Racing Legend Raymond Parks to be Honored by Commissioners
News January 18, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will honor Dawson County native and stock car racing legend Raymond Parks at Thursday’s meeting. The commissioners will declare Jan. 20 as Raymond Parks Day.
Parks began his career as a stock-car owner in 1938 with drivers Lloyd Seay and Roy Hall and dominated the sport into the late 1940s and early 1950s. He owned the car that won the first NASCAR title in 1948 and the first premier series title in 1949. His team produced two premier series wins, two poles, 11 top fives and 12 top 10s in 18 events. On Friday, January 20, Parks will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Commissioners will also hold the first of public hearings on a request by the Purchasing Department to update the county’s purchasing policy.
Purchasing is requesting to change the policy that required county commission approval and two public hearings for any departmental purchase of $15,000 or more. The new policy, if approved, would increase the level of purchase to $25,000.
The Board will also vote on a request by Perry Betterton to rezone 2 acres from RSRMM (Residential Sub-Rural Manufactured/Moved) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) for an existing duplex.
Under New Business, the Board will consider:
An Intergovernmental Agreement with Hall County for the Public Defender’s Office;
The 2017 State Contract for the Public Defender’s Office;
The 2017 Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant;
Appointment of vice chairman for the Board of Commissioners;
Reappointment of the County Clerk;
Consideration of Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) Easement;
Appointments of Mike Ball to the Industrial Building Authority Board.
Thurmond, Gaines Take Place on Board of Commissioners
News January 13, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners welcomed two newcomers to the first meeting of the new year Thursday. New Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond presided over the work session and special called meetings and Chris Gaines took his seat as the new commissioner representing District 2.
First order of business during the work session was for the new Board to consider a request by Public Defender Brad Morris to renew an intergovernmental agreement with Hall County to share the cost of two employees in the Public Defender’s office equally. The contract has been in place since 2005. The expense required to fund the IGA ($70,059.13) has been requested and approved in the 2017 budget.
Morris also presented a request that the county renew a contract with the State of Georgia to fund the cost for one attorney and one administrative assistant as State employees in the Georgia Public Defender’s Council.
The contract covers the two employees’ salaries and cost of employment as set forth in Attachment B to the State Contract, and a 5 percent management fee ($180,186.32).:
Next, Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford presented a request for his department to apply for a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER). The grant program was established to assist local fire departments with staffing and deployment capabilities in order to respond to emergencies safely and meet National Standards.
The grant is 100% covered for the cost of salary and benefits for two years.The only cost the county would incur would be the cost of uniforms and gear (approximately $2,000.00 per employee per year). At the end of the two years, the grant offers three options – employing agency assumes responsibility of the cost; apply for a hardship extension to the grant if local funding is limited; termination without penalty.
After two years, the cost for 6 employees would be $231,702 plus benefits. The cost for nine employees would be $347,553.
Commissioners will appoint a vice chairman at the next regular meeting and is expected to renew the contract with Danielle Yarbrough.
During the special called meeting that followed immediately after the conclusion of the work session, commissioners appointed new members to the county’s Planning Commission.
Commissioner Sharon Fausett appointed Jason Hamby to the commission with Haynes Johnson to serve as alternate.
Commissioner Gaines appointed John Maloney with Jeff Looper to serve as alternate.
Commissioner Jim Hamby appointed Tim Bennett with Joan Gibbs to serve as alternate.
Commissioner Julie Nix appointed Neil Hornsey with Mike Miller to serve as alternate.
Chairman Thurmond appointed John Dooley but has not named an alternate. All appointees terms will run concurrently with the commissioner who appointed them.
Commissioners Approve FY 2018 Budget
News September 22, 2017
Chairman Billy Thurmond
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners approved a FY 2018 budget of $25,516,312, an increase of 4.98 percent over last year’s budget during Thursday’s meeting.
Chairman Billy Thurmond made it clear from the start of the budget process that one of his goals would be to set a realistic budget that did not overestimate the amount of revenue the county would receive.
Commissioners faced several hurdles in balancing the budget. A wage and salary study last summer indicated that county employees were underpaid. To rectify that situation, commissioners approved a salary increase that totaled about $1.08 million. The amount the county pays for employee healthcare also rose by approximately 18 percent.
To help balance the budget and to maintain the 8.138 millage rate, commissioners reduced the fund balance (reserves) by $1.4 million.
The new budget includes $7.3 million for the Sheriff’s Office, an increase of about $500,000 over last year, but stops short of the $8.1 million Sheriff Jeff Johnson requested. During several meetings with commissioners, Johnson said $7.3 million is not enough to allow him to fulfill the duties of his office.
The dispute does not necessarily end with the adoption of the budget. Sheriffs are constitutional officers, elected by the citizens. If push comes to shove, the sheriff can take his appeal through the court system.
Asked today if he and his attorney, Joey Homans, plan to exercise that option, Johnson said, “We have some evaluation to do. We will probably decide by the end of next week.”
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
County, Sheriff Spar Over Budget Request
News September 20, 2017
Chairman Billy Thurmond
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson and the Board of Commissioners butted heads over the sheriff’s budget request during a called meeting Tuesday afternoon.
Johnson says he cannot provide the services required of his office on the $7.3 million budget commissioners have proposed. He requested $8.1 million. But commissioners say Johnson’s predecessor, Billy Carlisle who retired last year, provided those same services on a budget of only $6.8 million. They say the half million dollar increase they have proposed plus a significant pay raise for all county employees, including the sheriff’s office and another $300,000 for capital expenditures, is all the taxpayers can afford.
Sheriff Jeff Johnson
Commissioners will consider the arguments made by Johnson and his attorney, Joey Homans, until Thursday when the final budget is set to be adopted.
In initiating the discussion, Chairman Billy Thurmond said, “It is our goal to help you meet your needs. By no means do we want to run your department. We have no idea how to run your department. That takes money and we’re looking for every means and every way to generate the revenue.”
Commissioner Chris Gaines echoed that sentiment, saying, “I want the very best Sheriff’s Office this county can afford.”
Commissioner Chris Gaines
It is worth noting that the sheriff’s budgeting process is unlike any in state government. Commissioners control the budget, but sheriffs are constitutional officers, elected by the citizens. Their budgets cannot be cut unless the sheriff agrees. If push comes to shove, the sheriff can take his appeal through the court system.
Johnson may have been setting the stage for that when he said, “If you look at our budget, just the line items, take away the salaries and benefits, our budget was reduced. Our overall budget was reduced. That’s where we’re at. We come into this process short on staff, short on uniforms, short on equipment and short on a long laundry list of items.”
Both sides would like to avoid litigation because taxpayers would be forced to pay the legal fees of both the commission and the sheriff’s office, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Commissioner Sharon Fausett
Commissioner Sharon Fausett opened the door to future opportunities for the sheriff’s office to achieve some increases, saying, “This budget isn’t written in stone but we have to start somewhere.” She indicated that she might be open to future adjustments in the budget if revenue rose above expectations and the need was warranted.
“But I don’t want to get below the 15 percent contingency fund,” she said. “I don’t want to raise property taxes and I don’t want to borrow money. I want us to be fiscally responsible.”
Commissioners questioned why the sheriff chose to make purchases outside the county’s purchasing department where discounts and other efficiencies are available. They say that is a duplication of services that costs taxpayers more money.
Johnson explained that for big ticket purchases, in excess of $100,000, he does use the purchasing department but added, “I’m accountable to the voters of Dawson County for how I spend my money and why I choose certain contractors. But often times, the lowest bid will get you just that, the lowest quality. He cited two examples of contractors the county selected in the past that he felt failed to do live up to their contract.
Commissioners have argued in the past that the Sheriff’s Offices in Lumpkin and White counties serve a larger population but have a smaller budget than what is being proposed for Dawson, a county with a population of about 23,000.
For example, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office budget is $6.6 million and its population is 29,966 while the budget for White County Sheriff Neal Walden is only $5.4 million for a population of 28,000.
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
Commissioners Review 2016 Audit Report Thursday
News June 21, 2017
Dawson County Board of Commissioners
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Chris Hollifield, managing partner with Rushton and Company, will present the results of the 2016 Dawson County audit when the Dawson County Board of Commissioners meet in a work session at 4 p.m. Thursday.
The audit will show that the county’s General Fund revenue increased by 5.41 percent from 21,054,087 in 2015 to $22,183,220. At the same time expenditures rose by 6.73 percent from $20,186,557 to $21,734,253. Sales tax accounted for 40.86 percent of last year’s revenue while property taxes generated 32.3 percent.
The county has maintained a very healthy fund balance of $5,102,625 or 24.6 percent of expenditures. The Association of County Commissioners Georgia recommends not less than 15 percent.
The county’s aging voting machines are 16 years old and can’t be fixed, so commissioners will consider a request from Elections Supervisor Glenda Ferguson to purchase 65 voting machines from San Diego County at a cost of $39,194.90. The machines were used only once before the county decided to go to paper ballots.
The Board of Commissioners budgeted $35,000 this year for installation of a LED message board at the entrance to Veterans Memorial Park and Senior Services. The project came in under budget and Parks and Recreation is requesting approval of a contract with the low bidder Metro LED in the amount of $29,966.
The Magistrate Court is asking commissioners to add $1,000 to its current budget to pay for federally mandated interpreters. The amount budgeted for this year was expended in June.
Etowah Water and Sewer Authority (EWSA) will seek county approval to renew financing with Bank of the Ozarks for a joint project with the county in 1998 to provide a sanitary sewer facility to serve Georgia 400 retail/outlet. The loan has been paid down to about $1.4 million and the current note is now due. Though the note is in the name of EWSA, the County has indirect liability on the note
There also will be a discussion of the formation of a citizen committee to study commissioners’ compensation. It has been 12 years since the salaries were reviewed.
Commissioners to Consider Hiring Admin Assistant for County Planning and Development Deptartment
News April 11, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Traffic in the Dawson County Planning and Development Department has increased by 41 percent in the past 12 months, leading department director Jason Streetman ask the Board of Commissioners’ approval to create a new administrative assistant position to help with the workload.
Streetman will make his case at the next work session scheduled for April 13 at 4p.m.
The department has increased revenue by 32 percent from $545,000 in 2015 to $720,000 in 2016. At the same time, Streetman says customer traffic has increased permitting, inspections and the administrative workload. As a result employees are having to report to work early, work through lunch, and stay late to get the work done.
Streetman says, if approved, the new employee would assist in answering the phone, greeting the public, accepting & keying in permits, scheduling inspections, ordering supplies, processing & reviewing business and alcohol license to include background inspections and processing excise tax, assisting the planning director in admin support on special projects and creating/coordinating the planning commission meetings and BOC agenda items.
Streetman will also request permission for the Extension Office to host a rabies clinic for the community in the parking lot of the courthouse. Pets are never loose on the grounds. Rabies shots are administered while the pet stays in the vehicle. If approved, the event will be held on Saturday, 4/22/17 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Commissioners will also consider a request to increase the pay for the County Clerk from $5,000 annually to $10,000.
The position was originally a full-time position, but since 2012, it has been combined with other full-time positions. The recent salary study recommended a salary range of $38,962 to $60,392 for the position based upon its daily duties.
Commissioners Select Julie Nix as New Vice Chair
News January 20, 2017
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Julie Nix, now in her fourth term, was named vice chairman of the Dawson County Board of Commissioners Thursday and Danielle Yarbrough was reappointed to new term as County Clerk.
The Commission’s busy agenda included proclaiming Jan. 20 as Raymond Parks Day in honor of the Dawson County native and stock car racing legend Raymond Parks, who dominated the sport into the late 1950s. He owned the car that won the first NASCAR title in 1948 and the first premier series title in 1949. His team produced two premier series wins, two poles, 11 top fives and 12 top 10s in 18 events.Parks was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame Friday.
Commissioners also held the first of two public hearings on a request by the Purchasing Department to update the county’s purchasing policy which required county commission approval and two public hearings for any departmental purchase of $15,000. The new policy, if approved, would increase the level of purchase to $25,000.
The Board approved a request by Perry Betterton to rezone two acres from RSRMM (Residential Sub-Rural Manufactured/Moved) to RMF (Residential Multi-Family) for an existing duplex.
Under New Business, the Board also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Hall County for the Public Defender’s Office, the 2017 State Contract for the Public Defender’s Office, the 2017 Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and the appointment of Mike Ball to the Industrial Building Authority Board.
Commissioners Will Consider Increase in Funding for Juvenile Court
News December 7, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Juvenile Court Judge Alison Toller is hoping the third time is a charm when she comes before the Dawson County Board of Commissioners at Thursday’s work session to request additional funding to pay for attorneys for indigent parents and children. Toller s asking to increase the amount paid to the child’s attorney by $10,000, the parent’s attorney buy $5,000 and the court reporter by $1,200.
This will be the third request for additional funds to pay for attorneys. The county has always paid attorneys for parents who could not afford to hire their own attorney. Indigent Defense uses the same screening process for parents in dependency cases and individuals charged with crimes. In January of 2014, a law established requiring all cases to have an appointed Guardian ad Litem and required the appointment of an attorney for every child.
Natalie Johnson will ask the board to approve payment of an invoice to Hall County to pay a portion of the salaries and benefits for both Judge Burton and Judge Toller to Hall County. Hall County invoices Dawson County each quarter based on payroll reports generated from their payroll system.
Commissioners will also consider a request for Dawson County to serve as the fiscal agent for Family Connection for FY 2017.
Purchasing Director Davida Simpson will present an updated county purchasing policy for the commissioner’s approval.
Senior Center Director Dawn Pruett will ask the Board to approve an amendment to the Legacy Link contract that will increase compensation to Dawson County in the amount of $3,917;, decreases the Dawson County Match for Non Federal Funds in the amount of $3,850 and increase Dawson County Match for Local Funds in the amount of $566.
Planning Director Jason Streetman will present the 2016 Capital Improvement Element (CIE) update.
County Manager David Headley and individual members of the commission have been meeting to consider the possibility of taking on legal counsel internally, leading staff to consult with outside agencies that have provided a job description and salary ranges directly related to that function. Headley will appear before the Board to ask for a recommendation on how he should proceed.
Commissioners will also consider the appointment of Mike Ball to the Industrial Building Authority Board to replace Tom Alexander.
Hwy. 53 Townhome/Condo Development Back on Tuesday’s Agenda
News December 10, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Tuesday’s Dawson County Board of Commissioners meeting could be both lively and lengthy with three highly controversial rezoning requests, one public hearing and nine New Business items on the agenda.
ZA 1604, 1605 and 1606 have been around since last summer. They involve the rezoning of more than 76 acres off Ga. 400 and Hwy. 53 East to facilitate the construction of 330 town homes/condos and a retail development.
One 15-acre plot, located between Slack Auto Parts and Farmington Creek, would contain a 95-unit town home development bordered by Dawson Forest Apartments on the west. The land, located off Hughes Court, is currently being used as a rental mobile home park.
The other 57-acre plot would be located across Hwy. 53, next to the Tractor Supply and the Dawson County Government South Annex would include 240 housing units, tennis courts, swimming pool and clubhouse. Both developments will target senior citizens 55-years and up.
The developer is also requesting rezoning for land next to the 240-unit development to be used as a commercial business. That land comprises 3.63 acres and is proposed to house a 41,000 square foot retail center.
The developments have drawn opposition from neighbors whose main concern is the traffic that will be generated. They have formed the “Stop 335 Townhouses on Elliott Road” group, signed a petition to oppose the rezoning and created a web page to provide information updates.
New Business items expected to be voted on include a request for additional funding to cover attorney’s fees for the Juvenile Court and to pay an invoice from Hall County.
The meeting will begin at 6 p.m.
Commissioners Reject Controversial Rezoning
News December 20, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Commissioners said no to two controversial zoning requests that would have allowed approximately 330 single-family housing units for seniors age 55 and up in the 400-corridor on Hwy 53 East at Tuesday’s meeting.
One 15-acre plot, located between Slack Auto Parts and Farmington Creek, would have contained a 95-unit town home development bordered by Dawson Forest Apartments on the west. The land, located off Hughes Court, is currently being used as a rental mobile home park.
The other 57-acre plot would be located across Hwy. 53, next to the Tractor Supply and the Dawson County Government South Annex and would include 240 housing units, tennis courts, swimming pool and clubhouse. Both developments would have targeted senior citizens, 55-years and up.
Commissioners did approve ZA 16-04, to rezone 3.63 acres from Residential Agriculture to Residential Multi-Family for retail sales.
The developments drew great deal of opposition from neighbors whose main concern was the traffic that would be generated. They formed the “Stop 335 Townhouses on Elliott Road” group, signed a petition to oppose the rezoning and created a web page to provide information updates.
Commissioners rejected the proposal on the grounds the development would negatively impact property values of the surrounding property, the health, safety and general welfare of the public and would impose special hardships of the surrounding property owners.
The Board also formally ended its agreement with Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks and McKenna to provide legal services to the county and move forward with hiring a staff attorney
County Manager David Headley has said the decision is “mainly an efficiency and economics issue.” Headley said the county was billed $190,673.64 for legal services in 2015 and $167,530.69 thus far in 2016.
New Commissioner’s Top Priority is Improved High-Speed Cable Access
News December 9, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — When Chris Gaines is sworn in on Dec. 22nd, he will bring a strong record of public service to the Dawson County Board of Commissioners.
A graduate of North Georgia College and State University with a degree in Business Management, Gaines has been a Dawsonville City Councilman, a member of the Board of Directors for the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce, a founder of Boy Scouts of America Troop 422 as well as a member of the Lion’s Club and the Jaycees.
Gaines has laid the groundwork for his first year in office by attending meetings of Georgia’s Joint High Speed Broadband Communications Committee throughout the state.
“My first priority will be to expand our fiber optic network and bring more options for high speed internet connectivity to our homes, schools and businesses,” he said.
As a former City Councilman, Gaines believes he can help strengthen the relationship between city and county government and the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority.
“I’d like for us to begin holding meetings in order to end some of the power struggles we have seen,” he said. “We won’t agree on all things but at least we can communicate in a spirit of cooperation.”
Gaines said the Board of Commissioners has done a great job, considering the economy they have had to work with the past few years and he credits county employees for their contributions.
“Our county employees are our No. 1 asset,” he said. “We need to listen to our employees more and develop good two-way communications. They have developed a culture of excellence across all departments.
Gaines is well aware of the growth spurt that is headed for Dawson County and says the county has to be prepared for it.
The key to good quality growth, he said, is a viable land use plan developed with a lot of input from our citizens. “We have a need for entry-level housing for our service employees, teachers, police and firefighters. We must balance the type of growth we need with the quality of life we all want.”
Dawson County Closer to Hiring Staff Attorney
News December 12, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Although there has been no formal vote, Dawson County is one step closer to ending its relationship with the law firm of Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks and McKenna and hiring a staff attorney after a 12-member committee met today and began to outline the scope of work that would be expected if such a hire should take place.
Because Commissioners Jim Hamby, Julie Nix and Sharon Fausett are members of the committee, it is almost certain they will vote to make the change when the Board of Commissioners meets in regular session Tuesday.
County Manager David Headley said recently that the decision is “mainly an efficiency and economics issue.”
Headley said the county was billed $190,673.64 for legal services in 2015 and $167,530.69 thus far in 2016.
Monday’s meeting came after Chairman Mike Berg, who will be leaving the Board at the end of this month, cautioned fellow commissioners to be careful what they wish for, however.
Berg said when he was member of the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners in the 1980s the same decision was made and, “The first couple of years we spent twice as much as we planned.”
The legal services agreement with Fox, Chandler, Homans, Hicks and McKenna will end on Dec. 31.
Commissioners End County Funding for Development Authority
Business November 11, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. –The Board of Commissioners approved the $24.2 million FY 2017 budget Thursday, but not until adopting several amendments proposed by District 3 Commissioner Jimmy Hamby, one of which was to withhold a $154,000 in county funding for the Development Authority.
Hamby proposed removing $150,000 from agency’s budget plus another $4,000 in the form of a meeting stipend.
The Board’s action comes after the Authority entered an agreement with Kroger last year that grants the company tax relief.
Authority Executive Director Charlie Auvermann said without the relief, Kroger would have moved its existing store to a site outside Dawson County.
“Keeping Kroger in Dawson County and making sure Kroger built one of their new flagship Marketplace facilities was considered to be of the utmost importance,” he said.
Kroger has since announced it will relocate the Dawsonville store to the new retail development going in at the southwest corner of Ga. 400 and Dawson Forest Road.
Other budget amendments approved include the elimination of one new position in the Human Resources Department, removal of a supplement for the Public Defenders office and meeting stipends for the Parks and Recreation and Library Boards.
The amendments resulted in a budget reduction of $168,251.23.
In other business, Tammy Wood read a proclamation declaring Nov. 18-24 Farm-City Week in Dawson County.
Commissioners also heard:
A request from Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Henson to approve a standard services contract in the amount of $44,400 annually with Amicalola Officials Association to provide umpires and referees for Parks and Rec games;
A request from Transit Director Dawn Pruett for approval of a FTA Section 5311 grant to provide operating and capital funds for the Transit Department in the amount of $118,644.29 to be matched by the same amount from the county;
A request from Purchasing Director Davida Simpson to approve updates to the county’s Bid Ordinance and Purchasing Policy adopted in 2007 and move to schedule two public hearings.
Items discussed during the work session can be voted on by the Board at the next regular meeting.
Commissioners Cancel Bid on Covered Walkway at the Government Center
News November 4, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Commissioners were hoping to move forward with construction of an awning and covered walkway at the Government Center but no qualified bidders attended a mandatory pre-bid meeting on Oct. 14 and, as a result, they canceled the bid for now.
Purchasing Director said during the work session last week that she would continue to look for qualified contractors to do the work.
After two public hearings on Oct. 13 and Oct. 27, the board approved a revision to the Ambulance Billing ordinance that sets the fees for Basic Life Saving non-emergency services at $350 and Basic Life Saving emergency services at $400. Advanced Life Saving Level 1 non-emergency services are set at $350, Advanced Level 1 emergency services are $500 and Advanced Life Saving level 2-emergency services are $675. The mileage fee is $13 per mile.
In other votes, Commissioners also approved:
Renewal of a lease on Shoal Creek Road to Mike and Milan Wallace to grow vegetables for $200 per year;
An amendment to the 2016-’17 Emergency Management Performance Grant that makes Emergency Management Agencies that complete the mandatory activity and reporting requirements for GEMA to receive a 50/50 matching grant to support EMA activities such as mitigation, preparation, and response to emergency situations;
Approved the application of the 2017 Local Maintenance Improvement Grant in the amount of $369,131.93 that requires a 30 percent county match in the amount of $110,779.58;
Appointment of Chris Conowal to the Dawson County Parks and Recreation Board for a term beginning Nov. 2016 and running through Dec. 2021.
All votes were unanimous with Commissioner James Swafford unable to attend the meeting.
County to Receive $369,131 from State Fuel Tax
News October 28, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Director of Public Works David McKee outlined projects included in the 2017 Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) at Thursday’s Dawson County Board of Commissioners Work Session.
LMIG is a state program that allocates counties money collected by the State Fuel Tax. This year, the state allocated $369,131.93 to Dawson County. The grant requires a 30 percent match of $110,739.58 for a total fund of $479,871.09.
McKee said the funds will be utilized to make repairs to Harmony Church Road, Beartooth Parkway, Henry Grady Highway, Hemlock Drive, Sunshine Court and Stoneridge Estates.
Commissioners also held the second public hearing on the Ambulance Billing Ordinance Revision. The proposed fees are set as follows: Basic Level Non-Emergency Services $350, Basic Level Emergency Services $400, Advanced Level 1 Non-Emergency $350, Advanced Level 1 Emergency $500, Advanced Level 2 Emergency $675 plus $13 per mile.
The Board also discussed renewal of an annual contract to lease a small parcel of land on Shoal Creek Road to the Wallace Brothers to grow crops for $200 per year. The county has leased the same land to the family for more than 20 years.
Department of Emergency Services requested the Board approve the state’s Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) of $8,028 for the 2017-18 budget year. Commissioners approved the grant earlier this year, but the amount was reported to be $7,199 and required a 50 percent county match. The amount was in error and required another vote by commissioners.
Purchasing Director Davida Simpson requested the Board cancel Bid 284-16IFB for construction of an awning and covered walkway at the County Government Center.
Simpson reported that a mandatory pre-bid meeting was held on Friday, October 14 and that no vendors attended. Simpson said staff is investigating alternative solutions to move forward with the project.
Issues discussed in a work session are generally voted on at the next voting meeting.
Variance for “Clothing Optional” Resort Approved
News October 21, 2016
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Nothing brings concerned citizens to a Board of Commissioners meeting quite like a rezoning request by the owner of a “clothing-optional resort” to expand the facility.
When Jeff Wasserman, owner of Paradise Valley Resort, appeared before Dawson County commissioners Thursday to ask for approval to grow his facility by 5.946 acres, 22 RV sites, 38 tent sites and six cabins, every one of the 161 seats in the meeting room was filled. Thirty-nine people stood against the back wall and many more stood outside in the lobby. In fact, Emergency Services Director Lanier Swafford stood at the door to count out the final 39 to ensure the room did not exceed its 200 capacity. Outside the government building, it looked a lot like a Donald Trump a rally as the line stretched all the way around the corner of Dawson County’s Government Building.
Considering the issue, the crowd was very well behaved. The only outburst came at the end as the audience, almost all Paradise Valley supporters, loudly cheered the Board’s 3-1 approval of the request. Only Commissioner James Swafford voted against it.
Chairman Mike Berg wisely moved the issue to the top of the agenda. After the vote, the crowd shrunk to about two dozen as most everyone headed for the exit.
Six people spoke on the issue, three in favor and three opposed. Wasserman said he has attempted to be a good neighbor and keep the facility enclosed and private so as not to offend his neighbors.
Jim Hildreath, said, those who live or vacation at Paradise are a good group of people. “They are not what people have been led to believe.” Hildreath said there are doctors, lawyers, carpenters and many military veterans at the resort.
Nancy Cofield, who owns property adjacent to the resort saw things differently. She said she felt like the shepherd David going against Goliath and added, “I have nothing bad to say about them as long as they stay on their property.”
She complained that living next door to the facility kept her from enjoying her property. “I have grandchildren and I can’t use my property the way I would like because we can’t go outside without seeing a naked man.”
In the final analysis, the Board accepted the unanimous recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the variance.