BOC approves 145-unit development off Hwy. 53

Business

Chairman Billy Thurmond

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners approved two rezoning requests for Jim King Thursday, one for ZA 21-08 to rezone 30.48 acres off Hwy. 53 and Forest Road  from RA (Residential Agriculture) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) for the purpose of developing a 145 semi-attached residential neighborhood. The vote was 3-1 with Commissioner Laura Fausett opposed.

The Board also unanimously approved King’s request to rezone 23.11 from RA (Residential Agriculture) and CCB (Commercial Community Business) to CHB (Commercial Highway Business) for the purpose of building a retail/office/warehouse space.

The Board also:

  • Approved a request by Robert Garner for a special use permit for the purpose of placing a mobile home on less than 5 acres in a RA (Residential Agriculture) zoning;
  • Approved a request by Sal Rincione on behalf of Crave BBQ to vary from the Dawson County Alcohol Ordinance Chapter 6 Article II Section 6.31 – Poured alcoholic beverages shall be transported from point of dispensing to the customer by permitted employees only – for the purpose of operating a self-serving beer wall;
  • Approved moving forward with a Public Hearing for a Timber Harvest Ordinance Update
  • Approved the emergency purchase for installation of a new commercial hot water heater at Fire Station 1 from K.E. Greene Mechanical/Hydronics for $11,937.78;
  • Denied a request by Martin Labaca to rezone TMP 076-126 from RSR (Residential Sub-Rural) to RA (Residential Agriculture) for the purpose of down zoning the parcel.

During the work session, Amanda Wilkson of Bates and Carter presented the annual financial report during the work session. She noted that the county had received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the14th year in a row in 2019 and will receive it again this year.

The report showed that county revenues had increased $3.67 million, or 13 percent, in the last year while expenditures had increased by only $1.4 million, or 6 percent.

Commissioner Sharon Fausett

Planning Director Jameson Kinley asked the Board to authorize the transmittal of the draft Capital Improvements Element 2021 Annual Update to the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission for Regional and State review, as per the requirements of the Development Impact Fee Compliance Requirements adopted pursuant to the Georgia Planning Act of 1989.

Human Resources Director Brad Gould proposed the following amendment to the county employees Handbook whereby employees may receive a one-time payout of up to 40 PTO hours each calendar year for any unused PTO, provided that a minimum of 40 PTO hours must be left remaining in the Employee’s PTO balance not including sick bank subsequent to the payout.

County Attorney Angela Davis presented and update on the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Dawsonville Concerning Howser Mill Road Construction Project.

Commissioners then began a discussion of the fiscal impacts of a Land Use Report. Chairman Billy Thurmond pointed out that residential property generates only one dollar in tax revenue for every $1.16 invested but a .71 cent investment in commercial property generates one dollar in tax revenue.

“As we try to balance commercial and residential growth, when we look at zoning, this study gives us a lot of good information to do that,” Thurmond said.

County Commissioner Sharon Fausett responded by stating, “This type study shows the importance of balanced growth. A county must have commercial and industrial development to cover the cost of residential growth, especially once the cost of schools is considered. Furthermore, not only commercial land use, but also having and maintaining agricultural land is beneficial because it too generates a fiscal surplus once schools are considered and it provides environmental amenities and benefits to the community. Having a well-balanced digest can help distribute the cost of government while keeping taxes lower.”

 

Forsyth County to supply water to EWSA

Business

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. – Etowah Water and Sewer Authority will soon have an additional source of water during times of need for the Needham Road area.

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners agreed to provide a connection to its water system once a new intergovernmental agreement (IGA) is drafted. EWSA has had an agreement with Forsyth County for two decades to provide water connections at Blue Ridge Overlook and Govan Road. But the agreement has been amended four times and county attorneys decided it would be best to draft a new agreement.

Forsyth County Interim Water and Sewer Director Barry Lucas said, “It goes along with what the state wants us to do; connect with other systems. An Act by the General Assembly in 2010 required systems to interconnect so they can help each other out during times of need.

Forsyth County is under contract to purchase water from the City of Cumming. “Our agreement with the City recognizes this connection with EWSA,” said Lucas.

County Commissioners adopt FY 2021 budget

News

DAWSON COUNTY, Ga. – The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the $30,788,031 FY 2021 General Fund budget during the Thursday (Dec. 3) voting session, following a third and final public hearing. The overall budget is $47,399,332.

The new budget is 2.12 percent less than last year’s budget and will conform to a reduction in the millage rate from 8.088 to 7.885. Commissioners anticipate using $1,926,355 from the fund balance. Property taxes are expected to generate 40 percent of the revenue and the local option sales tax should generate 20 percent.

Christie Moore

The largest expenditure for 2021 is expected to be the Sheriff’s Office budget of $8,478,523 followed by Public Safety at $5,995,561. The county will hire six new firefighters for Fire Station 8.

The meeting started on a somewhat emotional note as Dawson Chamber of Commerce President Christie Moore announced that after eight-and-a-half years, she will leave at the end of the year to accept the position of president of the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber.

“We have a lot of great memories and I want to thank you for what you have done and the time you put in for our community and our citizens at large,” she said. “People don’t always see what you do. I’m sad to be leaving. Thank you so much for the last eight-and-a-half years.”

Commissioners also unanimously approved a motion to purchase a ladder truck for the fire department at a cost of $1.2 million with a decision to be made later regarding funding. Commissioners could elect to make the purchase from special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST VI), the General Fund or enter into a lease agreement.

 

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