ARC awards Development Authority $50,000

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Development Authority of Dawson County was presented a check for $50,000 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Tuesday (Nov. 19)  to support the completion of an economic development strategic plan.

The check provides fifty percent of the funding for the total grant project which supports the development of a professional strategic plan for economic development for Dawson County. Once completed, the strategic plan will include a target industry analysis to encourage the attraction of high quality jobs, an analysis of potential locations and infrastructure needs for future light industrial and office growth, a strategy to maintain the destination retail position Dawson County currently holds, and recommendations for green/open space acquisition to maintain the high quality of life that is so important to local citizens. Community engagement will be a key element throughout all stages of plan development.

“The Development Authority has been working hard behind the scenes with the Chamber to develop a comprehensive, strategic approach to our economic development efforts. We’re excited that the ARC has recognized these efforts and our potential by funding a substantial portion of our strategic planning process,” said Development Authority Chairman, Brian Trapnell.

“The result will be a professionally developed, multi-year document outlining how we can grow as a community while maintaining the quality of life important to Dawson County residents and businesses. The future of economic development and the resulting opportunities for our residents in our community is bright and the ARC grant is one more exciting step in helping us move forward to that future.”

The check was presented at the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission’s November meeting which was held at Atlanta Motorsports Park in Dawsonville. The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) is a strategic partner of the Development Authority and Chamber and assisted in writing the grant.

The GMRC Economic Development Division assists communities with economic and community development, asset based development, social infrastructure, physical infrastructure, and workforce development needs that lead to the creation and maintenance of employment opportunities for residents, a strong tax base for local governments, and a safe, secure, and viable community.

The funding for this study is drawn from the Appalachian Regional Commission. The work of the ARC specifically serves to strengthen the economy and improve living standards in the Appalachian region which includes 420 counties across 13 states. The ARC has funded numerous projects over the years that have supported job creation, encouraged business development, increased education and job training opportunities, and improved telecommunications, infrastructure and transportation in the Georgia Mountains Region. In the last five years, the ARC has invested $6 million in funding and has leveraged $7.8 million in local funds, created 1,089 jobs, retained 685 jobs and generated $218 million in private investment for the region.

The Development Authority of Dawson County issued a request for proposals for the development of the strategic plan, which will be the first of its kind for this community, in October and expects to select a firm by December. The planning process and community engagement sessions will begin in January 2020. The final plan is expected to be delivered in August 2020.

 

PHOTO Representatives (listed left to right) pose with $50,000 grant check presented to the Development Authority of Dawson County. (Daniel Martin, Director of Economic Development, GA Mountains Regional Commission; Brian Trapnell, Chairman, Development Authority of Dawson County; Annaka Woodruff, Program Manager, Appalachian Regional Commission; Betsy McGriff, Economic Development Director, Dawson County Chamber; Christie Moore, President, Dawson County Chamber; Billy Thurmond, Chairman, Dawson County Board of Commissioners; Mike Eason, Mayor, 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. 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

David Headley chosen GMRC Official of the Year

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) named Dawson County Manager David Headley Appointed Official of the Year at a meeting in the Dillard House in Rabun County Friday.

The GMRC is a sub state district created by local governments to promote proper development of human, natural, physical, social and economic resources in 13 counties (Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White) as well as 51 cities. Being chosen Appointed Official of the Year in a group of public servants of that size is a very big deal.

In presenting the award, GMRC Executive Director Heather Feldman said, “This year’s Appointed Official of the Year award celebrates an individual who is dedicated to serving the public and who has shown passion and commitment not only to the county for which they serve, but the GMRC Council and staff as well. He has one of the most uplifting, caring, and cooperative attitudes in the public service realm.”

She added, “He is a hard worker who understands the value and importance of community and his compassion, stellar leadership abilities, and willingness to help others is to be commended. He is a man of true integrity and this is amplified by his desire and passion to help people. His policies and initiatives exemplify and demonstrate the values and ethics held so esteemed within the local government profession.”

In a phone interview Monday, Headley said, “It is an extreme honor to have been recognized and selected among such other dedicated and supportive GMRC applicants. I can’t say enough about the great work they do for Dawson County and the member counties it serves. I’m moved the team that selected above the other candidates collectively felt that mine and Dawson County’s commitment rose to this level. The GMRC is the true recipients of this award for the outstanding service it provides. It is with great respect and admiration for their organization that I accept this award on behalf of Dawson County.”

County Commission Chairman Billy Thurmond said, “David is very deserving of the award. He does a good job representing the citizens of Dawson County. He has also worked well with the GMRC on several projects, including the comprehensive plan.”

District 2 Commissioner Chris Gaines said, “We’re lucky to have him. The drive, dedication and energy he has put into his role as county manager has been a good thing for Dawson 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

 

 

Rezoning request postponed until April meeting

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — The Dawson Village Partners, LLC rezoning request that was scheduled to go before the Dawson County Planning Commission on March 19, will be postponed until the next meeting in April.

Dawson Partners, LLC is proposing a massive mixed use village to be located on a 974-acre site at the northwest corner of the intersection of Lumpkin Campground Road and Ga. 400 west, crossing the Etowah River and reaching Etowah River Road.

Developers are awaiting the results of a development of regional impact (DRI) study being conducted by the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission before moving forward.
DRIs are large-scale developments that are likely to have regional effects beyond the local government jurisdiction in which they are located. The Georgia Planning Act of 1989 authorized the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish procedures for review of these large-scale projects.

These procedures are designed to improve communication between affected governments and to provide a means of revealing and assessing potential impacts of large-scale developments before conflicts relating to them arise.

At the same time, local government autonomy is preserved since the host government maintains the authority to make the final decision on whether a proposed development will or will not go forward.

 

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

GMRC asks public’s help in drafting a regional plan

News

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) is in the process of updating its regional plan, the state-required document that helps shape the commission’s work program and its ability to coordinate support for member local governments.

As part of this process GMRC has created an online survey asking people to give their thoughts on select issues and priorities for the region. This survey will be accessible through March 31 and is open to anyone with a vested interest in the GMRC region. To offer your thoughts, visit http://www.gmrc.ga.gov/RegionalPlan.htm

The updating process is required every five years, in addition to the annual performance updates, so that the GMRC, our member local governments, and our partners can all affirm the general needs, issues, objectives and action items to be prioritized by the Commission.

The GMRC is a sub-state district created by local governments in 1962 under provisions of Georgia Enabling Law. The purpose of the GMRC is to locally promote and guide development of human, natural, physical, social and economic resources in the Georgia Mountains Region. The area covers 3,500 square miles, and includes Banks, Dawson, Forsyth, Franklin, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White counties.

 

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

 

 

 

County Set to Begin Property Revaluation Process

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – Dawson County is about to undertake a massive property revaluation and equalization project that could take up to two years and cost more than half a million dollars. County commissioners will discuss the project during Thursday’s work session which begins at 4 p.m.

Equalization is the process of bringing about conformity to a common standard so the property of one shall not be assessed at a higher or lower percentage of its fair market value than the property of another. Some 15,000 parcels, 12,000 residential homes 1,800 commercial/industrial properties and 200 pre-bill mobile homes will be included in the project.

This will be the first time the county has contracted the work. Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions and Services (GMASS), the only company to bid on the project, submitted a bid of $588,300.

Chairman Billy Thurmond will ask the Board to consider approval of a professional services agreement with Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) in the amount of $1,000 to prepare and submit a Community Development Block Grant regarding Senior Center Expansion. If approved, funding would come from the Grant Fund Contingency for potential grants.

Finance Director Nancy Neikirk will ask the Board to approve a budget amendment in the amount of $869,006, most of which is related to the reimbursement the county received for the 2015 winter storm clean up ($652,994). Approximately $36,000 is related to the 2016 compensation increase approved after the 2016 budget was adopted. About $48,364 is for Risk Management’s Special One-time Return for Safety. The remainder is attributed to donations received in 2016 as well as carryover of donations from the prior year.

Other items on the agenda include:

  • Presentation of Fire House Subs and Chick-fil-A Dawsonville Fund Raising Opportunities to Support Dawson County Emergency Services;
  • Presentation of a request to surplus three fire apparatuses;
  • Presentation of Scrap Tire Storage and Disposal Draft Ordinance;
  • Presentation of Dawson County Rotary Club request to contribute handicapped accessible playground equipment for the playground at Rock Creek Park;
  • Presentation of FY2017 Legacy Link addendum;
  • Presentation of FY2018 Legacy Link contract;
  • Presentation of a revised travel policy;
  • Re-appointment of Susan Roof to the Library Board.

Commissioners do not vote on agenda items during a work session. The purpose of a work session is to discuss items that may be voted on at the next regular meeting.

Hill Will be a Strong Advocate for Business if Elected

News, Politics

To provide voters the information they need to make an informed choice in the May 24 General Primary election, Fetch Your News will work hard to present a profile of each candidate running for public office. All candidates will be contacted and offered an opportunity to respond to questions.

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. — Architect Peter Hill, who has served on the Dawson County Development Authority and Georgia Mountains Regional Commission for many years, will be a strong voice for the county’s business community if he’s successful in his bid to become county commission chairman.

Hill notes that two of the strongest business-centric representatives on the Board of Commissioners, Chairman Mike Berg and James Swafford, will resign this year. “I’ve worked in the private sector for 35 years,” he said. “My depth of experience as well as my concern about the burdens placed on private industry make me a superior candidate.”

Hill believes the growth steamrolling down the 400 corridor from Atlanta through Forsyth County and now taking aim on Dawson County presents great opportunity and great challenge.

The opportunity: “Strong economic development acts as the vital engine for our entire community,” Hill said. “It relieves the burden of taxes on homeowners and provides the opportunity for our citizens to live, work and play here.”

At the core of that development is the fiber optic cable network that now runs throughout the county.

“That gives us the opportunity to bring in high tech jobs like data centers and medical industry professionals that will help balance the tax digest,” Hill said.
He sees retail development as “low hanging fruit” and wants to attract tourism, a technical park, conference center and a major hotel like Marriott.”

I want to attract jobs where our kids can graduate and then stay here and work.

The challenge: Hill said the biggest challenge is managing the growth in such a way as to preserve the county’s natural beauty and resources.

“As chairman, I would put our environment at the very pinnacle of what we are going to protect,” he said. “We have to maintain the beauty and increase our appreciation and awareness of our affect on the natural resources we have here.”

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