Chris Dockery Archives - LumpkinLumpkin

Chairman Dockery picked to lead ACCG Revenue and Finance Committee

News July 27, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

ATLANTA — Lumpkin County Chairman Chris Dockery was recently named as the 2020-2021 Vice Chairman of the Revenue and Finance Policy Committee for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG or Georgia’s County Association). The appointment was made by ACCG President and Jefferson County Commissioner Johnny Davis. This is the third year that Chairman Dockery has served in this position.

Legislative advocacy and public policy development are two of the primary services that ACCG provides to Georgia counties. The association uses a consensus-based policy committee process to bring together county commissioners and county staff to discuss issues of concern to county government that require changes to state and federal laws and agency policies. Policy committees develop positions on key issues, which become part of the Policy Agenda. The Policy Agenda is voted on by the membership during the ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference held annually in October. The ACCG policy team uses the Policy Agenda to guide advocacy efforts on behalf of counties during the legislative session.

“Being able to serve in a capacity that requires one to lead in various areas requires sacrifice, hard work and dedication,” said ACCG Executive Director Dave Wills. “It is imperative to Georgia’s counties that the right candidate is chosen to ensure that community needs are met.”

The Revenue and Finance Committee considers policies on behalf of local taxpayers to ensure that revenue and budget decisions made at the state level do not negatively impact county finances and county taxpayers. Issues considered by this committee include local sales and use taxes, property taxes and user fees.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as Vice Chairman of this committee and to work on legislative issues that have a direct impact on our community,” said Chairman Dockery.

Chairman Dockery will lead the Revenue and Finance Policy Committee with Oconee County Commissioner Mark Saxon, who was named Chairman.

ACCG is Georgia’s county association and works on behalf of county officials and their communities by providing public policy and legislative advocacy, leadership development, civic and community engagement initiatives, insurance and retirement programs that specialize in local government needs and other cost-saving programs. Formed in 1914 when county officials came together to help fund the state’s first highway department, ACCG today serves as a catalyst for advancing Georgia’s counties. For more information, go to www.accg.org.

County commissioners agree to extend term of Yahoola Creek Reservoir group

News May 7, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

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

Bobby Mayfield Chris Dockery David Miller Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Yahoola Creek Reservoir

Counties request governor to close state parks in their counties

News April 7, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – Chris Dockery is one of a dozen North Georgia county commission chairmen who signed a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp requesting that all state parks in their counties be closed in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The letter reads, “As County Commissioners in North Georgia, we are writing to request that you issue an Executive Order closing down all of the state parks located in our area for the duration of the Statewide Shelter in Place Order.”

Chris Dockery

Many of the counties they represent had already issued their own emergency orders but the Governor’s Shelter-in-Place Order issued April 2 supersedes those and prohibites them from enacting stricter laws. Dockery called that “very unfortunate” and added that he is concerned about increased traffic in the area.

The letter further states, “A significant portion of this increased traffic is coming from COVID-19 hot spots such as Atlanta or from areas outside our state. During normal times, we are very thankful for the many Georgians and other tourists who visit and explore our area and frequent our state parks. As public awareness of the COVID-19 pandemic has increased, there has been a recent surge in visitors to our area. It appears that these nonresidents believe our area is a safe haven because of its rural nature. To the contrary, the influx of people into our communities has had a staggering detrimental effect on our resources. Our communities simply do not have enough hospital beds or medical personnel to care for the inflated population. Similarly, there is not enough food, dry goods, fuel and other supplies to adequately provide for the numbers we are experiencing.

“Many County Commissioners in our area are actively discouraging any and all nonresidents from visiting our area until the pandemic has resolved itself. The United States Forest Service has taken steps to discourage the influx of people by closing down all of its “sited” campgrounds, but the continued operation of the state parks is stressing our community’s resources in a substantial manner.

“On behalf of the many citizens that live in North Georgia who entrust us as County Commissioners to represent their interests, we respectfully ask you to close all of the state parks located in our area immediately.”

The letter is signed by the county commission chairmen from Franklin, Habersham, Towns, Rabun, White, Gilmer, Dade, Lumpkin, Fannin, Stephens, Union and Banks counties.

Chris Dockery close state parks Gov. Brian Kemp Lumpkin County requests White county

Lumpkin County candidate qualifying: Day 2

News March 2, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

Commission Chairman Chris Dockery qualifies for re-election Monday

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. The following is a list of candidates who have qualified to run for political offices at the county, state and federal levels through Tuesday:

COUNTY RACES

Sheriff — Stacy Jarrard (I)

County Commission Chairman — Chris Dockery (I)

District 1 — County Commissioner David Miller (I)

District 2 — Commissioner Bobby Mayfield (I)

District 1 — Board of Education Mera Turner (I), Ryan Scott

District 3 — Board of Education JimMcClure (I)

Clerk of Superior Court Rita Harkins (I)

Coroner — Jim Sheppard (I)

Tax Commissioner – Mike Young

Non-Partisan

Probate Judge Michael Chastain (I)

Chief Magistrate Judge Randall Pruitt (I)

STATE RACES

District 9 State Rep. — Clint Smith, Will Wade, Steven Leibel, Zack Tumlin

FEDERAL RACES

Ninth District U.S. Congress –Michael Boggus, Andrew Clyde, Matt Gurtler, Maria Strickland, Kevin Tanner, Ethan Underwood.

Qualifying will continue through March 6 at noon. Continue to read fetchyournews.com for daily updates until qualifying ends.

Bobby Mayfield candidate qualifying Chris Dockery David Miller General Primary Election Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard

BOC discusses 2nd Amendment Sanctuary resolution

News February 5, 2020 , by Bill Johnson

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)

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)

Bobby Mayfield Chris Dockery Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office Sheriff Stacy Jarrard

Library Will Celebrate Centennial in November

News October 18, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Library will celebrate its 100^th anniversary in November. The library was opened by the Ladies of Lumpkin County Home and School Improvement (now the Woman’s Club) with the generous donation of a book collection by the Matthew F. Stephenson family.

In recognition of the date, Dahlonega Mayor Gary McCullough and Lumpkin County Commission Chairman Chris Dockery have proclaimed Nov. 4 as Lumpkin Library Centennial Day.

Commissioners passed a series of resolutions at Tuesday’s meeting, including one that authorized the sale of several items, including a 2010 Ford E-350 van, 1995 Ford F-350 pickup truck, a 500-gallon water tank and a John Deere Model 350C as surplus items and provided for their sale on govdeals.com.

Other resolutions passed include:

An amendment to change the fees charged for various services, including administrative, buildings and building regulations, animals and foul, parks and recreation and ambulance. The new fees will become effective Jan. 1, 2018;
An amendments to the county sign ordinance;
Introduction of legislation in the 2018 session of the Georgia General Assembly to create a Lumpkin County Airport Authority;
An amendment to the county alcohol ordinance that grants any person who has been issued a State license to manufacture and/or sell distilled spirits the right to manufacture and/or sell distilled spirits in the county until such time as it is determined the county has such authority.

Commissioners also approved the following:

An amendment to the contract with Legacy Link approved in May 2017 to include an allocation of funding to Lumpkin County of $8, 272 for operation of the Senior Center as well as congregate and home-served meals. No county match is required;
A contract with Parker Traffic Markings for an Off System Safety Project that includes striping and signage in the amount of $76,156. GDOT will provide 70 percent of the funding and the remainder ($22,846) would be funded out of SPLOST funds;
Renewal of a one-year contract with Mark Robinson Hauling to operate the transfer station for a fee of $16,200;
Renewal of a lease that allows Ninth District Opportunity to operate a Head Start Program at the J.B. Jones Pre-School, a county-owned facility. In exchange for providing the facility at no charge the county receives credit for an in-kind contribution valued at $152,900.

Lumpkin County Finance Director Allison Martin reported to commissioners that all Title III funds received under the federal Secure Rural Schools Act since 2009 ($126,131.80) have been spent.

The county decided that 15% of the funds received would be used for Firewise Community activities in and the remaining 85% would be used on road improvement projects. Martin reported the funds were spent on Firewise education classes and advertisements, Firewise educational materials, Firewise trailer, tent, computer, projector, display boards, search and rescue operations on National Forest Land, Neighborhood cleanup days and a county-wide fire survey.

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

Chris Dockery Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners

Windstream Announces Major Upgrade in North Ga.

News October 13, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

Windstream President Jarrod Berkshire cuts the ribbon at the Dahlonega today to announce a major upgrade in service to 100 Mbps.

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Windstream today announced that it has completed a major upgrade of its cable TV network in Dahlonega, delivering up to 100-mega-bits per second (Mbps) internet speeds to about 6,400 homes and businesses.

The announcement came at a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Windstream office in Dahlonega that was attended by State Sen. Steve Gooch and Lumpkin County Commission Chairman Chris Dockery.

Jarrod Berkshire, president of operations in Georgia for Windstream, said, “I’m proud to announce we’re going to be able to offer ups 100Mbps to over 6,400 homes in Dahlonega and 67,000 across all of north Georgia. Business used to be brick and mortar. Today, it’s beyond that. You have to have connectivity to the rest of the world. This is a great day for Windstream and it’s a great day for our community.”

Citizens in Dahlonega whose homes or businesses are passed by Windstream’s cable TV network are eligible for 100Mbps service. To inquire about service, call 877-894-6391 or visit the Windstream retail store at 340 Walmart Way in Dahlonega.

State Senator Steve Gooch

Gooch who has worked on bringing broadband internet to rural areas of Georgia for several years said, “This is an issue that has been near and dear to my heart for several years. The internet system is somewhat like the interstate system in America that was created in the ‘50s. That was the thing that really connected America. Today the superhighway is no longer the interstate system. It’s the internet. People like Amazon are coming to Georgia to create thousands and thousands of jobs.”

Gooch said there are bills pending in Atlanta that will help incentivize companies like Windstream, AT&T, Verizon, Comcast and Charter to partner with Lumpkin County and all these development authorities to bring good internet to our communities.

Commission Chairman Chris Dockery

Dockery called today’s announcement a “big step forward.” He added that the Association County Commissioners of Georgia has identified the internet as the No. 1 priority for the upcoming legislative session. “I commend Sen. Gooch for all the time and work he has put into trying to find solutions to the internet issue and Windstream for their commitment to our community.”

The upgrade plan that was announce late last year will provide 100Mbps service to more than 67,000 locations in 13 counties, including Dawsonville, Helen and Cleveland.

Chris Dockery Sen. Steve Gooch

Commissioners discuss road maintenance improvement tax during Tuesday work session

News September 5, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Lumpkin County Manager Stan Kelley outlined some of the possibilities of a road maintenance and improvement tax city and county officials are considering during Tuesday’s work session.

City and county officials held a joint meeting last week to discuss placing the tax on the March Primary ballot. The tax is similar to a special purpose local option sales tax in that each time a sale is made in Lumpkin County up to one cent per dollar is placed in a fund dedicated solely to improving roads, sidewalks, bridges, trails and culverts in the city and county.

Kelley estimated the tax — collected over a five-year period — could generate $15 million and he recommended a 20 percent split with the City of Dahlonega.

The city would have to agree to that split then both the city and county would sign an intergovernmental agreement and establish a priority list of road projects before going to the voters.

One project that tops the list for both is the intersection of Oak Grove Road and Highway 19. It has been in need of safety measures for years, but the Georgia Department of Transportation has not placed it on its project list.

Public Works Director Larry Reiter estimated that project alone would cost about $4 million. Road paving projects could cost another $6 million.

Other issues discussed at Tuesday’s work session included:

An amendment to the county’s hotel-motel tax ordinance that allows filers to remit taxes on a quarterly basis rather than monthly if the filer also remits quarterly sales taxes to the state. The proposed revision to the ordinance also addresses the civil penalties to make the language more streamlined and addresses the criminal penalties to bring the county ordinance in line with state law;
A resolution to update 9-1-1 charges on telephone services and wireless enhanced services to $1.50 per month and prepaid wireless services to $1.50 per retail transaction;
Renewal of the agreement with Mobile Communications for phone and radio service that covers all parts and labor (excluding batteries and antennas) and has been in place for several years. Staff says the company has provided excellent service and 24/7 priority response;
Agreement to lease J.B. Jones Preschool building on Mechanicsville Road to Ninth District Opportunity (NDO) to operate its Head Start Program from Oct. 1, 2018 through Sept. 30, 2019 at no charge as an in-kind contribution valued at $152,900. NDO is a private non-profit organization required to match 20 percent of its federal funding with cash or in-kind contribution;
The appointment of Chairman Chris Dockery as the voting delegate to the Legislative Leadership Conference.
Rebidding a lease contract with Mark Robinson for operation of the county transfer station;
Acceptance of the SAFER grant that will allow the county’s emergency services to staff two more fire station and add a fourth ambulance;
Special event permit for the Hemlock Fest scheduled Nov. 2 through Nov. 4;
Alcohol beverage license and tasting room for Red, Wine and Blue Vineyard at 400 Blueberry Hill.

Chris Dockery Larry Reiter

Lumpkin County employees get new insurance plan

News April 17, 2018 , by Bill Johnson

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — In a called meeting Monday, the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to replace Humana as the county’s healthcare provider with United Healthcare.

Gainesville-based Turner, Wood and Smith (TWS), an independent insurance broker, conducted a review for the county to identify the best, most cost effective healthcare provider. Company vice president Brett Fowler presented his findings to the board.

“After looking at a number of cares and going back and forth on them, we believe the best option is to change to United Healthcare,” Fowler said. “Not only do they offer the best price option, they are also able to deliver a wellness option.”

To continue its coverage with Humana, the county was looking at an increased cost of approximately 19.8 percent, or $364,000.

TWS will serve as the employee benefits consultant for Lumpkin County. The change allows the county to move from a broker model to a consultant model. TWS will be compensated on a fee basis rather than a commission basis and will not benefit from large increases in the medical plan.

The new plan will take effect July 1. The cost to county employees will remain the same until Jan. 1. Even then, Commission Chairman Chris Dockery said, there would be no change in premium for 85 county employees under the new plan. However, the cost for other employees who include a spouse on their coverage will increase by $35 per pay period. The cost for employee plus children will increase by $25 per pay period.

The increase in dental coverage with Humana would have been 5.02 percent. Lincoln Financial will now provide coverage at an increased cost of 1.3 percent. The new plan will be enhanced with the addition of orthodontia coverage and a two-year rate guarantee.

The increase in vision coverage with Humana would have been 5.89 percent. Under the new plan, VSP will provide vision coverage at no increased cost and a locked-in rate for four years.

The United Healthcare program allows wellness program participants on a Health Savings Account to earn $1,095 and those on Health Reimbursement Arrangement to earn $1,260 per year.

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

Chris Dockery Turner

County Agrees to Service Delivery Strategy With City

Business February 8, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

DAHLONEGA, Ga.– Cumming Attorney Dana Miles addressed the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday to commend county and city officials for reaching an amicable accord on the Service Delivery Strategy Agreement (SDSA).

Miles was the neutral intermediary who facilitated the meetings between Chairman Chris Dockery and City Manager Bill Schmid that led to the agreement. Dockery was expected to sign the final agreement Wednesday.

Under the SDSA, the city will pay the county the sum of $50,000 annually for the capital acquisition costs of a ladder truck and supplementary fire services provided by the county to the incorporated area of the city.

The city also will pay the county $8,000 annually for supplemental law enforcement expenses incurred by the county by virtue of the city’s use of off-duty deputies from the Sheriffs Office. That payment shall be in addition to the direct payments by the city to the deputies. The city will provide liability insurance coverage for those deputies assigned to city duties. The city and sheriff may agree in writing to additional supplemental law enforcement services during the term of the agreement with the consent of the county.

The SDSA also calls for the city to pay the county from amounts collected by the City’s Municipal Court the l0 percent court add-on fee designated by state statute for “jail construction and staffing.”

Commissioners also agreed to submit a request for a third extension of the $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) first applied for in order to secure funding necessary to make certain waterline improvements.

The grant period was scheduled for Sept. 5, 2014 and was to have concluded on Sept 5, 2016.

In August 2016, the county asked for and received a 90 day extension from the Department of Community Affairs to ensure sufficient time to close the grant. In November 2016, the County submitted a second request to DCA to extend the grant period by thirty days in order to draw the remaining funds available in the project budget. DCA approved that one also. This extension request is for 60 days.

Chris Dockery Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners

BOC honors first responders for Clay Creek rescue

News January 23, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAHLONEGA, Ga. –Tuesday’s Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners meeting started with a heartfelt tribute to the county’s first responders who saved the lives of a woman and her baby in a dramatic swift-water rescue from the flood-swollen waters of Clay Creek in December.

Commission Chairman Chris Dockery read a resolution in honor of their professionalism and bravery of EMS employees David McWhorter, Daniel Morris, Chris Maloney, Jason Edwards, Derrick Haynie, Josh Hunter, Keith Gilreath, Ryan Leach, Laura Coleman, Lola Gipson and Ransom Ash and Sheriff’s Office employees Danny Rider, Mark Sutton, Kyle Nix, Alex Blaisdell, Isaac Fortner, Jacob Wise and Dianne Kimmel.

Their action attracted national attention. The woman’s Ford Ranger splashed into Clay Creek and rising flood water nearly submerged the vehicle but first responders worked together to extend a ladder to the bed of the truck and bring the woman and her child to safety.

Each commissioner offered their personal appreciation.

Commissioner Jeff Moran, a retired U.S. Army major and combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, said, “I want to publicly thank you for the incredible service you provide each and every day. I’m retired military and really the military receives glory when we are overseas but you are in harm’s way every single day when you respond to a fire or pull a car over. You never know what you are going to come upon. You did a great job. It was incredible watching the video and incredible that it made national news. You made us all proud.”

In other business, the Board:

Appointed Elizabeth Curley, Allen Storey, R. Ridge Rairigh Jr., Lewis Houser Bruce Hoffman and Damien Vanlaningham to the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee;
Appointed Melanie Taylor to the Board of Health;
Approved a resolution authorizing the TSPLOST General Obligation Debt Intergovernmental Agreement;
Accepted Hannah’s Crossing Subdivision Road into county maintenance program;
Approved a resolution revising and adopting the Land Use Code;
Approved a contract with North Georgia Network (NGN) to provide phone and internet service to county government;
Approved a revision to the State Fire Marshal agreement;
Renewed the lease agreement with Canoe Georgia (Commissioner Rhett Stringer recused);
Elected Commissioner Stringer vice chairman;
Approved an alcohol beverage license application for VAHO Enterprise, LLC;
Approved the naming of certain library facility rooms the David and JoAnn Luke Tutor Room.

Chris Dockery Jeff Moran Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Rhett Stringer

UPDATE: Commissioners table vote on Iron Mountain Park

News May 8, 2019 , by Bill Johnson

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Following a marathon four-hour public hearing in front of a standing-room-only audience, the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners tabled a vote on a special land use application (SLUA) for Iron Mountain Park Tuesday.

The hearing was intended to address only the ATV, motocross and amphitheater venues. But property owner Craig Stansberry opened the meeting with an elaborate display, outlining those venues plus his future plans that include 1,000 treehouse-style short term rental cabins, hotel, equestrian facility and a massive headquarters office for the 4,300-acre property that spans two counties.

About half a dozen area residents spoke in favor of the project, but there was overwhelming opposition. Those who did not want the project cited many reasons, including watershed issues, increased traffic, insufficient law enforcement, reduction in property values and environmental impact. But the most common objection was the project would destroy the quality of life.

One man summed up the issue when he said, “I like what we’ve got here. I don’t want to lose it.”

Attorney Kasey Sturm addresses commissioners

Kasey Sturm, an Atlanta attorney who represents an area homeowner, said if the project is approved, it would likely be overturned in court because it does not comply with the agricultural district for which it is being proposed.

“We believe the proposed uses for this project are of a scale and magnitude that go beyond what is authorized in that agriculture designation,” she said.

Sturm pointed out the property is full of natural resources. “There are water resources, designated trout streams, non-designated trout streams. Under state and local law those must be protected. There are two watershed lakes that are in place, designed to control water that is coming down now. They are not designed to be water retention for the proposed development. One of the biggest things we see with large scale developments like this is adverse water quality and water quantity impact. Those water quantity impacts can be devastating to downstream property owners.”

Commission Chairman Chris Dockery reminded those in attendance the SLUA process was only intended to address three uses – ATV trails, motocross and the amphitheater.

“This isn’t like a carte blanche process to approve anything Mr. Stansberry wants to do,” he said. “Each one of those things would have to be submitted and go through a review process just like any other development. There has been no site plan submitted for anything.”

Despite criticism from one or two speakers, it should be noted that commissioners repeatedly encouraged citizens to express their opinion, listened carefully for nearly four hours, interrupted infrequently and, in the end, wanted time to consider the public’s comments.

Chris Dockery

City/County Officials Host GMRC at Camp Merrill

News October 30, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

City/county officials from all across north Georgia attended the GMRC meeting at Camp Frank D. Merrill last week.

DAHLONEGA, Ga. – The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners and the City of Dahlonega hosted the monthly meeting of the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) Thursday in the dining facility at Camp Frank D. Merrill, the US Army Ranger facility.

The GMRC serves local governments of the Georgia mountains region by improving the quality of life through economic development, community planning, information technology, and workforce development to support and enhance the region’s prosperity.

Named for the famous Ranger General of World War II in the Burma Campaign, Camp Merrill is the home of the US Army’s 5th Ranger Training Battalion, where Ranger candidates receive mountain warfare training.

Lumpkin County staff and elected officials attend GMRC meeting.

Lumpkin County Commission Chairman Chris Dockery welcomed city and county officials from all across north Georgia. County Manager Stan Kelley, a former Army Ranger, Commissioners Bob Pullen, David Miller, Rhett Stringer and Bobby Mayfield attended along with Fire Chief David Wimpy and Public Works Director Larry Reiter.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Michael Hack briefed the audience on the rigorous training regimen ranger candidates undergo in order to accomplish their mission of providing logistical support, training, mobilization, deployment, supporting, sustaining and reconstituting forces.

Roseann Kent, director of the Appalachian Studies Center at the University of North Georgia, explained how the center provides students with a unique opportunity to discover the arts, history, music and nature of southern Appalachia through community engagement, service learning, undergraduate research and creative activities. The center is located on the Dahlonega campus across the street from Price Memorial Hall in the Historic Vickery House.

Lumpkin County Mayoral candidate Sam Norton (right) receives recognition during Small Business Week for his Picnic Cafe.

Dahlonega City Councilman Sam Norton, who is running for mayor in the Nov. 7 election, was given special recognition by Congressman Doug Collins’ office for during Small Business Week for the small business he started in Dahlonega called Picnic Café.

The GMRC also held a Workforce Development Board Meeting in the second floor conference room of the Lumpkin County Administrative Building in Dahlonega.

Bobby Mayfield Chris Dockery David Miller Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Rhett Stringer Sam Norton

Lumpkin Commissioners Table Tree Ordinance

News March 22, 2017 , by Bill Johnson

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners was prepared to pass a Timber Ordinance at Tuesday’s meeting until property owners Kathy Norris and Kenneth Beasley raised a few questions about who the ordinance would impact.

Their public comments demonstrated the importance of citizens attending commission meetings and the commissioners’ decision to table the issue until the ordinance could be more clearly defined demonstrated their willingness to listen to the citizens.

Commissioner Bobby Mayfield thanked Norris and Beasley for their comments and Commissioner Rhett Stringer’s motion to table the issue until the next meeting was unanimously approved.then Chairman Chris Dockery said he would work with City Manager Stan Kelley on a clarification.

The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the public, roads and environment from companies engaged in timber operations in the unincorporated area of Lumpkin County. It is specifically aimed at timber operators engaged in buying, harvesting or hauling timber in the county for commercial or profit-making purposes.

The Board honored the Lumpkin County Parks and Recreation 12 and under girls basketball team which became the first Lumpkin County in history team to win the state championship.

April was proclaimed to be LifeLink Donate Life month and Child Abuse Awareness month.

The Board also approved:

⦁ The 2017 Comprehensive Plan and dissolved the Comprehensive Plan Committee;
⦁ Appointment of Steven Ferguson and Jim Curtis to the Development Authority;
⦁ Appointment of John Gerheim to the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee;
⦁ A low bid of $679,175.78 by Colditz Trucking to resurface 6.55 miles of county roads under the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG);
⦁ A low bid by Townley Construction for tree removal project at Wimpy Airport;
⦁ A low bid of $390,000 by Mobil Communications to install a digital radio system for the Sheriff’s Office and Public Safety;
⦁ The submission of a Local Government Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement Application;
⦁ An agreement with Greg Amos to operate the Parks and Recreation Concession Program;
⦁ Starting the process of the abandonment of Wimpy Road;
⦁ Execution of a Quit Claim or Abandonment of Wilson Drive;
⦁ A Hazardous Waste Trust Fund;
⦁ A letter of support to Georgia Department of Transportation for the replacement of the Roy Grindle Bridge;
⦁ Revenue Audits;
⦁ A bid by Quinn Design and Concepts of $21,000 to design plans for Fire Station 7 at Frogtown;
⦁ The work plan for the 2014 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST);
⦁ Issuance of an alcohol beverage license to Robert Warner, doing business as White Oaks Bistro.

Chris Dockery Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Rhett Stringer

Voters Elect Dockery to Second Term as Chairman

News, Politics May 25, 2016 , by Bill Johnson

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — Chairman Chris Dockery was re-elected to a second term on the Lumpkin County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

The Army veteran received 2,089 votes to defeat District 1 Commissioner Doug Sherrill who had 1,692 votes.

Dockery said the one thing he most wants to accomplish in his second term is to build a better relationship between the city and county. “That is important,” he said. “What we do as a county impacts the city and what the city does impacts us. So, we have to work together.”

Dockery is a business owner who has held many leadership roles in civilian and military life.

“I’ve commanded troops in peace time and in war time overseas,” he said. “That experience prepared me. There is nothing like leading men when their lives are on the line. I’ve also held leadership positions here in the county. I chaired the Development Authority for several years and served as Vice Chair of the Water Authority.”

David Miller beat Bill Scott 2,150 to 1,430 to win the District 1 County Commission seat.

All other local races will have to be contested in the June 26 runoff.

Bobby Mayfield, who had 1,511 votes in Tuesday’s County Commission District 2 race, will run against Steve Shaw who had 1,187.

Long time teacher Mera Turner and Catherine Ariemma will also meet in next month’s runoff. Turner had 1,668 votes to Ariemma’s 1,152.

Amanda Jones won the closest race of the day beating Jim Sheppard by just 18 votes. Jones had 1,262 votes to Sheppard’s 1,244. Incumbent coroner Ronald Fortner finished a distant third with 1,014 and Diane Kimmel had 246. Jones and Sheppard are headed for the runoff.