Gilmer County Election Results for Post 2 Commissioner Run-Off – FINAL
Election June 21, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Gilmer County’s election polls have closed and results are being tallied in the Probate Court Office of the Gilmer Courthouse. Polls closed at 7:00 p.m. and results are currently being tallied with Gilmer focused on the runoff for its Post 2 Commissioner position.
With only one local race remaining on the ballot. Citizens spent last week on early voting and today at the precinct locations. FYN will be updating this article as the night progresses and new results are collected. When concluded, the article will be updated with “FINAL” in the title.
Until then, county officials are continuing to work to complete the election night proceedings. Judge Scott Chastain has announced the results of early voting in-person and no precincts. Current results are as follows:
Post 2 Commissioner – 4,559 total votes
John Marshall – 3,028 votes / 66 %
Tom Whatley – 1,531 votes / 33 %
Whatley has offered his congratulations to Marshall in the Gilmer County Post 2 Commissioner election. He offered a statement saying, “It was hard fought and I think this county is now awake with regard to what they want for housing. I think the county is awake and going to pay more attention to Planning and Zoning meetings as well as Board of Commissioner meetings. I hope my supporters stay active and engaged. I hope every thing goes well.”
Post 2 Commissioner Elect John Marshall also offered a statement at the end of the night saying, “I am humbled at the outcome and highly grateful to everyone who supported us. Everyone has worked hard and been kind. I look forward to being able to serve the citizens of Gilmer County in the next four years.”
An introductory interview with Post 2 Candidate Gary Engel
Election April 3, 2022
A 12-year resident of Gilmer County, Retired Army Colonel Gary Engel looks to his experiences, expertise, and the community for the Board of Commissioners and his campaign towards that office. That concept of that campaign is planning.
A graduate of the University of South Alabama and the ROTC program there, he later got a Master’s Degree from the United States Naval War College with a focus in National Security and Strategic Studies. He served as a Chief Operating Officer for all logistical operations while in Iraq and also served three years on the Army Science Board. In total, Engel served for 28 years in the Army.
After the Army, Engel joined Anteon and became Vice President before it was bought out by General Dynamics. Continuing work under the new company. In 2007, he bought the land to start Engelheim Vineyards. In 2014, they opened their tasting room after spending the initial time growing the grapes and making the wine. Now, Engel says his vineyard has grown to the largest vineyard in the county and one of the larger vineyards in the state of Georgia. Winning numerous awards and recognitions for the wines made their, the vineyard won Winery of the Year in 2018.
Gary also has recently served on the Board of Directors for the Florida-Georgia District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the Gilmer County Board of Tax Assessors, Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors, President of Georgia Wine Producers, and Chairman of the Georgia Wine and Grape Commodity Commission.
Stepping out from these other boards and looking ahead, Engel said it is through these experiences that he has garnered the qualifications to help guide the planning for Gilmer’s future. Getting ahead of the issues through proper planning and preparations will allow for a better path forward. Engel stated, “Most people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.”
Even with the strategies in place, Engel says that his plans have to incorporate contingencies and flexibility into them. Executing is far easier with the strategy set and room for response rather than going in blind. He speaks on defining success at the beginning of an issue or a project. What is the goal? What is the definition of that which the county wants to accomplish?
He spoke of housing and industry in the county. To achieve the goal of workforce housing, the county’s plan should include what that means because some people have a different definition of affordable in their budgets. With these defined goals and the support of the community for ideas and input, the county can achieve what the community needs.
Operating alongside the board, Engel says he hopes to protect the historic beauty of the county and respect those that have lived here all their lives while supporting all of the citizens’ needs.
Engel said that in office, he is there to serve and take care of the community. Just as his vineyard when he states, “It’s not my vineyard, it’s God’s vineyard. I get to take care of it for a while.”
He spoke about listening to God, the vines, and nature in caring for the vineyard. He made this comparison to be listening to the community in service to the board stating, “I don’t always have the greatest idea.” Engel explained that having many voices to listen to would be how he could gather the best ideas to plan for the county’s future, listening to the people and to God.
Engel stated, “Success has nothing to do with me. Success has to do with the people’s lives that I can touch.”
Supporting a community means improving the community. Engel specifically states “we” need to serve. He recalled a sort of mantra in his military service, “Always improve your position.” Bringing that forward, Engel asserted that we should always be improving the position of the county. Encouraging and incentivizing the youth to grow the community, building and attracting new businesses for jobs for the citizens, and providing a hand up to people will provide a cycle of improvement from the students to the workforce to industry to housing for students and workforce.
He acknowledged the major issue in Gilmer right now saying, “Some people say we need affordable housing. I say we need reasonable housing for our workforce.”
The county has improved greatly in recent years according to Engel. That success is being seen by those in other counties. As businesses grow, and major wear on the county’s infrastructure increases, one idea Engel said he wants to explore could be business impact fees with relation to the county’s resources, be they roads or other resources. Engaging with builders, businesses, owners, and people will allow for better planning and support from them. Working together is how we find new ways to address challenges.
Engel said that the county needs to look for these new ways to overcome challenges because, in the face of more financial needs, “we can’t tax the people in Gilmer County any more. They are taxed enough already.”
Growth can pose one of the greatest threats to the county without proper planning as Engel says developing the vision to guide the county into maintaining our quality of life. This could go so far as to include reserves for another potential market correction in real estate. When asked about the possibility, he said that the county could carefully maintain through that with new revenues supporting reserves and careful cognizance of spending.
However, these plans and strategies are one part of the whole as Engel said communication is key to a board like this. Not only internally but externally. Coming to a consensus and fully explaining and exploring situations on the BOC can also be supported through better communication with not only the other government entities but the businesses and community as well. Combining these ideas like new revenues, supporting reasonable housing, and better planning are further strengthened through the continued communication from all parts of the county, even on major issues like subdivisions and zoning. Some subdivisions, Engel stated, have been done well. Looking at the successes and communicating on how they were done can provide better plans to mitigate impact on the county’s resources and infrastructure.
Some long-term goals that Engel hopes to explore includes the idea of incorporating more community expertise through panels or meetings to better provide the information, details, and specifications on projects the county undertakes. Another concept would incorporate a county manager for Gilmer separate from the Board of Commissioners. Something he said he would look at later and possibly incorporating towards the end of term, he could see the board as a more policy and guidance entity with the County Manager reporting to them on day to day operations. The board could also have direct oversight over the position should a need arise for replacement instead of citizens waiting for elections to vote someone out.
While not a singular project or idea, Engel took a moment to stress the importance of Public Safety as well including first responders, law enforcement, and fire response. Maintaining these departments is important to the county as one of the largest in the state. Especially considering services needed for a growing population and for one of the best places in Georgia to retire.
Engel said, “I’d like everybody to understand that something that is important to me is honor.” Engel said it would not only be an honor to serve, but he hopes to bring honor and integrity to his service if elected to the Board of Commissioners.
An introductory interview with Post 2 Candidate Tom Whatley
Election April 3, 2022
A 22-year veteran of law enforcement and retired Police Detective in 2006, Tom Whatley was an experienced investigator in real estate and mortgage fraud. He said that during this time, “my weapon was a calculator.”
With his experience and community involvement, Whatley served on as Vice Chair on the Budget Advisory Board for seven years for his county in Florida. During those years, Whatley became well-versed in both the budgetary process, departmental line item requests, and financial investigation for the purpose of lowering budget costs. In seven years, this culminated in a $900 million reduction to excessive spending. With a four-year degree in legal studies, specific training in government financing, and the time to dedicate, Whatley said the commissioner position would be a full-time job that he hopes to wholly dedicate himself to.
After finally relocating to Gilmer County, a place he visited constantly as a child with his family, Whatley said that even when younger, he had thoughts that someday, he would come back to live here. Yet, old habits of community involvement followed him and he soon found himself back in government meetings like the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay, county meetings, and Planning and Zoning. This time, he wasn’t on the boards, but a citizen listening, even to city councils that he couldn’t vote for.
Whatley said this was the early stages, when he spoke in meetings it would lead to others recognizing him in town. From there, it turned into full conversations and meetings with citizens, and that lead to the formation of Keep Gilmer Rural. Pushing for protections to agriculture and the rurality of the county, this became a place that he said he wanted to offer for the discourse and planning to pursue that.
As the organization has grown, Whatley said that some have gotten the idea that he is opposed to affordable housing. Whatley said he isn’t, adding that if a builder can build an affordable house, then go for it. He offered up a quick number estimation with a price per square footage anywhere from $130 to $150 per square foot, saying that would make it affordable. But the developers and builders “are not in the charity business.” Building that profit from one project funds the capital for the next project. In addition, the government can’t step in to deny certain people from purchasing homes just because they don’t live in county. He also voiced opinions against mandated Section 8 housing.
Whatley said, “Anytime the government gets involved in housing, it never turns out well. It is never utopic.”
With zoning however, he said he wants to avoid the policies of big cities and small lots or “zero lot lines” that encourage massive density. A lot of these issues come down to location and impact to your neighbors, with an idea that there are spaces for a lot of what people want. But there major exceptions to the rule like 300 houses on 200 acres, the density causes effects on neighbors, the land, the resources, and the infrastructure.
Whatley stated about the county, “I want to keep its old town charm, keep it the way it is. Slow the growth, you can’t stop the growth.” He added that as a commissioner, he wouldn’t want to alter the current residential zonings from where they are now between R1 and R5.
It’s a nationwide issue that Whatley said is highlighted right now in Gilmer. The growth, housing, zoning, and rural nature of Gilmer is the biggest issues facing that county according to Whatley. But it isn’t the only things he is looking at as he said he believes the county is likely to see another bubble pop like in 2010. Looking ahead at decreasing property values and decreasing property taxes, the quick sales and recessionary type economy, an excessive abundance in the inventory could be a possible outcome. Every county gets affected by property values. Whatley said now is the time to beef up.
That beefing up comes with squaring away certain departments. The county has been building the road department, public safety, and other areas with great needs. That is necessary, and saving reserves is necessary. Whatley noted that if the county has extra money, it doesn’t have to spend it all. The county has built reserves in recent years, something Whatley is encouraging and pushing to have in preparations for leaner years. Whatley points to his years in budgetary finances and investigations as experience in the area saying that he wants to be a stickler about financing and providing for the needs and building the county where necessary and beneficial, but also looking to be a part of the county’s efforts to prepare and budget wisely to provide for the future.
Boards are not just about one man’s experience and expertise, though, as Whatley said he sees teamwork at work in the board already. He noted the recent moratorium on housing developments. He recalled how the limit on number of houses was not originally agreed upon but the board discussed and negotiated. Whatley said that this is a simple example but shows how a board works together for better results and how important communications, negotiations, and discourse are to their operations as well as supporting the board’s final decision.
Whatley also used this example as a basis for another idea to a change in land use. He said that the massive citizen opposition to the mega developers has met a response that not every development has to even come before a board. Whatley said he would support an ordinance to have any planned development over a certain number of homes having to come before Planning and Zoning for approval.
Whatley spoke about increasing civilian committees in the county to support the board’s decisions. Whatley said, “Sometimes the county commissioners have great ideas in their head. If you look out and there is 50, 60, 100 people out there in that audience, a lot of them have some great ideas and they don’t get to express them. I would love to hear great ideas from the community on how to run this county. And that could be through different assignments, different committees, on different projects.”
Another major change he would like to see down the road is the incorporation and separation of a county manager from the Board of Commissioners. Whatley said that with the current chairman’s announcement that this would be a final term, he has done great work in what has been accomplished. Whatley said he could see the board working towards a county manager as the term concludes so that the transition could occur simultaneously with the next election. Establishing the board as the guiding force while having the manager report back to them the same as department heads currently do. Whatley said that he would want to pursue this later in the term as he has his vision set forward and hopes to see the county’s future continue improving similar to what it has seen.
If elected, Whatley said he still has a lot of people he wants to talk to about the ideas of the county both that he has thought about and that they have in mind. Continuing to attend county meetings, he said he has learned a lot in all the meetings he has attended, but has a lot more to learn about so that, if elected, he could transition into office easily and ready to hit the ground running without delay. He is excited for an opportunity to affect the county in a positive way.
Whatley said that major issues in the county are key points in his campaign for office, such as keeping Gilmer as rural as possible, protecting the 2nd Amendment Sanctuary status, and guiding “smart growth” in the coming years.
An introductory interview with Post 2 Candidate John Marshall
Election April 3, 2022
After attending Georgia State University in Risk Management, John Marshall went further in his education to become a Charted Property and Casualty Underwriter. He also has served on numerous boards and appointments in the county including time spent on the Gilmer Chamber Board of Directors where he also served as Chairman at one point and on the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission Council as House Speaker David Ralston’s Appointee.
Marshall said he has been attending the county’s meetings for the last five years and found the county’s proceedings very interesting. With a wealth of knowledge from his time served in several different facets of the county, he felt this is the next step to consolidate all of that experience and information to serve the county and the community in guiding its path moving forward. He added that his goal is to keep that forward motion a positive motion while protecting the county’s natural resources.
Marshall said he never had a singular moment or event that pushed him into running for Post 2 Commissioner. Instead, through his continued service to the county in several different capacities, he is simply continuing along that path with this next opportunity.
The county has been very blessed with visitors in the tourism industry. Marshall said that this is no mistake as the county has worked hard to accomplish the goal and market itself. With that success has come attention and needs. With that, one of the needs the county currently faces is housing for working people. With his current job being the operation of rental property, Marshall said he has seen, first hand, the increasing need. He noted he has about 150 calls every month from people looking for a decent, clean place to live. Marshall went on to say that multi-family housing like duplexes, triplexes, and even apartments are a need the community faces as a whole. Not just one government entity, city limit, or county limit.
Programs like the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing aid communities with information and insight on what provisions and investors are available for specific housing needs. Marshall said taking opportunities to garner information and assets is one way for the county to further explore solutions for that need.
The need reaches further as Marshall said without sufficient housing, it hinders solutions to other problems like staffing in the county. When it comes to fully staffing operations like public safety, emergency response, law enforcement, or even teachers, Marshall said, “There are people who would come here, but they can’t because there is no place here to live.”
Through other issues like pay and infrastructure, Marshall said the debt provides other challenges. Tackling challenges like this is part of the job for commissioners. Marshall said that the current board has done “an extraordinary job of managing the budgets and taking all of the requests and fulfilling them as best they can.”
Having attended all the budget sessions last year and several over the past few years, Marshall has gained some insight into that process and the work the board has done. He complimented that work and said he looks to continue that hard work if elected. He stated, “We need to continue seeking revenues that don’t directly affect the pocketbooks of Gilmer County citizens.”
Through business experience and government entities experience, Marshall has specific comprehension of budgets and the need for economic development in the county while never taking eyes off of expenditures, but also revenues.
Operating throughout the pandemic, Marshall notes that Gilmer has benefitted economically and continues to take steps to constantly improve that. Increasing the hotel/motel tax is one of those steps that will open new doors and opportunities such as tourism product development. Because of his Chamber involvement, Marshall said that he has seen the potential for what this can accomplish while still supporting the involved entities.
And those projects can also vary and benefit locals in addition to tourists through projects like recreational facilities. This is a specific area that Marshall said is another need he sees in the county for its citizens. Improved and new facilities can increase the community’s quality of life. With the transient lodging tax, an example is provided and Marshall spoke of revenues from outside of Gilmer’s citizens through targeting visitors and tourists. Expanding these revenue streams will help to diversify the economic development of the county as well.
Attracting industry and supporting projects like agritourism, agricultural development, small businesses, and industry development with projects like CORE (Collaboration at River’s Edge) become key points in that hope to diversify and expand.
Marshall stated, “Our identity as a rural area is protected in large part because roughly 75 percent of the county is either owned by the federal government, the state government, or those lands are already in conservation use, meaning they are not going to be developed immediately.”
Marshall also spoke to the topic of subdivisions saying that new developments take a very long time to develop and fill up. He noted that Walnut Mountain and Coosawattee River Resort, both developed decades ago, are still only “half full” in terms on houses built on lots. In terms of government involvement, Marshall noted that the Board of Commissioners has directed the Planning and Zoning Board to review all of the land use ordinances and to recommend any changes that may be needed. He stated, “That needs to be a very broad and deliberate and slow process to get it all because it affects, virtually, everyone in the county.”
Working together with the other board members is another key part to the county’s operations. Marshall noted that his ideas are not always the best and so he hopes to listen to the community for guidance. Marshal stated, “I want to be that commissioner that listens to everyone and treats everyone with utmost respect and kindness.”
The community involves the citizens, but also the other entities as Marhsall said it is important for all facets of the county’s governments to seek solutions together instead of in “individual silos.” He also asserted that this stretches across all general topics whether they be recreation, economy, or other.
In the community of citizens, Marshall said he hopes to build consensus and coalition among disparate groups. Through training and discourse he hopes to be the commissioner who listens in order to sees the unintended consequences that each county decision could have and understanding the impact. In serving the citizens, he says he is very much looking forward to making the business of government as efficient and effective as possible.
Maintaining the relationships from his previous service in the county and the region and stepping into county office, it will not simply bring his experience but a history of collaboration to the position.
Working on behalf of the community means balancing the tourism and development for economic drivers with non-tourism agriculture, citizens, and the future of the county. Tourism serves the county economically and the citizens support that tourism in business and service. Marshall said, “I am a fiscal conservative and have always been. I am going to be that commissioner who is constantly looking at using the taxpayer’s money wisely and prudently. I want to be that commissioner who is constantly seeking answers to the problems we have by looking at how other communities have handled similar issues.”
Planning and Zoning sees strong opposition in meeting
News January 25, 2022
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – With several zoning requests considered for January, two saw increased opposition alongside some support from residents, neighbors, and members of Keep Gilmer Rural (KGR). The nearly three hour meeting on January 20, 2022, saw discussion stretch from public discussion to debate among the board members over issues.
The first debated application came for 128 Adventure Trail by Jonathan Graves to rezone from R-1 to A-1 in support of a Hobby Livestock Farm.
Those in opposition to the rezoning spoke against the location being surrounded by other Residential zoned lots. Some noted other allowances that could come to the site if sold. Additionally, concerns were raised over potential nuisances for close neighbors and references were made to Gilmer’s ordinances.
An opposition was also noted about the environment as the location tends to drain into the road in heavy storms and then into a creek which feeds into a pond and then on into the lower Cartecay River.
Both Graves and one speaker in support of the application noted that while no A-1 zones touched his property there are some large A-1 zones nearby. Graves noted that one of these farms already drains into the local creeks in a natural way. He said he may not know everything about the impact of that, but his intentions were not to build an intensive animal farm. Rather, a more hobby-livestock style of farming would mean less animals and drainage than many were thinking.
With board members debating about due diligences when buying properties, one noted that a lot doesn’t have to have A-1 touching it to be considered. Chairman Mooney stated, “I’m sympathetic to what Mr. Graves is trying to do but he stated he bought it with the intention to do agricultural type activity. The proper way to do it is to get it rezoned the way you want it before you purchase it.”
Ultimately, a motion and approval came with one opposed to deny the application.
The nights second major discussion came for a new 50 unit subdivision at 0 Boardtown, Cherry Log. A 66.37 acre tract comes in under the moratorium while maximizing the acreage. The applicant, Joe Sission of Sisson Corporation, stated, “We are requesting it to be zoned R-1 to build vacation homes.”
When asked about how many homes, Sission said he hadn’t done a preliminary yet. Though he estimated 50 homes considering space for roads, easements, water system, and driveways.
The property is looking to connect to different roads for ingress and egress including potential options of Boardtown Road, Lucius Road, Goose Island Road, and Whitepath Road.
With concerns raised over traffic and contamination of a spring, the major issue debated by public speakers came with speakers using Mooney’s own words saying that the rezoning should have been sought upon buying the land. Citizens pointed to Sission’s experience both as a developer and as a Planning and Zoning Board member that he should have sought the rezoning when he purchased the property.
The discussion became a major focal point with some calling it favoritism and unfair zoning that the board might consider this zoning minutes after telling another applicant that a major zoning change with major impact is subject to “due diligence” that should have been sought before completing a purchase.
Tom Whatley speaks to the Planning and Zoning Board about a 50-unit subdivision on Boardtown Road.
Others also pointed to a lack of planning and information available during the meeting for both the board and citizens to consider. The stated that Sisson himself noted he hadn’t done a preliminary and was unable to give specifics on how many homes he was building.
Sisson replied saying, “As far as a plan stating exactly how many houses that would be put on this piece of property, it would be impossible to determine until we know if we’re able to get the zoning.”
One speaker spoke to how Sisson has improved and bettered areas of the county. Sisson himself later added that he would be aiding in tourism which has been one of the county’s greatest sources of income.
Board discussion spoke about the differences in the two applications and the involvement of animals and going from Agriculture to Residential and inversely. Mooney stated in response to the comparisons, “It is a different situation. But that was one of the factors that played in my decision. It wasn’t the only factor, it wasn’t the main factor. There were several factors that weighed in. I try to take in all the factors and weigh those.”
The board also noted several access points would allow the traffic disbursement to spread along different roads. Mooney also noted that it would be ideal for every citizen to be able to afford 100 acres to build on. He said it isn’t practical, though. He stated, “With the smaller tracts, you’re putting people in homes that probably couldn’t afford them if they were bigger tracts.”
However, several citizens noted after the meeting that Mooney was off-base in his comments as he was speaking of homes for people to live in that couldn’t afford larger homes while Sisson specifically noted in the beginning that he was building vacation homes and second homes and later noted he wanted to aid in tourism. Citizens were angered by the unanimous approval of the development in the meeting.
Kimberly Reckles, an attendee to the meeting, later commented on social media saying, “I still cannot wrap my head around why they denied a young family a zoning variance — from R-1 to Ag-1 — to build themselves a private hobby farm, but approved a variance from Ag1 to R-1 for Sisson to build a 50 lot subdivision in the middle of agriculturally zoned land.”
County hears option to raise Hotel/Motel Tax
News December 15, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Having prepared presentations for the two cities upon request, Gilmer Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Grimmer spoke to the Board of Commissioners in December on Hotel/Motel Tax after being questioned on the subject by Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson.
Grimmer had prepared a presentation for the City of Ellijay, she said that she examined both cities and the county along with the study she did. Grimmer also prepared the comparisons to provide the information to the Board of Commissioners according to Ferguson. The county has made no motions or even had an agenda item to discuss changing the Hotel/Motel Tax as this topic came after a report to the board during its monthly meeting.
Grimmer had reported on the Chamber’s year and on the budget looking into next year as they continue marketing plans for the county. Set as an update and discussion item, Ferguson asked Grimmer to explain the comparisons and what it would mean if Gilmer County raised its Hotel/Motel Tax.
Ferguson called the numbers “pretty dramatic” and said they could help the county’s general fund in accomplishing some projects that the county has been unable to do yet.
Grimmer told the board that the topic came up as the City of Ellijay asked for her expertise on the topic. While the Chamber did not initiate the conversation, they do have several tools and resources monitoring rentals, rooms, and similar lodging and their effects on the community. As part of her original report, before the question of the tax arose, Grimmer had just discussed with the county averages such as how much an average cabin owner can make and tracking for how much of the county’s lodging capacity is being used or estimated to be on certain weekends.
Gilmer Chamber President and CEO Jennifer Grimmer
But moving to the topic on the tax itself, Grimmer said that going above five percent in the tax opens up tourism product development (TPD) options. Grimmer explained that this fund could be used to build or improve things like river access, signage, parking lots, public bathrooms, and other projects. Gilmer is currently 100 percent marketing and does not use any of the funds for tangible or “brick-and-mortar” improvements.
The county could go up to eight percent tax in Georgia. Grimmer explained that at six percent tax, the funds are split between the DMO (Destination Marketing Organization, i.e. the Chamber), the county, and TPD. Grimmer explained that the state sets the Chambers portion doesn’t change from 5 percent to 8 percent so they are virtually unaffected, but increasing the total tax increases the portion of TPD up to 15 percent.
Grimmer reported that Blue Ridge is at 8 percent tax with Fannin at 6 percent. Currently Ellijay and Gilmer are at 5 percent. East Ellijay is at 3 percent.
As for whether the county is actually moving forward on the subject, Post 1 Commissioner Hubert Parker said he wanted to know more about what the county might run into if they move ahead with adjusting the tax. With plans to revisit the topic on future agendas, the county is set to look deeper into the topic before making its official decision.
County will expand water next year with American Rescue Plan
News October 19, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – In discussions for the spending of funds from the American Rescue Plan, Gilmer County’s Board of Commissioners heard a proposal from the Ellijay Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority (EGCWSA) to utilize funds for the Roundtop Road area of the county to extend water lines to the Pickens-Gilmer line.
Water has already reached part of the area. EGCWSA Director Gary McVey spoke in the October Commissioner’s Meeting about the project, saying that the plan was to from the end of the current water line all they way down Roundtop Road.
McVey stated that a majority of calls requesting city water come from this area currently. He noted that the well water in the area has high iron content.
Adding to the project, McVey said he wanted to treat the new line exactly like the last project in the area with the funds paying for the meter installation and even the tie-ons between a meter and a house. It was stated that the EGCWSA Board might reduce impact fees for citizens, but McVey did not say it would negate them. He noted that this would be a board decision that would have to be made. Additionally, the project also looks to make water more readily available in emergencies, aiding in fire protection along the way.
The cost of the project is estimated at $1 million.
As opposed to other projects approved recently, such as the county’s hazard pay for employees, this project will not be put into motion until next year with the second round of the American Rescue Plan funds.
The county has been discussing projects and is continuing to pursue them, however, waiting until the next round of funding will allow the county to go forward with its plans and allow the EGCWSA to begin plans and preparations for the new project before 2022. The official motion came for a resolution to approve the project and reserve the upcoming funds for it.
The county already saw its first opposition and support for the project in the same meeting as citizens wishing to speak portion. With one citizen asking for a rebate for water filters he has had to buy in his area of the county for the same iron issues.
Data collection questioned as county approves advertising for Speed Cameras
News August 22, 2021
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – Traffic devices and data collection are taking the next step toward a Fall implementation as they were approved for advertisement in the County Commission.
An example of cameras used for traffic surveillance.
However, approval only came for advertisement as the Board of Commissioners raised discussion on privacy in the traffic cameras usage. Chairman Charlie Paris was the first to make the note as he said he was wanting to set it so that the collection of photos or information for anyone not being pursued for speeding would be deleted.
“I believe that it would be essential that that data be eliminated within a specific period of time. If it is one that is not being flagged for speeding, there would be no reason for anybody to maintain that particular data,” said Paris.
Acknowledging the importance that many people place on privacy and date like this, Paris said he wanted this stipulation for approval.
As discussion continued, the question arose about who is collecting the data. As noted during the Board of Education meeting, County Attorney David Clark confirmed that the Sheriff’s Office is contracting with a company for collection. Sheriff Nicholson also stated in the previous BOE meeting that he would have those flagged for speeding sent through a Sheriff’s Deputy, likely a Student Resource Officer, to be approved before the company would mail out a citation.
Gilmer County Sheriff Stacy Nicholson
These speed cameras will be established in three areas; Mountainview Elementary School on Highway 282, Clear Creek Middle School on Clear Creek Road, and Clear Creek Elementary School on Yukon Road. The county’s approval is needed for Clear Creek and Yukon roads.
The scenario will play out as someone speeds through the area, the captured infractions are sent to a local appointed officer, which Nicholson said will likely be a SRO (School Resource Officer). That officer reviews the infractions and makes sure there are no mistakes, then the company will send out tickets to those the officer approves.
Within the county’s BOC meeting, the board considered that it would be the company that they would need to put the restriction on. Due to this, Clark suggested that the approval go for beginning the process and pursuing advertising. He noted that the county will have to approve a contract with the company and could debate the restriction at that time.
With unanimous approval, the project is proceeding, but it was understood that the county would be looking at restrictions on the data during the contracting as they work alongside Sheriff Nicholson for the process.
During the discussion, Post Commissioner Hubert Parker also suggested that they look at other government entities and how they handle the data through speed and traffic cameras such as those at traffic lights.
BOC supports citizens in opposition to new transmission lines location
News September 12, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “It’s going to look like a runway,” said Leon Watkins in the Commissioners August Regular Session. He was speaking about Boardtown Road in Gilmer County and the project for massive poles and a transmission line along the road.
A letter went out last week gathering support and other citizens to speak with locals asking to relocate a project that they say would destroy Boardtown Road. A
Answering that call, numerous citizens appeared before the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners at the August meeting to speak about the Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) and the major project they are undertaking. All of those that spoke at the meeting did so in opposition of the project’s current location.
Some asserted later in the meeting that they didn’t want to publicly oppose the project of improving electrical reliability in Gilmer. However, the common theme that every single speaker of the night on this subject shared was the concept that putting these large poles in the middle of people’s yards and farms would be a detriment to the area. It is the path down Boardtown that is being opposed.
They said that the project would not only individually detriment their own properties in both property value and natural beauty, but spill over into the entire road and surrounding area.
The Citizen’s wishing to speak section started with a question, “Why can’t the county deny permission for the line and right of way?”
The question spilled over into other speakers saying the preferred route should go down Highway 515 as a major road.
As Commission Chairman Charlie Paris explained that he has already looked into the issue trying to see how the county could help, County Attorney David Clark explained that his understanding was that the GTC could use imminent domain on the area to force the project through, leaving both the county and local citizens with no voice in the matter.
The GTC did hold three public meetings encouraging social distancing and an extended format for people to come and go during the hours of those three meetings. Citizens speaking in the Commissioners meeting told the board that the GTC already had their plans and surveys set before the meetings ever started. The meetings, they said, were there providing information to citizens on what is going to happen and not solicit input on a project before planning.
Clark told citizens they should also be speaking with local EMC board members to see if they could also be helping people with the issue in addition to the work they had already done.
Robert Armour speaks to the BOC asking for support at their August Regular Meeting
Yet, Melanie Johnson said that she has already spoken with representatives of both Amicalola EMC and GTC. She alleged that many of the Georgia Transmission representatives gave different, misleading, or wrong information as they have pushed into the project. She said that in the beginning they collected signatures for surveys saying alluding that they would simply be replacing and upgrading current poles.
As conversation continued with citizens offering similar complaints against destroying the native beauty or having massive steel and concrete poles put into their properties.
Johnson asked for a public show of support from Commissioners as she hoped to push the issue to state representatives such as Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston and State Senator Steve Gooch. A letter of support was one of three actions citizens asked for during the meeting.
Echoed by several citizens including Robert Armour and Develle Frady, the show of support through a letter that citizens could use to have the extra authority was a great step that citizens said they appreciated. Yet, Armour asked the commissioners to take it step further. The second action that he asked for was to not just write a letter, but to have the commissioners physically call them for support.
He later returned to the podium and expanded his request asking the commissioners to initiate a meeting for residents in the area to speak directly with these state representatives to implore them for their support and to assert the importance they hold for the issue.
Frady said he has already seen the issues that road has suffered from the gas line put in. His main concern is the heavy weight traffic this would put on the road with bridges already in poor state and some with maximum 5 ton weight limits. “The bridges and culverts will not hold the 60 ton frames they will need to erect those poles,” he said.
Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson voices support for residents opposed to the large transmission lines to be built on Boardtown Road.
Paris himself said that the Georgia Transmission Corporation is a state level agency. He added, “I have felt frustrated because I am not aware of anything the county can actually do.” Yet, he said that he would have no problem at all supporting citizens in this way that they have requested for the letter. He also told citizens he would work towards a meeting if poss
The third option and request citizens asked for came in several citizens asking for the commissioners to pass an ordinance for some sort of protection against the transmission line in the area. One said they should enforce right of ways against the poles. Frady mentioned county documents claiming 80 feet of right of way, but the GTC told him they had 100 foot right of ways from the road.
Kevin Kell spoke in the meeting saying that he owned 20 acres on the road and is second guessing plans for building a home. He said that people come to Ellijay for the “beautiful, unspoiled views.” He said his experience as a banker leads him to believe that this is not the only option for GTC, but is the cheapest option. Kell also echoed the issue of the effect on property values.
It was suggested by Gilmer Historian that the road be declared a scenic route as she spoke about the Trail of Tears in Ellijay and the historic and archaeological importance of several finds that the county has had on Boardtown Road. She later noted that the road in Fannin County is already declared a scenic route.
Boardtown area resident and member of the Board of Education, Ronald Watkins speaks alongside citizens who are asking for help in relocating a project for high voltage transmission lines and poles on Boardtown Road.
Stressing the importance of the issue, Ronald Watkins, current member of the Board of Education and resident in the area, said he wouldn’t be getting a pole on his property, but would be getting one right across the street from him. He repeated the major issue of the utter destruction of the natural scenery and scenic views along the road as one of the major points of living and being in the area. He said he was told it was an issue of money and being more expensive to go elsewhere.
The commissioner discussed several options for the issue and passed a resolution to draft the requested letter, showing their support for those in opposition. Paris began discussing attempting to set up a meeting for citizens, but the board settled to draft the letter first and move into other options one at a time. In fact, both Paris and Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson voiced support for the citizens after just a couple of citizens spoke. While the public continued voicing concerns and requesting certain solutions, the board as a whole was already discussing at several points throughout the comments on what steps they could take and what they could do in support.
In addition to this, another person stepped up to speak during the comments section. Travis Crouch, a resident of an area past Boardtown Road. He said he doesn’t live on Boardtown and would, in fact, be one of the people that would benefit greatly from the project. He noted that his home has had 28 outages already in this year alone.
Crouch stated, “I do not want to see those power lines.”
Crouch referenced both the scenic beauty and the bridge conditions on the road saying that the area is a beautiful drove and needs this protection
He said that his power is an issue that needs to be addressed, but added that if the only solution required doing what the project is calling for on Boardtown Road, then “I would rather deal with the power outages, seriously.”
Penney Andruski, Candidate for Gilmer Tax Commissioner
Election, Election 2020 April 27, 2020
“I saw the need, I heard the need,” says Penney Andruski about her run for Tax Commissioner of Gilmer County. She went on to say that rather than just complaining or bypassing what she feels is a need in the county, she wanted to jump in and do something about the issue.
Andruski worked in the courthouse for two years under the State of Georgia with the Department of Community Supervision. She says she saw a lot in her time there and learned how important the office and staff is to the county. She has had 28 years of business experience and management. She has also spent 10 years in Gilmer’s community with the Mountain Ridge Garden Shop. She has spent 23 years in Gilmer and is engaged. Unfortunately, with the virus outbreak, she has had to put things on hold there but wanted to push ahead with her candidacy for the office.
Being a public servant is hard, she said, but researching the position before she announced her candidacy, Andruski said she is the right person for it. The experience she has gained and diversity through everything from entry-level to executive positions, from mom-and-pop-businesses to high-end styles. Budgets, board meetings, committees, law, these are all things that Andruski specifically pointed to as she says she is ready for the challenge.
“Your staff is the face of you,” she said. “When you’re a good leader, and you have good leadership skills, that reflects out that you have a balance in that office because that is a work-family…”
Andruski said she wants to be pro-active and engaging to the public. Utilizing things like digital media and web-based information, the goal is to become pro-active in providing an expedient, professional, and engaging service to citizens so that they know all they need to.
“Information is critical,” said Andruski.
The office has been great at collections according to Andruski who says the next step is better connections. Whether a staff member is answering a phone or signing a legal document as a judge, the elected officials and employees of the courthouse serve the community and should strive to offer the very best work possible.
She said even amidst the virus, she has noticed the great works of entities like the Chamber who has kept people’s spirits up, but also kept the flow of information up. She said she wants to be just as good in engagement areas like that telling people about extensions and requirements and new updates. She doesn’t want surprises.
The more information that citizens and residents have, the better they will feel. She wants to improve upon the successes the office has made, but fill in the areas she says has needs.
Organization is a key point for Ansruski’s personality as she said she loves the details of operations. The reason behind her passion in this office specifically comes from the details of everything, details like the numbers, accounting, collections, citizens, law, and the ways to engage all of these together.
For citizens, she says, it is all about the experience and the service and participation of the commissioner translates through the staff and provides that service. When it all comes together, we will continue to grow, all of the dollars, the people, and the budgets have to balance to achieve these common goals.
One challenge she says she sees ahead is transitioning. The first year is key as, if elected, she operates off a budget she did not create, but also in meshing with the staff and bringing a welcoming environment to carry on to achieve the goals.
Andruski said being a good public servant is being the face of the office for the public. Open door policies are a given without a need to say such things. Andruski said that as a candidate for the Tax Commissioners office, she wants to be the breath of fresh air that leads to a more engaging office for citizens.
Becky Marshall, Candidate for Gilmer Tax Commissioner
Election, Election 2020 April 27, 2020
Though being elected for two terms and having almost eight years of experience in the position, Becky Marshall has been in the office of the Tax Commissioner for 16 years.
Married to Danny Marshall with two daughters and five grandchildren, Rebecca “Becky” Marshall has lived in Gilmer County for just under 24 years.
“I feel like I have made a big improvement to the Tax Commissioners office. I feel like I have worked well with the citizens of Gilmer County. I love what I do. I am passionate about what I do. And I want to continue to be available for all the taxpayers if they need me,” says Marshall.
Marshall offered a few of the accomplishments made over the years, but as she listed them, she noted that ‘we’ have done things. She said, “We have gotten the delinquencies caught up. We have been maintaining almost a 99 percent collection rate with all the tax bills… We have cross-trained all staff members so all staff members work in the motor vehicle division and in the property tax division.”
She noted improvements to PC’s over terminals and email contacts for employees, training and improving in customer service and decreasing wait times for citizens, and improving information for citizens to come in and get the information that they need.
Even in the current crisis, simple measures like adding a dropbox outside have made improvements for citizens wishing to maintain little to no contact. Marshall added that past improvements have helped as well like putting services online and allowing citizens to pay bills and attend to things that way have allowed people to stay home. She noted that even those coming in have needed adaptation as she has even said some have phoned and the office has offered curbside service to them.
Marshall said that the office needs to be flexible in these times saying, “It’s going to be a struggle for a lot of people. So, we want to be firm and we want to be strong, but we also want to be compassionate and understanding.”
Even now, Marshall says she wants to keep improving the office, growing with the times. Even though she says that she, personally, isn’t the best at upgrading and using social media, she wants the office to be better in that regard and has been working towards expansions into these realms for some time.
Reaching out is the next step, says Marshall. While some older generations may not use or need the digital upgrades, reaching out to younger generations and incorporating the citizens’ wants and interactions is a part of that step. She said she has considered options like self-service kiosks and convenience for people who work full-time, more open information through social media, and website improvements.
Even cooperations with other departments is improving as she states that the courts, the clerk’s office, the tax assessors office, all of these departments are crucial and communication and cooperation with them are just as crucial.
Marshall says she still has plans for the future, plans to continue improving the office past what they have already achieved. Yet, it isn’t progressing for progress’ sake that drives her. It’s the balancing and bottom lines that provide a sense of correctness and positive energy for her. Maintaining excellence is the force behind her. Continuing the effort and the payoff of her efforts for the office was why she ran eight years ago, and it is why, she says, she is running again this year.
She said, “The office belongs to Gilmer County, it doesn’t belong to me. My paycheck comes from the taxpayers. I want this office to run the way they expect it to run. I want the transparency, I want people to be able to see exactly what’s going on. There is always room for improvement. No matter what you’re doing…”
Sharla Davis, Candidate for Gilmer Tax Commissioner
Election, Election 2020 April 27, 2020
Candidate for Gilmer Tax Commissioner, Sharla Davis is a 30-year veteran of management and accounting positions with companies across Georgia.
Professionally working in accounting, management, and customer service in the Automotive Industry, Davis says she has worked for four of the top-ten Automotive Groups in the Nation. She currently works for Greenway Automotive group. Davis said she has gone through receiving, processing, balancing, and reporting for these groups including dealing with taxes, tax law, and exemptions that already start to cross over into the work as Tax Commissioner.
Two years of experience also comes from the Tax Commissioners office in Gilmer where she worked under current Commissioner Becky Marshall.
Speaking on working and living in Gilmer for five years, Davis said, “I love Gilmer County, my husband [David Hoover] and I moved up here five years ago and it has exceeded our expectations. The people, the landscape, and the area.”
She said that through his support she has gained the courage to pursue her campaign. Davis said that she loves talking with people one-on-one, but has had to rely on his encouragement for large public speaking venues. It is in those moments that little things like saying he is proud of her helps to motivate her through the process.
As Tax Commissioner, Davis said she would want to share this knowledge and training. The office has an accountant and deals with that area, but her experience also affords her management and leadership experience that she wishes to bring to bear and fill into more areas to make the office more successful.
Training and preparation are one of the curves Davis says she is excited to take on. Any new Commissioner has to go through training classes and learn the law aspects and procedures. While this is a learning curve for her, she says, it’s something she is looking forward to as she loves learning and exploring new things.
Accounting is, more so, a talent than a passion, says Davis. She went to school for teaching in Psychology. However, she was already in accounting positions as she worked. Continuing the current business after finishing school, accounting won out as she never really left it. Davis says it is the idea of having things balanced and complete that gives her satisfaction as she has honed a talent “that God blessed me with.”
Exploring those new areas means exploring the position and ways to adapt and improve while also continuing the postive practices already in place.
The Tax Commissioner can help people in the community simply by being accessible, being available. Davis said she wants to be a provider for the community just as much as the collections. Davis said she wants to improve areas of information gathering and distribution for the office. She offered ideas about improving the website and research capabilities, easing confusion of residents about the Tax Commissioners duties versus other departments, taking advantage of social media.
Even in the current situation with sheltering in place and business shutdowns, working with people is key. Adapting to the environment and being a part of the community are the ideas that Davis wants to express. Taking advantage of social media to continue easily accessed and noticeable updates.
Davis said that some of this accessibility she wants to push forward on could include adaptations like talking with the Board of Commissioners and other departments and looking at opening at least one Saturday of each month, even if only for a few hours, to be available for those who may not find the time during the week between work and their lives.
Davis said she wanted to look at options for some employees who may want to look at more part-time availability or adaptive schedules to look at employee’s choices and wants.
Having worked for two years in the office, Davis said she loved that the staff was very knowledgable and friendly. The environment is already in place that she wants to foster. Moving from a denser population towards Atlanta, she said that seeing these people in the office so helpful, kind, and informative was a very exciting change from what she was used to.
Adaptability is key, according to Davis, as she says she brings the experience of positions in need of flexibility. A leader with a positive attitude can work wonders in an office that has laws, software, programs, and needs that are constantly shifting.
“I believe in people before politics,” says Davis. This is an administrative position and the people are who we, as elected officials, serve. Davis said she wants to provide the residents of Gilmer with the most courteous, professional, and accessible service she can provide in a county that she loves.
Gilmer’s resolution makes county Second Amendment Sanctuary
News February 18, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga – Gilmer County’s approval of the Second Amendment Sanctuary came last Thursday with all three commissioners voting yes for the resolution and sparking further debate over the issue’s future.
That resolution states, “The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners will not authorize or appropriate funds, resources, employees, agencies, contractors, buildings, detention centers or offices for the purpose of enforcing or assisting in the enforcement of any element of any unconstitutional acts, laws, orders, mandates, rules or regulations that infringe on the right by the people to keep and bear arms.”
Following the work session’s crowd of people and numerous people stating their support of the resolution, the debate arose on whether to adopt a resolution or an ordinance.
Jason Williamson spoke at both the Work Session and Regular Meeting of the Gilmer BOC speaking on the petitions gathered and the need to make this statement as a county. He said in the regular meeting that over 700 people had signed the petition asking for the Second Amendment Sanctuary status.
Taking a “proactive” approach, Williamson said he and others want to step out ahead of any problems which they see are inevitable in today’s political climate.
Jason Williamson speaks about the Second Amendment Sanctuary at the Commissioners’ Thursday meeting, February 13, 2020.
However, Williamson was not the only person speaking on behalf of the resolution as Joene DePlancke was also present in both meetings to support it. DePlancke asked that everyone at the Regular Meeting who supported the resolution to stand and nearly every person present, filling over half of the County’s Jury Assembly room in the courthouse, stood.
DePlancke went on to say, “The reason that we feel so strongly right now is that, over the years, we keep losing more and more of our freedoms by not doing anything.”
More people spoke as well in the meetings saying they supported the resolution with one individual saying he felt it wasn’t just the Second Amendment, but rather all of citizens’ rights in the Amendments are under attack.
The commissioners assured citizens in the work session that this wouldn’t mean the county would stop doing background checks or gun permits, but rather would oppose any state or federal law that would infringe on the Second Amendment. The Resolution states, “All federal acts, laws, orders, rules, regulations that violate the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States or Article I, Section I, Paragraph VIII of the Constitution of the State of Georgia, violate the true meaning and intent of those constitutions are hereby declared to be invalid and are specifically rejected in Gilmer County, Georgia and shall be considered null and void and of no effect in Gilmer County, Georgia.”
FYN previously reported that the board approved a resolution and did have some talk in their work session about looking further into the possibility of an ordinance. Williamson, as one of the leaders of the movement, stated before the meeting that he wanted an ordinance over a resolution because it would be harder to change and require more opportunities for citizens to fight any changes.
FYN reached out to Williamson after the resolution passed for his response. Williamson stated, “A resolution will suffice, but we will actively pursue the ordinance once we can navigate the state laws and create an ordinance that will reflect current law and assist in maintaining our rights.”
The debate continues to flow on social media as people on both sides of the debate offer opinions.
Gene Levine stated, “Even if it’s symbolic, do it. I think Virginia will be a test bed for the effectiveness of sanctuary counties, I hear something like 90 county sheriff’s are proposing this. I realize that the feds can enforce these laws in any of these counties, but they don’t have the resources to enforce these laws on thousands of gun owners and they don’t even know who has these guns.”
On the opposite side, Andy McClure stated, “It only states that no county official or employee can enforce any federal or state law that infringes upon the rights of Gilmer citizens. It does not mean that the state cannot send the GBI, or the feds could send the FBI or ATF to enforce such laws.”
As citizens continue the debate, it seems this issue is still not completed as the Commissioner’s left room to discuss a possible ordinance and some like Williamson have already said they want to pursue more in terms of the ordinance.
County Approves Second Amendment Sanctuary
News February 13, 2020
GILMER COUNTY, Ga. – Officially, Gilmer County has declared itself a Second Amendment Sanctuary. With the urging of citizens and submitted petitions to the county, the vote came unanimously in support of a resolution declaring the official adoption of this moniker of Second Amendment Sanctuary.
County Commissioner Charlie Paris stated during the meeting, “This is, essentially, the very same resolution that was presented to us initially. We’ve just had two or three very minor, one-word type changes.”
Jason Williamson speaks to to the Board of Commissioners about the Second Amendment Sanctuary at Thursday Night’s, February 13. 2020, meeting.
The minor changes were not unexpected as even Jason Williams, one of the initiators of the agenda item and the one who submitted the collected petition signatures to the county, told FYN last week that he expected the County Attorney, David Clark, to have a few such changes for legal wordings or clarifications.
Applause came from the crowd as the motion and second came and was finalized by a yes vote from all three commissioners for the resolution to support the second amendment in Gilmer County.
The county has approved a resolution at this time, but said they would look an actual ordinance change in time. Williamson previously said that an ordinance change is what specifically he wanted as it is harder to take out or change than a resolution.
Stay with FYN as we delve into the citizens comments and responses to the approval along with the actual resolution wording over the next few days.
TSPLOST negotiations highlight cities’ split
News January 7, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Paving roads and the amount of spending came into debate as the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners met with Mayors and members of City Hall from both Ellijay and East Ellijay today to discuss TSPLOST negotiations.
The discussion centered on the split that each entity wanted to see with the upcoming possible TSPLOST tax. Each entity vied for an increase to their portion over and above what they got for the previous SPLOST split. Debate arose around the idea of the cities increasing to a flat 2 percent for East Ellijay and 6 percent for Ellijay. This would be up from the 1.93 percent that East Ellijay has with the SPLOST split and up from 5.72 percent that Ellijay has.
However, as the discussion progressed, Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris said he also wanted the county’s percentage to go up considering the 500 miles of road in the unincorporated parts of the county, roads maintained by the county.
The two mayors countered with arguments of their own. Mayor of Ellijay, Al Hoyle noted that many of the roads they maintain in the city are used more than those in the outer parts as people travel out of town on city-maintained roads to reach the county roads.
East Ellijay Mayor Mack West added to the notion saying that East Ellijay has a constant need for Eller Road as an example. Due to the high traffic and usage, the road is already showing cracks after only three years since paving.
However, the topic ultimately came to rest at proceeding with the same split that each entity sees on the normal SPLOST, Gilmer County receives 92 percent, Ellijay receives 5.72 percent, and East Ellijay receives 1.93 percent.
However, the negotiations of percentage were not the only discussion held in the meeting as citizens debated the TSPLOST in the Citizens Wishing to Speak section.
Bill Craig, of North Georgia Diamond, voiced his opinion that the retail business community may have been left out of the discussion on the topic. Saying that the county hasn’t considered the impact to businesses that more sales tax might have. He offered scenarios to consider that people visiting might go elsewhere or stop early to buy groceries or similar necessities if they visit Ellijay, or that someone might visit another county to buy larger items like his store provides, being jewelry and diamonds.
While Paris did say he met with one retailer privately to discuss the topic, Craig repeated that he felt the county had not done enough to understand the business impact.
Mayor West commented on possible impact saying if he was going to buy something like a diamond, he would shop with North Georgia Diamond over driving to Atlanta for only a $100 difference, coming from the 1 percent sales tax increase.
Craig went on to say that adding TSPLOST would make Gilmer one of the highest sales tax percentages in the state.
Georgia Sales and Use Tax Rate Chart
In fact, according to the Georgia Sales and Use Tax Rate Chart (pictured to the right) published, for January 2020, by the Georgia Department of Revenue, of the 159 counties in Georgia, just over half of them have an 8 percent sales tax.
Actually, 83 counties have an 8 percent sales tax, while 69 counties (including Gilmer) have a 7 percent sales tax, 4 counties have a 6 percent sales tax, and only one county, Ware County, has a 9 percent sales tax. This does exclude Fulton and DeKalb counties with split sales tax in parts of the county according to this document.
Also, there are 87 counties that currently have some form of a TSPLOST, whether it is the original state TSPLOST or a locally added TSPLOST after that statewide vote.
Looking more specifically to the Highway 515 corridor, as some have called it, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, and Union Counties all, currently, have a sales tax rate of 7 including LOST (Local Option Sales Tax), SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax), and ESPLOST (Educational Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax).
One more comment of major note came from Chairman Paris who said, “I’m fine with it either way,” when discussing if the TSPLOST will pass on the ballots. Paris admitted a large amount of pressure on him from the public. He has stated in previous meetings that he feels the road department and the county’s roads are progressing. He ultimately simplified the discussion and the TSPLOST vote as he summed it up by saying its a decision on if we want our roads fixed over the next 25 years or the next 5 years. The TSPLOST, as he described, is simply a way to achieve the same results faster.
ACCG weighs in on Carters Lake and Corps of Engineers
Uncategorized November 8, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Continuing the conversation about the county’s future with Carters Lake, the Gilmer Board of Commissioners hosted a representative from ACCG (Association of County Commissioners in Georgia) to speak on other counties involved in the process of taking control and responsibility for lakeside recreation areas from the Corps of Engineers.
Mike O’Quinn, the ACCG’s County Consulting Services Associate in the areas of County Law, Negotiations, and Inter and Intra Governmental Relations, offered two other counties going through similar situations.
“For better or worse, the Corps seems to be getting out of the recreation business,” said O’Quinn as he was speaking on the topic of Gilmer taking over these areas. He offered a point of reassurance saying that ig Gilmer does move forward with taking over the areas, they would not be alone in these operations.
McDuffy county took over Raysville Campground from the Corps of Engineers nearly three years ago. It had been closed previously, whereas Gilmer County is looking to intervene before permanent closure. O’Quinn said that now McDuffy is looking at taking over a second campground. A county smaller than Gilmer in population, says O’Quinn.
Bartow County also took over a previously closed campground Clark Creek on Lake Allatoona. A larger county in population than Gilmer, they, too, are looking at taking over a second campground.
O’Quinn told Gilmer’s Commissioner that both of these operations have been successful in their operations of the areas as they have used county employees for operations and maintenance instead of contracted services.
O’Quinn went on to say that he has camped and visited these sites as well as Doll Mountain in Gilmer and other Corps owned sites. He added that he hasn’t noticed any differences in operations controlled by the county and those controlled by the Corps.
However, both of these counties noted have gone with full lease options for their sites. Chairman Paris and Post Commissioner Ferguson have tentatively agreed in previous meetings that they will be looking to pursue cooperative management options with Carters Lake instead of a lease. However, no official resolution has been made as they both continue to investigate the issues.
The topic has picked up in public response and attention as numerous citizens on both sides of the debate weigh in. Many have already spoken in favor of the take-over including Angela Mays who spoke about the handicap access and the ease of getting her family out to the locations. She noted how she has run into boy scouts and groups using the trails as well as low-income families who use the recreation areas, trails, beach, and other facilities as a major recreation source for their families at lower costs.
Additionally, Larry Alonso defended Carters Lake and its access as a major resource in teaching and furthering exercise in people both young and old.
On the other side, many citizens have taken to social media to voice opposing opinions including Kathy Collins who said “The Army Corps is loosing money trying to maintain them. That’s why they’re trying to pawn them off on us.”
Additionally, Sukochi Ward Lee voiced concerns of increasing costs if fees do not cover the costs that could result in increased taxes down the road.
Many others have compared the campgrounds to the County Golf Course saying that it will become another financial drain on the county to maintain. While some counter that the golf course is very nearly revenue neutral, others point to it taking nearly two decades to even get close to the point it is now.
As the county awaits the state verification of election results and the arrival of its newly elected third member, Hubert Parker according to unofficial results, the discussion is continuing towards a resolution. The county could make a decision as early as next week during its November Meetings (Work Session: November 13. 2019, at 9 a.m.. Regular Meeting: November 14, 2019, at 6 p.m.) In fact, the advertised agenda has the item listed for discussion and possible action. But this item has been listed for several months and tabled as discussion continues.