Board of Commissioner Approve Budget and Millage Rate
Business, Community August 23, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the budget and millage rate at a special call meeting on Aug. 23.
The Commissioners met with Finance Director Abby Branan and County Manager Alan Ours on July 16 to review the budget and make changes where they could. To view that meeting visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/07/16/budget-meeting-for-fy23-budget/.
The budget and millage were also placed on the county website for citizens to review. That information can be found at https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/635/2023-Budget.
The millage rate breakdown.
The county has held the three required meetings to give the community time to comment on the proposed budget or millage rate. The millage rate that was approved was incorporated areas 11.280, unincorporated areas 09.389, school district 14.710, reservoir area 00.206, and the planning district 00.452.
This will be a tax increase of 17.95% since the county could not take the full rollback rate of 9.563. The net digest from this millage rate is $249,178,984.
The budget breakdown.
The budget that was adopted is balanced. The expected revenues and expenditures will be $26,477,334. This is a $2,134,769 increase over last fiscal year’s budget.
To review the full breakdown of both the millage rate and the budget please visit http://lumpkincountyga.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=1&ID=1661&Inline=True.
Public Hearing and Special Call Meeting
Announcements, Community August 21, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Lumpkin County Commissioners are holding a public hearing and special call meeting over property tax increases and the budget on Aug. 23 beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The public hearing and special call meeting are open to the public. These are the agendas.
Public Hearing:
Call to Order Chairman Dockery
• Public Comment
Public Comment on Property Tax Increase
• Adjournment
Special Call Meeting:
CALL TO ORDER Chairman Dockery
• CONSIDERATION OF AGENDA
• RESOLUTIONS
1. Establish the 2023 Budget (Finance Director Abby Branan)
2. Establish the 2022 Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate (Finance Director Abby Branan)
• ADJOURNMENT
First Distilled Liquor License Approved by City
Business, Community, Lifestyle August 16, 2022
DAHLONEGA, Ga.- The City Council approved the first city license for the sale of distilled liquor after the lottery drawing that took place last week.
The council also approved the fiscal year 2023 budget presented by Finance Director Allison Martin. Martin also reviewed the tax digest and millage rate that the council approved. With a 5 to 1 vote the council also approved going forward with the housing assessment.
Sonika Ahluwalia while receiving congratulations from the council.
Gold Rush Spirits LLC run by Sonika Ahluwalia is the first city-issued license for the sale of distilled spirits and liquor in the City of Dahlonega. Ahluwalia still needs the state license to officially operate the business.
Her location for the liquor store will be at 19 Choice Avenue. She plans to open sometime in November before the Christmas crowds begin to gather.
“I wanna say congratulations and looking forward to having you as a business in our community, wishing you the best of luck,” congratulated Councilmember Ron Larson.
The council also approved the fy23 budget. Martin and her staff have been working on this for months to try and balance the budget with the current inflation conditions. She did balance it with both the revenues and expenditures totaling $5,083,868.
The beginning fund balance for fy23 is $2,938,757. In order to balance a portion of the fund balance may need to be used. The city has also received its most recent APRA fund allocation for projects. To look at the full breakdown of the budget please visit https://dahlonega.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Budget-Documents-1.pdf.
Finance Director Allison Martin while presenting the budget and millage rate to the council.
The millage rate that the city approved is 4.558 mills. The net tax levy at that millage rate is $1,135,758. This is a 0.82% decrease over the previous year’s millage rate of 5.508 mills.
This rollback will have a minimal effect on the taxpayers. Martin felt that with the uncertain times and the possibility of a recession rolling back any more than the 100% they currently are would not be possible at this time.
Heard in the clip above is councilmember Johnny Ariemma congratulating staff on their work on the budget. Also heard is Martin explaining the hard work her team puts into the budget.
At the July 18 work session, Mayor JoAnne Taylor brought the council a proposed housing study. To view the full discussion visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/07/19/city-discuss-housing-study/.
The council approved 5 to 1 to move forward with the full study. Councilmember Ross Shirley voted against moving forward because he felt the study was too broad and needed to be focused on one or two key steps. Once complete the council will then take further action based on the results of the study.
First Budget Hearing and Regular Meeting for City Council
Announcements, Community July 29, 2022
DAHLONEGA, Ga.- The City Council will be holding the first public hearing for the budget and its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The hearing and meeting are open to the public, to review the proposed budget before the hearing visit https://dahlonega.gov/city-of-dahlonega-fiscal-year-2023-city-managers-recommended-budget/. This is the agenda for the hearing and the meeting.
Public Hearing:
CALL TO ORDER
NEW BUSINESS:
Public Hearing:
1. Public Hearing on Proposed FY 2023 Budget
Allison Martin, Finance Director
ADJOURNMENT
Regular Meeting:
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME
PRAYER / PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT – PLEASE LIMIT TO THREE MINUTES
APPROVAL OF MINUTES –
a. City Council Meeting Minutes, July 5, 2022
Danna Foster, Assistant City Clerk
b. Council Work Session Minutes of July 18, 2022
Danna Foster, Assistant City Clerk
c. City Council Public Hearing Minutes, July 18, 2022
Danna Foster, Assistant City Clerk
APPOINTMENT/RECOGNITION
ORDINANCE AND RESOLUTION:
1. Ordinance 2022-08: Ordinance to provide for the annexation of property located at 1089
Calhoun Road
Doug Parks, City Attorney
2. Ordinance 2022-11: Ordinance to change a portion of the existing PUD for Crown
Mountain Overlook from Multi-Family to Single-Family
Doug Parks, City Attorney
ANNOUNCEMENT/CITY REPORTS:
3. Crosswalk Safety Program
Stacy Jarrard, Lumpkin County Sheriff
4. Morrison Moore Pedestrian Bridge & Sidewalk (GDOT PI 0016629) Public Outreach
Mark Buchanan, City Engineer
OLD BUSINESS:
5. Housing Needs Assessment
JoAnne Taylor, Mayor
6. Local Option Sales Tax – Joint Agreement Discussion
JoAnne Taylor, Mayor
NEW BUSINESS:
7. Executive Session-Personnel Matters
COMMENTS – PLEASE LIMIT TO THREE MINUTES
Clerk Comments
City Manager Comments
City Attorney Comments
City Council Comments
Mayor Comments
ADJOURNMENT
City Recognizes Officer
Business, Citizens Speak, Community, Police & Government July 6, 2022
DAHLONEGA, Ga.- The City Council recognized Dahlonega Police Officer Christopher Weeks for his hard work for the City of Dahlonega during the regular meeting on July 5.
The council also heard the concerns of local citizens about the special permit request for Dahlonega Walking Tours and they took action on the request. They also took action on the purchase card program.
The round of applause that was given to Officer Weeks.
Recently Officer Weeks helped Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office solve four open theft cases and was able to return stolen property to those victims. Chief of Police George Albert also informed the council of compliments he received via email in regards to Officer Weeks’s assistance to some individuals.
Heard above is the story that Mayor JoAnne Taylor read aloud before recognizing Weeks. To review the story in its entirety visit https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/dahlonega-pubu/MEET-Packet-1ea4cf40dc584f879ca35a23f12f8ae5.pdf, it begins on page 13.
Numerous citizens have come forward to speak in response to Penny Sharp’s request for Dahlonega Walking Tours to be allowed in Historic Mt. Hope Cemetery from 8:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sharp currently is allowed to host tours of the cemetery for 30 minutes after sunset.
The citizens that came forward feel that allowing Sharp to hold the tours is putting the cemetery at risk for vandalism, there is a greater risk of liability for injuries, and they also felt that it was disrespectful to those buried in the cemetery for it to be used for entertainment purposes. Sharp is required to have a $1 million insurance policy and is also required to stay on the pathways in the cemetery.
Chairman of the Cemetery Committee Chris Worick while explaining his concerns to the council.
The cemetery is currently still active so Chairman of The Cemetery Committee Chris Worick was concerned about guests falling into open graves if they ventured off the path. He was also concerned that seeing people in the cemetery after visiting hours might encourage others to visit without being on the tour.
After listening to all the concerns and many more sent to them via email the council took action on the matter. They voted to approve the hours 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m with the stipulation that signs be put up stating that only those with the permit shall be allowed into the cemetery after hours. The vote was 3 to 1 with Councilmember Ron Larson being in opposition.
“Having been on the council almost seven years now this is not something new Mr. Worick indicated as chair of our cemetery committee this has come to us numerous times in the past and we’ve asked Penny and her business to abide by the guidelines, I think its significant councilmembers if we are going to be voting on this to appreciate the feedback we’ve gotten from our cemetery committee,” explained Larson.
The next item that the council took action on was the authorization for the use of purchase cards. Finance Director Allison Martin brought this before the board at the last work session. To review that please visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/06/21/city-enters-into-new-fleet-replacement-contract/.
The council voted to approve the use of the cards for their travel needs. These will not be used for personal travel just when the members need to go to conferences or attend educational classes for the benefit of the City.
Martin also brought the fiscal year 2023 budget before the council. Currently, it is a balanced budget however she has not received the millage rate yet. Martin believes she will receive the millage rate on July 11.
In the budget, there will be three new full-time positions added in. There will not be a salary increase yet due to the adjustment that was already made. That was a 7% increase.
There will be a public meeting held on Aug. 1 to give the public an opportunity to review the budget before the council makes a decision on it on Aug. 15.
Commissioners Continue Budget Talks
Business, Community, Police & Government June 29, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- The Lumpkin County Commissioners continued budget talks with County Manager Alan Ours and Finance Director Abby Branan.
The commissioners also heard from the public on the plans for the aquatic center during their work session prior to the regular meeting. They also approved the contract with Flock Flacon Safety Cameras for the sheriff’s office use.
Prior to meeting with Ours and Branan to continue talks about the budget, the commissioners heard the request from Coroner Mark Cox for a pay increase in the new budget. Currently, Cox and the deputy coroners are the lowest-paid in surrounding counties, including Dawson, White, Fannin, and Gilmer. Cox asked for an increase to $30,000 to $35,000 from the current $16,000 half of that would go to the deputy coroners.
The data for the coroner’s salaries, population, and the number of calls per year for all neighboring counties.
Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Chris Dockery did the math on the average salary including Lumpkin in the with the other four and found the average to be $23,518. Lumpkin County’s Coroner is also the busiest coroner out of the five counties and one of the only ones not tied to a funeral home.
“I definitely think the coroner’s salary and the deputy’s salary is low compared to other counties, but jumping almost all the way up to Hall county’s salary I don’t know if that’s visible or realistic,” commented Commissioner District 4 Jeff Moran.
The coroner’s request was added to the budget talks with Ours and Branan. To maintain the same level of service and not raise the millage rate staff and the commissioners have to find an extra 1.9 million dollars in the budget. They are able to use some of the fund balance to meet that number but that is also not an option they like.
Some options like are going to be looking at going forward are freezing currently unfilled positions until the economy is better. They are also going to be talking to other elected officials about policies to save gas in vehicles. Gas and inflation are the biggest increases in the budget.
Heard in the clip above is Dockery explaining how the county’s budget is similar to a household budget. To review the current proposed budget without the coroner’s request visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2022/06/08/board-hears-fy23-budget-proposal/. The budget talks will continue and the final budget will be voted on at the Aug. 23 meeting.
The commissioners also took the time to review the communities input on the new aquatic center. There were many people that came out to voice their opinions on the subject. Their comments boiled down to a few items that they believe the commissioners should focus on.
Leah Smith while addressing the board.
Those items are a bubble to cover the pool to give year-round access to it, and accessibility for those with disabilities. The focus needs to be on pools for the elderly and swim teams such as a therapeutic pool and an eight-lane 25-yard competition pool.
Most of those that came forward offered their services in some way or another to help the commissioners get the project going again. One of those that volunteered time to do research was Leah Smith.
Heard in the clip above is Smith speaking to the commissioners about the need for competition swimming. To get a better idea of what a bubble is visit https://blog.intheswim.com/off-season-swimming-pool-enclosure-options/#:~:text=The%20inflatable%20swimming%20pool%20enclosure,that%20sits%20overtop%20your%20pool.
The commissioners encourage the feedback of the community on this project as they continue to find ways to move forward. The best person to contact is the County Manager Alan Ours and his contact information can be found at https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/182/County-Manager.
The commissioners did approve the contract with Flock Falcon Safety Cameras for the use of the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Jarrard presented the request to the commissioners at the Jun. 7 work session. To review that meeting use the link above.
Sheriff Jarrard addresses the community’s concerns with the new camera system.
The sheriff also address the privacy concerns some citizens had at the meeting. He also mentioned that UNG has been using the system since Sep. of 2021. During a 30-day trial with the system, the sheriff’s office was able to solve two major thefts and assist another county in breaking up a car-stealing ring.
“I think I would fail the community if there is a product out there that I can utilize to help victims by not utilizing that, I am mindful of what they say about the 30 days I know I’m having to have trust in that. I know that law enforcement has to have a reason to go into the system to try to research and we have to have knowledge of a crime that took place to try to come up with a suspect,” explained Jarrard.
Initial FY23 Budget Approved
Board of Education, Business June 14, 2022
LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga.- Superintendent Dr. Rob Brown presented the board with the initial FY23 budget at their Jun. board meeting and they approved it.
Brown also asked for the approval of two spending resolutions for July and Aug. Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Jennifer Moss presented the board with recommendations for the science textbooks for all grade levels next school year.
The initial budget for FY23 is revenues $46,272,794 and expenditures $46,272,792. The last fiscal year’s budget as presented to the board in Aug. of 2021 is revenues of $42,017,721 and expenditures of $39,810,067. This initial budget is not the final budget for the year that can not be made until the board receives the current tax digest.
The $4,255,073 projected increase comes in response to current inflation. There is an increase in the expected fuel cost, there are new teacher positions being added, and a pay increase for teachers. To compare the initial budget to the previous budget visit https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1457892/FY21_FINAL_AMENDED_Budget_-_Lumpkin_-_21-06-30.pdf, for the previous budget.
Since the finance department has to wait for the current tax digest to set the new budget for FY23 Brown asked the board to approve two spending resolutions. These two resolutions allow the school system to function without the budget set. The board did vote to approve both resolutions.
This is a process they go through every year. The digest is expected around late July or mid-Aug. To review how they handled the budget last year please visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/06/15/school-board-approves-cares-act-to-buy-school-supplies/.
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Jennifer Moss while presenting the textbook recommendations to the board.
Moss put together a committee to review the current teaching materials for science in each grade level. The committee was made up of science teachers from all schools. The public was given an opportunity to review the choices for the new materials and was asked if they had any questions or concerns to contact Moss.
There was only one individual that reviewed the materials. They work within the health care system and said they believed the materials well reflect the information that is needed to work in the medical field.
The invoice for the high school textbooks.
Currently, the elementary and middle schools are opting to keep the materials they are currently using for the science department. The high school though is opting to get the next textbooks that reflect the standards, the ones currently in use do not work well with the standards.
Next school year they are set to review the math materials however due to standards changing the review may be pushed back a year. If it is pushed back another subject will have its materials reviewed next year, however, has not been decided as of yet.
City Council to Hold Special Call and Work Session
Announcements, Community March 20, 2022
DAHLONEGA, Ga.- The City Council will be holding a special call meeting and having their regularly scheduled work session on Mar. 24 at 4:00 p.m.
The special call and work session meetings are open to the public. This is the agenda for both meetings.
Work Session:
OPEN MEETING
BOARDS & COMMITTEES:
1. Cemetery Committee—February 2022
Chris Worick, Committee Chairman
2. Main Street / DDA – February 2022
Ariel Alexander, Main Street/DDA Interim Main Street Manager
TOURISM: Sam McDuffie, Tourism Director
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
3. Community Development – February 2022
Jameson Kinley, Planning and Zoning Administrator
4. Dahlonega Police Department- February 2022
George Albert, Chief of Police
5. Finance Department Report – February 2022
Allison Martin, Finance Director
6. Water & Wastewater Treatment Department Report February 2022
John Jarrard, Water/Wastewater Treatment Director
7. Public Works—February 2022
Mark Buchanan, PW Director/City Engineer
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
8. Amended – Resolution 2022-07 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update
David Wimpy, Director/Fire Chief
9. Amended – 2022 Comprehensive Plan
Jameson Kinley, Planning Administrator
10. Request to increase the allocation of funds for pay adjustments for employees.
Bill Schmid, City Manager
11. Amendment of Personnel Management System Policies
Allison Martin, Finance Director
12. FY2021 Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment
Allison Martin, Finance Director
13. Servline Leak Protection Program
Allison Martin, Finance Director
Special Call Meeting:
CALL TO ORDER AND WELCOME
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
NEW BUSINESS
1. City of Dahlonega Employee of the Year 2021 – Troy Armstrong
Bill Schmid, City Manager
2. Joint Proclamation City of Dahlonega & Lumpkin County – Lumpkin County High School
Girls Basketball Team
JoAnne Taylor, Mayor
3. Amended – 2022 Comprehensive Plan
Jameson Kinley, Planning Administrator
4. Amendment of Personnel Management System Policies
Allison Martin, Finance Director
5. FY2021 Fourth Quarter Budget Amendment
Allison Martin, Finance Director
ADJOURNMENT
UPDATE:
Special call meeting has been canceled.
Council Reappoints Member to DDA/Main Street Board
Business, Community, Health September 8, 2021
Dahlonega, Ga.- The City Council reappointed Donna Logan to the DDA/Main Street Board at their meeting on September 7.
The council also approved the FY2021 third-quarter budget amendment and the banking service contract renewal.
The City Council reappoints Donna Logan to the Downtown Development Authority/ Main Street Board. Mrs. Logan is currently the longest-serving member on the board.
“Donna you are a veteran and I can not say enough how much we appreciate your public service through the years and you keep spinning out hits so they keep bringing you back,” congratulated Mayor Sam Norton.
Finance Director Allison Martin brought the FY2021 third-quarter budget amendment to the council for their approval. The revenue changes to the budget are 12,000.00 to the Local Option Sales Tax, 22,586.00 from transfers in from other funds, and 701,995.00 in Appropriated Fund Balance.
The FY21 budget, the changes are in Bold.
The expenditure changes to the budget are 12,000.00 in Legislative, 22,586.00 in General Administration, 3,326.00 in Maintenance and Shop, 3,995.00 in Community Development, 830.00 in Contingentices, 10,156.00 in Principle-Notes, and 704,000.00 in transfers out to other funds.
This gives a total of 736,851.00 in Revenues and 736,851.00 in expenditure changes. The council did vote to approve the changes to the budget. To see the full layout of the FY2021 budget visit file:///home/chronos/u-24e9d901837ca97689469b2093c9623467e062a1/MyFiles/FetchYourNews/City%20Council%209-7/MEET-Packet-f9326f71e8344f6799a893341d657d0e.pdf
“I want to make sure the public understands that the city is in excellent financial condition, that’s not something we should take lightly in light of what’s going on around the country, we are very blessed to be in this stable financial condition,” explained Councilmen Ron Lawson.
Martin also presented the United Community Bank Contract renewal for the council to consider. The bank is offering a variable rate not fixed. This is due to the current market levels. The council approved this contract renewal.
Lastly, due to the rise in the delta variant, the merchants on the square will not be hosting trick or treating again this year. The city council supports their decision and advises that people use their best judgment when it comes to trick or treating this year.
Many of the city council members are also strongly encouraging those who have not been vaccinated to get it for their own wellbeing and that of those around them. For more information on the vaccine visit https://dph.georgia.gov/immunization-section
Commissioners approve FY2022 budget
Business, Community August 25, 2021
Lumpkin, Ga.- At the special call meeting on August 24, the County Commissioners approved the budget for the fiscal year 2022. They also agreed upon the millage rate and the Yahoola Creek Lighting project.
The commissioners unanimously accepted the fiscal year budget that Finance Director Abby Branan prepared. The budget was first presented to the commissioners on July 1.
The second page of the budget.
The budget was made available to the public online on July 28. There was a public hearing held on August 10 so the taxpayers of Lumpkin County could express any concerns they had with the budget proposal.
The 2021 budget was a total of 22,811,720 when it was adopted on September 15, 2020. The new budget total for 2022 is 24,486,037 when it was proposed for adoption on August 3. Giving a 1,674,317 increase between this year’s budget and next.
For more information on the proposal that was approved visit https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/Search?searchPhrase=2022%20budget&pageNumber=1&perPage=10&departmentId=-1
2021 Millage Rate
Additionally, the 2021 millage rate was set for the entire county. This included the incorporated city of Dahlonega, and unincorporated Lumpkin County, Lumpkin County School District, The Lumpkin County Reservior Tax District, and the Lumpkin County Planning Tax District.
The Lumpkin County School Board met on Monday, August 23 to approve their portion of the millage. They later submitted it to the county commissioners. The rate they voted for was a rollback rate and it was 15.560.
The millage rate the school board voted to accept.
The millage rate for Dahlonega is 11.556. Lumpkin County has a millage rate of 09.389. The Lumpkin County Reservior Tax District has a millage rate of 00.244. Lastly, the Lumpkin County Planning Tax District has a millage rate of 00.406.
Lumpkin County Tax Digest and Five Year History of Levy is available on the county website: https://www.lumpkincounty.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=159
The millage rate will now be sent to the Georgia Department of Revenue for final approval.
Yahoola Creek Lighting Project
The last thing commissioners approved was the Yahoola Creek Lighting project for Yahoola Creek Park. The board was originally going to vote on this at the meeting on August 17. The vote was delayed to give staff time to look into another option for paying for the project.
The commissioners voted to accept the first proposal that was offered by Georgia Power. This proposal is for a one-time upfront cost of $159,000.00. Followed by a monthly rate of $2,203.86. They discussed this option at their work session on August 3. For more information on that discussion visit https://lumpkin.fetchyournews.com/2021/08/04/commissioners-consider-donation-of-antique-tractor/
Council discusses ARPA funds, approves millage rate
Community, Election, News August 17, 2021
Dahlonega, Ga. – During a special called meeting, the council approved an additional American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) application, proposed the fiscal year 2022 budget and the 2021 tax digest, and the millage rate for the fiscal year 2021.
During the Board of Zoning Appeals, the council approved one application and tabled another. The mayor also addressed the recent rise in COVID-19 at the end of the work session.
City Manager Bill Schmid presented the council with an additional application for more funds from the ARPA. The city already has been given $2.7 million but the state still has $30 million left to distribute. The application is for an additional $5 million in conjunction with an application the county plans to submit.
The council approved the proposed the fiscal year 2022 budget. This budget has been talked about at both meetings and work sessions and is available online for the community to see. To view the budget please visit https://dahlonega.gov/document/public-notice-fy2022-budget-hearing/
2021 Millage Rate
Finance Director Allison Martin presented the 2021 Tax Digest and Millage rate. The calculated rollback rate for the 2021 tax digest is 5.633 mills. The millage rate for 2021 is 5.508 which is lower than the rollback rate. The council approved the rollback rate and the millage rate that was presented to them.
“I just wanted to thank the city staff for working so hard with this budget not only is it clear and understandable also achieved a goal many of us on council share and that is to reduce the millage rate and it comes not only from doing a good job on the budget but increasing productivity and taking advantage of the new software we have,” stated Councilwoman Taylor.
At the Board of Zoning Appeals meeting application, BZA-21-6 was approved. The application, BZA-21-7 was tabled due to the applicant having COVID and not being able to attend the meeting.
COVID-19, the Delta Variant
Before adjourning the work session Mayor Norton addressed the recent rise in COVID numbers. Lumpkin County is currently 30% fully vaccinated and 34% have had at least one dose. Between July 31 and August 6 there have been 83 confirmed cases in Lumpkin county.
“Covid is running wild again, the virus is back with a vengeance. I’m not going to preach on you to get your vaccine or not to get it but I will simply state the fact that more people are dying of Covid without the vaccine than with it. In fact, 86% more I think,” commented Norton.
City Council Qualifying
A reminder that qualifying for the November election begins August 17 and goes through August 19. There is a table set up by the entrance to City Hall with all the paperwork needed for qualifying.
Table at City Hall with forms for qualifying.
Downtown Development Authority Appointment
The council appointed A.C. Moore II to the Downtown Development Authority.
Moore currently works at Altitude Benefits and Constulating, LLC. Moore lives in the city of Dahlonega.
“I feel like this is the highest level of civic duty is to serve on these boards and committees, some people think it jury duty but in jury duty if you don’t show up the judge can compel you to be there but on the city boards and committees you are there of your own free will,” commented Mayor Sam Norton.
Gooch previews 156th General Assembly
News January 8, 2021
ATLANTA – After Republicans lost the Presidency in November and two Georgia Senate seats this week among dozens of allegations of voter fraud, it’s not surprising that election reform will be the hot topic when the Republican dominated 156th General Assembly opens Monday under the Gold Dome.
Senate Majority Whip Steve Gooch told Fetch Your News during a phone interview Friday, “There are a lot of questions that haven’t been answered yet. We’ve heard many allegations of fraud and abuse in the system so we’re going to dig deep into our election laws and look at how we do voter verification of advance votes and absentee ballots.”
Gooch, who represents Dawson, White, Lumpkin, Union, Gilmer and Fannin and a small portion of Forsyth County, added, “ I believe personally it should be just as restrictive to vote early and by absentee ballot as it is to vote on Election Day. If you or I go to vote on Election Day, we’re required to show a voter I.D. I believe that requirement should apply to people who vote in advance or by absentee ballot. I think there will be a lot of discussion on that.”
Democrats can be expected to oppose any change in election requirements.
“Democrats will probably try to accuse us of trying to suppress the vote,” Gooch said. “But that is not at all what I would see us doing. I see us as trying to secure the vote and ensure that all votes that are cast are legal votes. I believe there are signs and allegations of voter fraud that need to be further investigated and I hope the GBI and Secretary of State will continue to cooperate by looking into those charges.”
Gooch said he had seen dozens of sworn affidavits signed by poll workers and voters who saw things that did not look proper. “They are due an explanation,” he said. “We have a responsibility to the voters of Georgia that our election process is legal. We have, in my opinion, lost the confidence of the tax payers and voters in Georgia when it comes to elections. We have a little work to do to regain their trust.”
Lawmakers were forced to make major budget cuts last year due to the pandemic but some unanticipated revenue gains in income tax and sales tax may provide an opportunity to restore some of the cuts, especially in the area of public safety and education.
Gooch said he would like to restore some cuts to the state’s reserve fund. “We dipped into that some last year, and we need to keep that fund healthy.”
There will also be some transportation legislation to address freight and logistics issues.
“We will look at ways to use rail more efficiently and increase their usage of our port to get that freight and get some of that freight shifted over to our rail system,” he said.
He also raised the possibility of creating dedicated truck lanes on the interstate highways.
“We’ve been working on ways to get trucks to and from the port through Georgia in a more efficient manner while trying to minimize the impact on our citizens,” he said.
As the 156th General Assembly is gaveled into session Monday, the Senate is made up of 34 Republicans and 22 Democrats while the House has 103 Republicans and 77 Democrats.