Commissioners Move Closer to Upgrade of County Library

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Library is one step closer to getting a badly needed upgrade after county commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint a task force headed by State Senator Steve Gooch to take on the challenge.

Joining Gooch will be Bill O’Leksy, a member of the county’s Library Board, UNG Vice President of Finance Mac McConnell, United Community Bank President Larry Odom, and County Manager Stan Kelley.

O’Leksy requested the task force at last week’s work session, stating the library was already below state standards when he moved to the county 27 years ago. The building is not ADA compliant and O’Leksy estimated it will cost $500,000 to $1 million just to meet the minimum standards.

Commissioners completed the meeting in 45 minutes with all but two items being approved unanimously.

The Board had planned to make a decision on a drainage problem eminating from two county roads (Coppermine Road and Chestatee River Ridge Road) that is causing damage to property owned by the Eckler family. Commissioners removed the item from the agenda.

There was also disagreement on providing about $1,500 in funding for modification of the Mental Health Building. Chairman Chris Dockery cast the deciding vote against Commissioner Doug Sherrill’s motion.

The Board also appointed Barbara Osanko to the Avita Board and John Gaston as an alternate member of the Development Authority of Lumpkin County.