County commissioners agree to extend term of Yahoola Creek Reservoir group

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.

 

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