Commissioners table decision on alcohol ordinance
News May 6, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on modifications to the county’s alcohol ordinance Thursday then tabled a final vote until the May 17 meeting.
County Attorney Lynn Frey has worked been working on changes as directed by commissioners, including licensing, permit fees, disciplinary issues, microbreweries and administrative issues and incorporated them into a revised new ordinance. No one spoke in favor of or in opposition to the changes during the public hearing
Commissioners approved an addendum to the 2018 budget to allow $6,463 to be added to the Juvenile Court due to an increased case load and a requirement that every child have an attorney. The increase will come from the county contingency.
Commissioners approved the bid of $56,306 from Don Jackson Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to purchase an F-700 dump flatbed for the Public Works Department. A bid was also approved to accept offers submitted by Griffin Contracting as the primary contractor and Allied Paving as the secondary contractor for milling machine rental services for one year with two optional renewal terms.
The county has contracts with heavy equipment movers to transport machinery from site to site, but if a mover is not available, staff must drive equipment, causing undue wear and tear on equipment as well as additional salary and mileage. Commissioners approved bids received by Tractor and Equipment (TEC) trailer in the amount of $79,350 for the Roads Department.
The Georgia Department of Community Supervision’s (DCS) Misdemeanor Probation Oversight Unit (MPOU) has reviewed the contract for probation supervision and rehabilitation services, which was executed by and between Dawson County and Northeast Georgia Probation Services Inc. (NGPSI) in 2017 and requires a modification to the contract’s period of service.
The modification was reviewed by Trial Court Administrator Reggie Forrester and signed by Chief Judge Andrew Fuller and was approved unanimously by county commissioners.
Heather Tierney was unanimously approved for reappointment to the Parks & Recreation Board.
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
Robertson Loia Roof makes offer county can’t refuse
News April 11, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Parks and Recreation Director Lisa Henson was in the process of obtaining quotes for the renovation of the Veterans Memorial Park gymnasium when she learned about a surprising bid from the architect and engineering firm of Robertson Loia Roof.
In a letter to Henson, Duane Roof, the company’s vice president and lead design architect, said they would do the work at no cost to county taxpayers.
Robertson Loia Roof is a leading architectural and design firm that has worked with Georgia school systems for more than 30 years. The company’s portfolio includes design work for Dawson County Junior High School, Gainesville Middle School and Fair Street International Academy in Gainesville.
The generous offer includes architectural design services and the construction of a stone and wood canopy at the front entrance to the gym. The project had been budgeted for up to $150,000.
The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will discuss the project and Robertson Loia Roof’s offer during Thursday’s work session scheduled for 4 p.m. in the County Government Center Assembly Room.
Other items on the board’s agenda include:
⦁ A request by Robin Allen to hold a gathering at the Dawson County Courthouse in observance of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 3, from 6-7 p.m.;
⦁ A request for new computers and additional scanners for the Tax Commissioner’s Office;
⦁ Revisions to the county’s alcohol ordinance;
⦁ Presentation of 2018 Arbor Day Proclamation;
⦁ Presentation of Special Event Business License Application for Amicalola Regional Farmers Market;
⦁ Presentation of Special Event Business License Application for Hacienda Cinco de Mayo event;
⦁ Presentation of Special Event Business License Application for Motorcycle Endurance event;
⦁ Presentation of South 400 Center Lane Road acceptance;
⦁ Presentation of Request for Partial Abandonment of Will Hall Road;
⦁ Discussion of Video Recording System for Assembly Room; and
⦁ Presentation of Board Appointments to the Industrial Building Authority and Library Board.
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 approve 52-acre senior-living campus-style development
News April 8, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — A major mixed-use, senior-living campus-style development at Hwy. 400 and Castleberry Road moved one step closer to reality Thursday when the Dawson County Board of Commissioners agreed to amend the existing zoning of the 52.42-acre site from Commercial Planned Comprehensive Development.
The request was made by Richmond Honan Development and Acquisitions, LLC. The county Planning Commission recommended approval.
Plans for the development include 130,000 square feet of medical/office space, 31,500 square feet of retail, 141,000 square feet of assisted living space and 70,000 square feet for a 128-room hotel. Stipulations approved by commissioners include a maximum of 200 independent living units, 40 loft dwelling units above the retail space and 60 senior-living duplexes.
County commissioners approved a request by the Sheriff’s Office for two additional school resource officers (SRO) and additional funding for off-duty officers to handle traffic control at the schools for July 1 through Dec. 31.
The board also granted Sheriff Jeff Johnson’s request for a permit to hold a 51-mile motorcycle ride for Relay for Live April 14 from 9 a.m. until noon. The event will begin and end at Dawsonville’s Georgia Racing Hall of Fame.
Following a public hearing, the board voted 4-0 to approve a draft Capital Improvements Element as part of the county’s consideration of an impact fee program.
Under new business, the board also approved:
⦁ A request to upgrade a part-time clerk position in the Magistrate Court to full time;
⦁ An increase in pay for a clerk in the Magistrate Court who has achieved Georgia Information Crime Center Certification;
⦁ An annual salary increase of $5,000 for the county attorney;
⦁ The purchase of emergency medical supplies for Emergency Services;
⦁ Ratification of FY 2018 Homeland Security Grant Program application in the amount of $14,400 with no county match required;
⦁ Writing off old debt for ambulance service deemed uncollectable;
⦁ The appointment of Jo Ann Overstreet Hause to the Tax Assessor Board; and
⦁ The appointment of George Lyons, Bob Speight and Judy Baer to the Tree Preservation Committee. Commissioners took no action on five requests from residents of Gold Creek to be annexed into the city of Dawsonville.
Chairman Billy Thurmond read a proclamation declaring April National Donate Life Month that was adopted unanimously by the board. LifeLink is Georgia’s non-profit organ and tissue recovery organization. More than 5,000 people in Georgia are awaiting a transplant. One donor can save 75 lives. Each day, 22 people die because an organ does not become available. To sign up for organ or tissue donation, visit www.donatelifegeorgia.org.
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
Sheriff asks county to reallocate $397,318.58 remaining in his 2017 budget to 2018
News March 21, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson has asked the Board of Commissioners to reallocate $397,318.58 that was left unspent in his 2017 budget to his 2018 budget. County policy dictates that an overage in any departmental budget must be returned to the General Fund.
Johnson sent an email to the Board of Commissioners Tuesday which states: “Lately, there has been much discussion about excessive funds remaining in the S.O. (Sheriff’s Office) 2017 Budget. It has been asserted that these funds may have been applied to a CAD System or other needs. I ask you to simply reallocate those remaining funds to this 2018 budget. Although I cannot say with all certainty that this amount would completely cover the cost of a new CAD System, I believe it would. Remaining funds could be applied to other needs such as SWAT equipment, etc.”
FetchYourNews (FYN) obtained a copy of that email via an open records request. Johnson himself confirms what FYN reported last week: “That he could have purchased the CAD system and had money left over.”
County officials have repeatedly recommended that he allow the county Finance Department and Purchasing Department to assist him. It is a free resource that, to this point, the sheriff has declined to utilize.
Several county officials have questioned whether Johnson knew he had money left in the 2017 budget.
County Manager David Headley said, “We are at a loss to understand why he would not address more of his needs if he did know. It could have been used. He could have used it to fund whatever he wanted. He could have gotten the CAD system and the SWAT equipment.”
Several sources who were present when Johnson addressed a Leadership Dawson class recently said when he was asked how much money remained in his budget his answer was: about $100,000.
On the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Johnson advises, “Always consider the source” in reference to a recent FetchYourNews article. That is excellent advice.
The source of the following information is Johnson himself. The sheriff has claimed that a significant population increase has led to an increase in law enforcement activity. However, he provided a report to the county recently that contradicts that claim.
His report shows a decline in citations, traffic stops and arrests over a 10-year period, and more importantly, during his first year in office.
Between 2007 and 2017, citations declined from 2,323 to 914. Traffic stops dropped from 9,254 to 4,473 and arrests declined from 2,273 to 1,494.
Looking only at Johnson’s first year in office, citations dropped significantly from 1,727 in 2016, to 914 last year. Arrests fell from 1,665 to 1,494. Only traffic stops showed an increase from 4,170 in 2016 to 4,473 last year.
Johnson’s claim that the county population has increased significantly, likewise, is not accurate. In rejecting the sheriff’s lawsuit against the county, Senior Superior Court Judge Fred A. Bishop said research shows that Dawson County’s population has only increased by an average of 1 percent per year for the last 10 years.
The first quarter of 2018 will end soon. Hopefully, it is the year in which the sheriff and Board of Commissioners can work out his differences for the sake of all county taxpayers.
Judge rules against sheriff’s lawsuit against county
News March 16, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Senior Superior Court Judge Fred A. Bishop has ruled against Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson in his lawsuit against the Dawson County Board of Commissioners.
Johnson claimed the $8,273,080 budget approved by the commissioners for 2018 is inadequate for him to perform the duties of his office. He requested his budget be set at $8,961,406.
FetchYourNews will have more details as they become available.
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 expected to say no to pay hike
News February 28, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Elected officials rarely say “thanks but no thanks” to a proposed pay raise. However, that is what Dawson County commissioners are expected to do when they meet in a voting session Thursday at 6 p.m.
During last week’s work session, Tara Hardwick, chairwoman of the commissioners’ compensation committee, presented her committee’s findings which indicate Dawson County commissioners are paid less than their counterparts in 10 counties with similar populations and growth projections.
She also noted that commissioners had not received a pay increase since 2005 and recommended a 2 percent increase beginning in Jan. 2019.
Chairman Billy Thurmond thanked the committee then said commissioners are in agreement they would not accept a pay raise until they were able to authorize the 2 percent increase for which county employees are in line. Thurmond explained the study was undertaken because enabling legislation requires a study be conducted every four years. The last study was conducted in 2005.
Commissioners are also expected to vote on the Dawson County Humane Society’s request to purchase the land where the animal shelter is located. Carolyn Bowen, president of the organization, explained there will be no cost to the county because a benefactor will provide funding.
A couple of issues introduced by Dawson County Emergency Services Fire Chief Lanier Swafford also will be decided. Swafford requested permission for the Johns Creek Fire Department to temporarily park one new firetruck in one of the bays at the county’s firehouse. Johns Creek is constructing a firehouse, and the new fire truck arrived before their firehouse was completed.
Swafford also wants commissioners to approve an application for the Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant Program. The grant is offered by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF) in memory of Gwinnett County career firefighter Brant Chesney, who lost his life Dec. 27, 1996, battling a fire as a volunteer with the Forsyth County Fire Department.
Other items on Thursday’s agenda include:
- Approval of the commissioners’ 2017 expenses which total $2,214;
- Consideration of a contract with Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill to dispose of solid waste collected as the Dawson County Landfill; and
- Consideration of annexation requests by Gold Creek residents to be annexed into the city of Dawsonville.
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 approve addition of a $100,000 emergency contingency to the general fund budget
News April 19, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – By the narrowest of margins, Dawson County commissioners voted Thursday to add $100,000 contingency to the general fund budget that County Manager David Headley will have the authority to spend in case of an emergency without receiving Board authorization.
Prior to the vote, Dist. 2 Commissioner Chris Gaines asked for three stipulations: The expenditure would require dual signatures from CFO Vickie Neikirk and Headley, a maximum amount of $25,000 for each emergency expenditure with an aggregate amount of $100,000 annually and the expenditure be included in the public record at the next Board of Commissioners meeting.
Chairman Billy Thurmond, Dist. 3 Commissioner Tim Satterfield and Gaines voted to approve the contingency.
But Dist. 4 Commissioner Julie Hughes-Nix and Dist 1 Commissioner Sharon Fausett, who wanted Headley on a shorter leash, voted no.
Nix reminded commissioners that the money they spend is not theirs, but belongs to taxpayers and that commissioners should maintain a tighter control on spending.
“I would really like to know up front what it is,” she said. “I’m really guided by the fact that the money belongs to our citizens and we need to be more accountable.”
In other decisions, commissioners voted to approve a Landbridge Development, LLC request to rezone property located between Krystal and the movie theater just off Hwy. 400 from Commercial Highway Business to Residential Multi Family for the purpose of building five apartment buildings with 12 rental units each.
Commissioners unanimously approved Amber Popphan’s request for a variance to the Land Use Resolution that will allow her to build a mobile home on property of less than five acres that was given to her by her father.
The Board also approved a request by Planning Director Jameson Kinley to hire an Alcohol Licensing administrative assistant at a rate of $15.84 per hour.
Two weeks ago, the county received a low bid from CT Darnell to execute a design-build contract for Fire Station 9. However, no contract was awarded and since then, the county discovered it could save as much as $75,000 by entering into negotiations with Darnell. Commissioners unanimously agreed to allow the negotiation to proceed.
The Board also voted 4-0 to approve a local share commitment letter for Legacy Link.
Thurmond read a proclamation to celebrate Arbor Day on April 26. The event this year will be celebrated by the Dawson County Tree Preservation Committee and Keep Dawson County Beautiful planting a tree on April 26th and encouraging others to plant trees across the county.
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
Board of Commissioners schedules work session Thursday
News March 27, 2019
DAWSONVLLE, Ga. – Dawson County Commissioners will consider awarding a contract to Ross and Associates in the amount of $8,100 to update the county’s Land Use Plan commercial and residential zoning classifications when they meet for a work session at 4 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room Thursday (March 28).
The county sent our several request for bids but Ross and Associates’ bid was the only one received. Ross and Associates is the same company that conducted the impact fee study for the county.
Commissioners will also consider:
- MLH Farm/Uncle Shuck’s application for a special event business permit to continue with its agritourism business, which includes a corn maze, sunflower maze, and this year includes the sale of Christmas trees this year. Uncle Shucks has relocated from its previous location on Hwy 53 to Bannister Rd (off Hwy 9 South;
- A request by the 4H Rabies Clinic for a parade and assembly permit. This will be the fifth year that the Extension office has hosted the Rabies Clinic. Participants will drive into the courthouse parking lot off of Shoal Creek Road, park, register, return to vehicles and drive to the vet in the upper parking lot. They will then exit back onto Shoal Creek Road;
- Hiring an Alcohol Licensing Administrator at a pay range of $17.00 to $26.35 per hour;
- A request by Public Works Director David McKee to apply for the 2019 Local Maintenance and Improvement Safety Grant.to help pay for signing, striping and marking county roads. Georgia Department of Transportation has committed $100,000 for this project. The grant requires a 30 percent match from the county and the application must be submitted to GDOT by April 1;
- A request to surplus/demolish the Transfer Station Weigh Station Modular Office now that commissioners have approved construction of the new Public Works Complex;
- A presentation updating the 2019 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Program;
- A request by Chief Financial Officer Vickie Neikirk for creation of a General Fund Contingency of $100,000 in the 2019 Budget;
- Presentation of Board appointment of Tom Camp to the Board of Tax Assessors through 2019.
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
BOC will register opposition to two bills in General Assembly that would ban local government regulation of building standards
News March 6, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners will join a growing number of local governments all across Georgia in opposing two bills now being considered in the General Assembly that prohibits them from regulating design standards on one- and two-family homes in their communities.
The Board will vote on a resolution opposing Georgia House Bill 302 and Senate Bill 172 during Thursday’s voting session which starts at 6 p.m. in the Government Center Assembly Room.
The bills are being promoted by developers and homebuilders. But opponents like Larry Hanson of the Georgia Municipal Association say the bills strip local residents of the right to govern themselves.
Commissioners are also expected to vote on acceptance of several grants, including Violence Against Women Act Grant, the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council K9 Grant, Council of Accountability Court Judges / Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Enhancement Grant for Dawson County Treatment Court and Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant
In other business, the Board will consider:
- Awarding a contract for design-build services for Fleet/Public Works complex to Charles Black Construction in the amount of $3,289,777;
- A request by Emergency Services Director/ Fire Chief Danny Thompson to purchase two fire trucks from Ten-8 Fire and Safety Equipment Co. in the amount of $1,301,038.
- Approval of mobile device tablets for Emergency Services;
- Approval of Board of Commissioners’ expenses;
- Adoption of Capital Improvements Element of the Comprehensive Plan;
- Annexation request os Dan S. and Vanita Anderson.
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
Board of Commissioners delays approval of comp plan again
News January 21, 2019
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — For the second straight week, the Dawson County Board of Commissioner couldn’t decide if would be best to approve the comprehensive plan using the same future land use map it has used for years or replace it with a character area map.
Both maps display every parcel in Dawson County. The future land use map uses more narrow guidelines in assigning zoning classifications while the character area map is reportedly more flexible.
At Thursday’s (Jan. 17) work session, Chairman Billy Thurmond said, “There is some more work that is going to be done on that map that has been requested.”
Part of the reason for the Board’s indecision is that the future land use map presented on Jan. 10 contained some errors that needed to be corrected.
The comprehensive plan is the road map commissioners use to plan for future growth. The state requires counties update the plan every five years and submit it to the Department of Community Affairs in order to attain Certified Local Government status and to be eligible to receive state grants.
The county has held numerous public information meetings and conducted an online survey to keep citizens in the loop about the proposed plan.
Speaking at the Jan. 10 public hearing, Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Moore said speaking on behalf of the Chamber, “We would argue that the character area makes absolutely the most sense. I hear the argument about it being less restrictive, but I would also say it empowers the commission more to help be part of that process.”
Speaking at the same meeting, Long Range Planning Committee Co-Chair Terri Tragesser said, “We have more comfort at this time in staying with the (future land use) map as opposed to the character areas. Not because we don’t think that could have value but we just at this point don’t know enough about it to feel comfortable with it. I’ve seen future land use maps in high-growth areas serve very well as opposed to the character area maps, but you have to put some overlays on those maps so that they are specific.”
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
Head-on collision in Dawson County closes Hwy. 53
News, Police & Government August 31, 2018
On August 31, 2018 at 08:09, Dawson County Emergency Services (DCFES) responded to a head-on collision in the area of Highway 53/Highway 183. This was a passenger vehicle versus tractor trailer incident; crews found one female victim entrapped in her vehicle. DCFES Company 1 utilized the “Jaws of Life” to extricate the patient from the vehicle at 8:27am.One female was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in stable condition with non-life threatening injuries. DCFES Station 6 responded for manpower to assist with the extrication of the patient.
SFC Curtis W. Bradshaw with Georgia State Patrol, reported that the Toyota Camry was driven by 30 year old Ashley Enyart of Marble Hill, GA. The tractor trailer was driven by 62 year old Miguel Arrieta-Villarreal of Woodstock, GA. Enyart was traveling West on Highway 53, when she crossed the centerline in the left hand curve. Arrieta-Villarreal was traveling east on Highway 53 and was negotiating a downhill right hand curve; the Toyota Camry struck the left front corner of the Freightliner tractor trailer. After impact, the Camry rotated approximately 180 degrees and came to rest facing east in the westbound lane. After impact, the Freight-liner continued traveling east and ran off the roadway onto the north shoulder striking a ditch and embankment.
Enyart was transported by ambulance to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville where she was treated for her injuries and released. Mr. Arrieta-Villarreal had a complaint of injury but declined transport to the hospital.
According to DCFES, the incident closed Highway 53 between the intersection of Hwy 183 and Duck Thurmond Rd, but has since been reopened.
Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be involved or a factor. There was no evidence either driver was distracted at the time of the crash. Enyart was cited for driving on the wrong side of the road.
Photos were taken by Danny Thompson, Dawson County Fire & EMS
BOC votes to join lawsuit against federal government
Business July 21, 2018
DAWSONVILLE Ga. – The Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday (July 19) to participate in a class-action lawsuit against the federal government to recover money the county is due under the Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program.
The PILOT program allows the federal government to make payments to local governments in lieu of paying property taxes on federal lands within eligible counties.
Late last year, Kane County, Utah filed litigation against the federal government in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking to recover the balance of funds created by underpayments to the counties. The court ruled those underpayments must be paid and the case was certified as a class-action lawsuit, which allows other counties that were under paid to opt into the lawsuit at no cost to the counties.
There is no cost to the county to join the lawsuit and the county could recover thousands of dollars owed to its taxpayers.
“There is no downside to and there is a good possibility the county could obtain a modest amount by way of the class action,” County Attorney Lynn Frey said last week.
The U.S. Forest Service and Corps of Engineers owns more than 9,000 acres in Dawson County and has been receiving payments under that program since 1999. In 2017, the county received a check for $21,990 and has been advised it will receive a check for $25,835 this year. Should commissioners opt into the class action lawsuit, Frey estimates the county could recover between $3,500 and $5,000.
The federal government can still appeal the court’s decision, but Frey says he has seen no indication it will do so.
In other decision, the Board of Commissioners approved:
- An alcohol license for Pokeyaki to serve beer in its restaurant at 145 Forest Blvd. Suite 450;
- The transfer of a retail package alcohol license permit for Dawson Fine Wine and Spirits at 46 Blue Ridge Parkway;
- A request by the Development Authority of Dawson County (DADC) to accept the bid of AHC Contracting for the purpose of integrating the economic development activities through the co-location of DADC within the Chamber of Commerce office at a cost of $12,470 plus $2,000 for moving expense;
- The site plan for Piedmont Properties for construction of Dawsonville Self Storage with the stipulation the buffer be expanded. Once the building plan is complete, it must come back before the Board of Commissioners for approval;
- The capital investment element of the county’s Comprehensive Plan;
- Retaining the Athens-based law firm of Blasingame, Burch, Garrard and Ashley to represent the county in multi-district opioid litigation to recover expenses incurred by the county arising from the ongoing opioid crisis.
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
Chairman says commission cannot accept pay raise until county employees get long-awaited increase
News February 25, 2018
BOC Chairman Billy Thurmond
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Tara Hardwick, chairwoman of the commissioners’ compensation committee, presented the findings of her committee at last week’s Dawson County Board of Commissioners work session. After a review of 10 similar-sized and adjacent counties, Hardwick said the committee recommends the commissioners and chairman be given a 2 percent increase in base pay beginning in January 2019.
Hardwick said the study found the average annual pay in the 10-county area is $9,818 for commissioners and $13,774 for commission chairmen. Dawson County Commissioners earn $9,600 and Chairman Billy Thurmond is paid $12,000 annually.
Hardwick said, “We took into consideration current and projected population growth as well as the desire to attract only the most highly qualified candidates.” She also pointed out commissioners had not had a pay increase in 12 years other than the annual cost of living allowance (COLA), which is regulated by the General Assembly.
Thurmond said, “Enabling legislation requires us to do this every four years, and it hasn’t been done since 2005. So, this isn’t intended to give county commissioners a big raise and new car but to get us into compliance with our own rules.”
Thurmond thanked the committee for its hard work but added, “(The Board) is still in agreement that as long as we haven’t given our employees the 2 percent pay increase they are in line for, we will not accept one for the board at this time.”
Carolyn Bowen informed the board the Dawson County Humane Society is interested in buying the land it has leased from the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority. Bowen, the organization president, said in order to receive funding to continue to build and improve the shelter, the Humane Society needs to own the land. Bowen said funding will come from a major benefactor who has significant concerns that the organization does not own the land under the building in which the trust has invested.
Dawson County Emergency Services Fire Chief Lanier Swafford said that the city of Johns Creek had requested permission to temporarily store one of its new fire trucks in one of the empty bays at a Dawson County firehouse until its new firehouse has been constructed. Swafford added that if an intergovernmental agreement is approved, the county will have no financial liability for any damage that may occur.
Swafford also asked commissioners to consider approval of a grant application for the Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant Program. The grant is offered by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF) in memory of Gwinnett County career firefighter Brant Chesney, who lost his life Dec. 27, 1996, battling a fire as a volunteer with the Forsyth County Fire Department. If awarded, this grant would fund the purchase of a fire extinguisher simulator training aid. The maximum amount of each grant is $3,000 and the deadline for applications is March 30, 2018.
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
Humane Society will attempt to buy land it currently leases from Dawson County
News February 21, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Carolyn
Bowen, president of the Dawson County Humane Society, will ask county commissioners to consider selling the 5.3 acres of land on which the animal shelter is built when the Board of Commissioners meets in a work session Thursday at 4 p.m.
The Humane Society has leased the land from the county since 2005 for $1 a year and the county leases the land from the Etowah Water and Sewer Authority for the same amount. The lease agreement is for 50 years.
However, Bowen said in order to receive funding to continue to build and improve the shelter, the Humane Society needs to own the land. Bowen added the Humane Society has a major benefactor who has significant concerns that the organization does not own the land under the building in which the trust has invested.
Late last year, commissioners appointed a committee to conduct a study of current compensation and to make recommendations for future compensation for board members. After reviewing compensation of 10 comparable Georgia counties, Tara Hardwick, chairwoman of the committee, will present a recommendation at Thursday’s meeting
Dawson County Emergency Services Fire Chief Lanier Swafford will present a proposal for an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the city of Johns Creek for apparatus storage.
Swafford also will ask commissioners to consider approval of a grant application. The Chesney Fallen Firefighters Memorial Grant Program is offered by the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation (GFBF) in memory of Gwinnett County career firefighter Brant Chesney, who lost his life Dec. 27, 1996, battling a fire as a volunteer with the Forsyth County Fire Department.
Grants awarded under this program are to be used by Georgia fire departments to develop a new program or enhance an existing public life safety program, dedicated to fire safety and burn prevention education.
Dawson County Emergency Services has received this grant in the past, and it was used to fund the department’s fire safety house used at schools and other events. If awarded, this grant would fund the purchase of a fire extinguisher simulator training aid. The maximum amount of each grant is $3,000 and the deadline for applications is March 30, 2018
Accounting and Budget Manager Natalie Johnson will present the 2017 Board of Commissioners’ expenses, and Public Works Director David McKee will present the disposal services agreement with Advanced Disposal/Eagle Point Landfill.
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
Billy Carlisle announces run for county commission
News January 25, 2018
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Former Dawson County Sheriff Billy Carlisle, who retired just one year ago, announced today that he will run for the District 3 seat on the Board of Commissioners. The seat is currently held by Jimmy Hamby, who announced recently he will not run for reelection when his second term ends in December.
Carlisle said, “I still have the desire to serve the community and our citizens. I’ve always enjoyed helping people.”
Fetch Your News will have more details as they become available.
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
Sheriff’s lawsuit against the county heads to court
News December 27, 2017
County Manager David Headley
DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – The dispute between Dawson County Sheriff Jeff Johnson and the Board of Commissioners over the 2018 budget will move to Senior Superior Court Judge Fred A. Bishop’s courtroom Friday, Jan. 12, at 9:30 a.m.
On Dec. 18, Bishop ordered county commissioners to appear before him to show cause why Johnson’s petition for mandamus “should not be issued as requested and such other relief be granted as the facts of the case may warrant.”
Johnson filed the petition for mandamus claiming the $8,273,080 budget approved by the commissioners for 2018 is inadequate for him to perform the duties of his office. Johnson requested his budget be set at $8,961,406.
Commissioners argue the budget represents a one-year increase of close to $1 million and is the largest increase awarded to any county office in 2018.
In fact, figures released by the county show that the sheriff’s office budget has increased by $2.3 million since 2014. County Manager David Headley said the sheriff’s budget grew by $525,381 in 2015, $348,648 in 2016, $457,632 in 2017 and $985,277 in 2018.
Moreover, a Georgia Department of Community Affairs survey reveals that Dawson County citizens pay more per capita to operate the sheriff’s office and jail than any other county in north Georgia. The survey of 26 counties shows Dawson County citizens pay $273 each, followed by Rabun County where citizens pay $210.
Several county officials have complained the sheriff wastes taxpayer dollars by not following the county’s purchasing policy of awarding bids to the lowest, most competent and qualified bidder.
Headley said the county has repeatedly reached out to the sheriff to offer assistance in matters such as human resources, finance and purchasing, and grants and maintenance.
“We have a well-trained staff and policies in place, which can help with compliance with the law and doing things in the most efficient and economical way,” Headley said. “Our offers have frequently been ignored or declined.”
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