTS/AGREEMENTS

GMRC Addendum to the CDBG Senior Center Expansion Project Contract (Finance Director Abby Branan)

GMRC Regional Pay Study Agreement (Community and Employee Services Director Alicia Davis)

GEMA Statewide Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement (EMA Director David Wimpy)

LMIG Road Resurfacing Contract Award (Public Works Director Larry Reiter)

TSPLOST Road Resurfacing Contract Award (Public Works Director Larry Reiter)

UGA Cooperative Extension and Lumpkin County MOU (Special Projects Director Allison Martin)

Community Center Gymnasium Goal Lift System Bid Award (Special Projects Director Allison Martin)

Ratify Contract for Land Purchase (Special Projects Director Allison Martin)

Hazard Mitigation Plan Update Contract Extension – North GA Consulting Group LLC (EMS Director David Wimpy)

OTHER ITEMS

2020 SPLOST Work Plan (Special Projects Director Allison Martin)

2020 SPLOST Work Plan (Special Projects Director Allison Martin)

Road Maintenance & Improvement Tax 2020 Work Plan (Special Projects Director Allison Martin)

TSPLOST Bond (Trey Monroe)

Abandonment of George Avery Road (Public Works Director Larry Reiter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOC to set qualifying fees for candidates Tuesday

News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Lumpkin County commissioners will elect a new vice chairman and set qualifying fees for candidates who plan to run in the 2020 election when they meet in the first work session of the New Year Tuesday (Jan. 7) at 4 p.m. in the County Administration Building, 99 Courthouse Hill.

Every election year, the governing authority of each county must fix and publish the qualifying fee for each county office to be filled in the upcoming primary or general election. Commissioners will consider four options that will be presented.

Commissioners will also consider approval of the audit engagement letter for Mauldin & Jenkins. The letter identifies the applicable financial reporting framework, single audit standards and the expected form and content of auditor’s report. The fee for 2019 is $50,000 for the base audit and $1,500 for a single audit since the county’s federal awards exceeded $75,000. The amount is included in the 2020 budget and represents a savings of $22,500 to the county.

The adoption of the county’s short-term rental program has created a need for a compliance monitoring service. Staff has recommended commissioners contract with Host Compliance, LLC at a cost of $21,470.

The Georgia Broadband Initiative supports programs aimed at delivering the community improvement projects extending reliable, high-speed internet access to even the most difficult-to-serve citizens, schools, and businesses. In order to become eligible for broadband grant funding, commissioners will consider adoption of the Broadband Ready Community Ordinance.

Other agenda items to be considered include:

A joint proclamation between the City of Dahlonega and Lumpkin County regarding the Chamber of Commerce outgoing Board Chairman Brandy Thomas;

Appointment of a member to the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee;

A letter from the Lumpkin County Water & Sewerage Authority requesting the Board of Commissioners reinstitute standards for water supply systems previously adopted in 2002.

 

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 have a busy slate of meetings set for Tuesday

News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Sandwiched in between a 3:30 p.m. special called meeting to discuss a special event alcohol license request by Iron Mountain Park to accommodate a New Year’s Eve celebration and a 5 p.m. public hearing to consider land use regulations applicable to the Gateway Corridor, the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session starting at  4p.m.

Items discussed during work sessions are not generally voted on until the regular meeting.

Issues to be considered include:

Reappoint of members to the Park & Recreation Citizens Advisory Committee;

Reappoint of members to the Lumpkin County Board of Health;

An update to the Civil Service Plan;

The December Surplus Property list;

An amendment to the comprehensive plan regarding the Broadband Ready Community Assessment

Consideration of an ordinance for Broadband Ready Gateway Corridor Regulations and Design.

Year-end contract that will be discussed include:

A canoe Launch sublease renewal for Chestatee River Adventures

The 2020 lease with Classic Cleaners;

A tourism development services agreement with the Chamber of Commerce;

Winter Weather Road Treatment Assistance;

Disaster Debris Monitoring Contract;

Disaster Debris Monitoring Secondary Contract.

The Board also will discuss an interior recognition plaque and signage for the new library in addition to a long list of alcoholic beverage license renewals for 2020.

 

 

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

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