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Gilmer News has a new home and a new format. Beginning Tuesday, July 21, 2009 Gilmer News will go to a full on-line newspaper format. We are moving to www.gilmernews.net.
CLICK HERE to be re-routed to the new site where you can sign up to receive each publishing automatically in your e-mail or bookmark the new site.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
This is a Little Strange!
I just received an e-mail from the Chairman of the Gilmer County Commission requesting that I put a disclaimer on this blog that this is not a County web-site.
Commissioner Chastain said, "I have been ask by a couple of people to ask you to put some sort of disclaimer or note on your website stating that it is not a county website. I've actually had people thank me for putting it up!!!"
Well Mark... here it is:
This is not a County Website
Max Holstein
ps: I am happy that folks are reading the articles, and I hope everyone will look for the announcement on Monday about Gilmer News taking the next step up.
Commissioner Chastain said, "I have been ask by a couple of people to ask you to put some sort of disclaimer or note on your website stating that it is not a county website. I've actually had people thank me for putting it up!!!"
Well Mark... here it is:
This is not a County Website
Max Holstein
ps: I am happy that folks are reading the articles, and I hope everyone will look for the announcement on Monday about Gilmer News taking the next step up.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Brain Tumor Foundation Race – July 25, 2009
Justin Elliott along with his mom & dad (Ed & Ellen Grant) invite everyone in Gilmer County to join the “Jogging for Justin Team” at the annual Southeastern Brain Tumor Foundation’s Race for Research at Atlantic Station in Atlanta on Saturday, July 25th. The race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. and the cost is $20.00. All proceeds for the race will go to the Foundation which helps fund education, family support and research at Emory, Duke & UNC.
Ellen Grant, team “mom” said “we want to do everything we can to help find a cure”. Although there is currently no cure for Justin’s disease, he has already beaten the odds, and is doing great. Justin finished his freshman year of college (West Georgia), with honors, midst all the treatments, MRIs and trips to Duke this year. He has enrolled at the University of Georgia for his sophomore year and is looking forward to another successful school year.
Justin’s success is unique. Gilmer County has lost four citizens in the past 18 months to brain tumors and in the last week two of Ellen’s “internet families” have lost loved ones.
To learn more about the race go to the Race for Research website.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
County Goes Online With Financial Reports
During the August 9th County Commission Workshop, this reporter suggested that the Board of Commissioners make good on a campaign promise that they each made. Each of the commissioners supported a proposal to make Gilmer County’s financial activities more transparent by posting the monthly financial report on the official County website. That report is now online and can be viewed at: http://www.gilmercounty-ga.gov/forms/financial/FINANCIALSTMT-JUNE-2009.pdf .
The current report shows that, in the Unrestricted General Fund Budget, expenses for the first half of 2009 are 2.43% below budget. That, however, is offset by income collections being down 10.06%. The Board of Commissioners, in their last regular meeting, expressed a desire to have each department review their budgets and bring them back in line. They also indicated that a future meeting would include an amendment to the current budget to reflect the income & expenses for the remainder of the year.
It is important to note that the County Commission (B.O.C.) does not actually control the expenses of the other Constitutional Officers such as: sheriff, clerk of court, tax commissioner, magistrate, and probate judge. While the B.O.C. controls the funds and works with the officers to set their budget, they cannot require budget reductions once the budgets, for those departments, have been set.
The current report shows that, in the Unrestricted General Fund Budget, expenses for the first half of 2009 are 2.43% below budget. That, however, is offset by income collections being down 10.06%. The Board of Commissioners, in their last regular meeting, expressed a desire to have each department review their budgets and bring them back in line. They also indicated that a future meeting would include an amendment to the current budget to reflect the income & expenses for the remainder of the year.
It is important to note that the County Commission (B.O.C.) does not actually control the expenses of the other Constitutional Officers such as: sheriff, clerk of court, tax commissioner, magistrate, and probate judge. While the B.O.C. controls the funds and works with the officers to set their budget, they cannot require budget reductions once the budgets, for those departments, have been set.
THE TRIP IS ON..........
Supporters of the Fair Tax Program now have enough “Patriots” signed up to charter the bus for the trip to Washington D.C. for the September 12th National Tea Party. Seats are still available on the bus if you are interested in joining the trip. Call Jack Smith at 706-635-3831 to book your seat.
Schedule:
Sep 10, 6:00am depart Wal-Mart lot
6:00pm arrive in D.C.
Sep 11, day for you to do as you please
Sep 12, March & activities
6:30pm depart D.C.
Sep 13, 6:00am arrive Ellijay
Rooms & Rates:
Best Western Rosslyn/Iwo Jima, in Arlington, Va.
$110 per room per night
Book into "TEA PARTY GROUP"
CALL: 703-524-5000
For anyone driving, you can book into our block of rooms so we can all be together.
The agenda for DC can be located at:
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July Activities In Gilmer County
If you are planning your activities calendar for July here are several you won’t want to miss:
• Gilmer Farmers Market: Every Saturday morning starting at 8:00 am located at the Farm Bureau Parking Lot on River Street in Ellijay. New vendors are welcome. Booth fees are only $5.00 per season. Plants and seasonal vegetables as well as homemade jams, jellies, relishes, etc are in good supply.
• Pickin’ on the Square: Every Friday evening from 6:00 pm until about 9:00 pm the square in downtown Ellijay comes alive with bluegrass, country, rock and gospel music. Bring your instrument and “jam” with local musicians or just come to listen.
• Cherry Log Pickin’: Every Thursday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Whitepath Fire Staton #11 on Whitepath Rd., just behind the Blue Ridge Auto Auction on Hwy 515. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music.
• July 25th: GOP Picnic. The Gilmer County Republicans will host the 9th District Picnic at Fish Trap Park in Coosawattee River Resort starting at 11:00 a.m. The Hoyle’s will be the entertainment and Walker’s Bar B Q will supply lunch (plates $11.00). For additional information & to print a gate pass go to the GOP website at: http://www.gilmergop.org/page1.php
• July 25th : Pickin’ on the Porch, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the General Store, just outside of the Eagle Mountain Gate of the Coosawattee River Resort. Bring your lawn chair & enjoy the music.
• July 31st: Cowan’s Book Nook, 96 Craig St., East Ellijay, presents former U. S. Senator Zell Miller signing his new book “Purt Nigh Gone” from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. To reserve a signed copy or to reserve a signing slot, call 706/515-8700.
• August 4th: Gilmer Republicans, monthly meeting Harrison Hall, 7p.m. Congressional candidate Bill Stevens will be making a presentation, along with Chris Perkins a representative of “Educate Georgia”.
• Southeastern Bluegrass Association: The Cherry Log chapter SEBA meets on the fourth Saturday (except December) from 3 pm until 6 pm at the Cherry Log Christian Church. Contact Al or Dana Henderson at 706-635-3786 for additional information.
If you have an activity you want published just email me at mjholstein@ccim.net with the details.
• Gilmer Farmers Market: Every Saturday morning starting at 8:00 am located at the Farm Bureau Parking Lot on River Street in Ellijay. New vendors are welcome. Booth fees are only $5.00 per season. Plants and seasonal vegetables as well as homemade jams, jellies, relishes, etc are in good supply.
• Pickin’ on the Square: Every Friday evening from 6:00 pm until about 9:00 pm the square in downtown Ellijay comes alive with bluegrass, country, rock and gospel music. Bring your instrument and “jam” with local musicians or just come to listen.
• Cherry Log Pickin’: Every Thursday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Whitepath Fire Staton #11 on Whitepath Rd., just behind the Blue Ridge Auto Auction on Hwy 515. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the music.
• July 25th: GOP Picnic. The Gilmer County Republicans will host the 9th District Picnic at Fish Trap Park in Coosawattee River Resort starting at 11:00 a.m. The Hoyle’s will be the entertainment and Walker’s Bar B Q will supply lunch (plates $11.00). For additional information & to print a gate pass go to the GOP website at: http://www.gilmergop.org/page1.php
• July 25th : Pickin’ on the Porch, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the General Store, just outside of the Eagle Mountain Gate of the Coosawattee River Resort. Bring your lawn chair & enjoy the music.
• July 31st: Cowan’s Book Nook, 96 Craig St., East Ellijay, presents former U. S. Senator Zell Miller signing his new book “Purt Nigh Gone” from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. To reserve a signed copy or to reserve a signing slot, call 706/515-8700.
• August 4th: Gilmer Republicans, monthly meeting Harrison Hall, 7p.m. Congressional candidate Bill Stevens will be making a presentation, along with Chris Perkins a representative of “Educate Georgia”.
• Southeastern Bluegrass Association: The Cherry Log chapter SEBA meets on the fourth Saturday (except December) from 3 pm until 6 pm at the Cherry Log Christian Church. Contact Al or Dana Henderson at 706-635-3786 for additional information.
If you have an activity you want published just email me at mjholstein@ccim.net with the details.
B.O.C. Chairman's Report
Here is the Board of Commissioners Chairman's Report for Week of 7-13-09
Work should begin soon on replacing the roof on the civic center. There are electrical and mold issues inside the building (not the pool area) that need to be addressed too, but obviously the leaky roof must be fixed first. Plans for the civic center include the removal of the old park and recreation offices from inside the gym and restoring this area as a gym. Although smaller than high school regulation size, the gym can be used for practices and also for games in the younger age groups. There are also tentative plans for the Boys and Girls Club to use the old
We are proceeding with taking a much closer and more detailed look at reconfiguring the fields at the county park. Initially it looks to be possible to get more fields and more parking simply by reconfiguring the lay-out. The existing fields were apparently constructed as the needs became evident and not in a “master planned” approach. The need for additional fields is well known, as well as the desire to keep them all in a central location.
I was very relieved last week to conclude that the county government will be able to function without a millage rate increase this year. The millage rate for county operations will remain at five (5.00) mills. We are able to do this even though the Legislature effectively discontinued the homestead exemption tax relief grant program and in spite of revenues that are slightly lower than anticipated. Spending controls and effective budget planning and management which we implemented this year will be continued. Interestingly, the average millage rate in
We have been approached by the
As always, feel free to contact me by email (mchastain@gilmercounty-ga.gov) or by calling the BOC office at 706-635-4361. Comments can be left on 706-515-2320.
BOC Called Meeting For Today
Taken from the Gilmer County Board of Commissioner's Official Website:
Entry Date: Monday, July 13, 2009
7/14/09 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING BOC
GILMER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
TUESDAY JULY 14, 2009
3:00 PM
LOCATION: GILMER COUNTY BOC CONFERENCE ROOM
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER: Mark Chastain, Chairman
INVOCATION & PLEDGE:
MINUTES:
Action to Approve the Minutes from the July 9, 2009 Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting.
AGENDA APPROVAL:
Action to Approve Agenda.
OLD BUSINESS:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Action on Resolution 09-063, Award proposal for Electrical Generator and Mechanical Equipment.
ADJOURNMENT:
24 HR NOTICE
Times Courier ETCPublish Post
Radio
Website
Entry Date: Monday, July 13, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
BOC Meets in Workshop & Regular Session
With the gas line rupture repaired (see Call Before You Dig? below), the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners (BOC) met in a workshop session at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9th. The purpose of the workshop was to discuss items that would be on the agenda of regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Several items were discussed, the most notable included:
• Award of the proposal on refurbishing a ladder truck for the Fire Department. The cost of the refurbishing is $199,000. $150,000 will be paid by the City of East Ellijay. There was only one proposal received and that was from the original manufacturer of the vehicle. The cost to refurbish is much less than the estimated cost of a comparable new vehicle at $1.1 million. The award was formally approved at the evening meeting.
• Award of the proposal to re-roof the Civic Center Building. Commission Chairman Chastain explained that the roof on the Civic Center is in deplorable condition and has resulted in mold and mildew in the building. “The mold problem cannot be addressed until the water problem is solved”, said Commissioner Chastain. There were two proposals received and the Commission awarded the contract to the lowest of $42,760 by Paris Roofing at the evening meeting.
• Perhaps the most discussed item at the Workshop was the action to advertise for the new Millage Rate. The Commissioners indicated that they would hold the Millage Rate to 5.0 mils for the 2009 tax year. They also indicated that doing this required the department heads and constitutional officers to hold their budgets “flat”. Budget discussions will commence within the next thirty days with each department head and constitutional officer. Emphasis will be placed on completing this year’s expenditures approximately eight to ten percent less than originally approved to offset the reduction of budgeted income of approximately the same amount. For the first six months (50% of year) County expenditures are a total of 47.57% of budget but revenue is only 39.94% of budget. The Commissioners indicated that they will take action in a future meeting to amend the current budget to reflect the reduction of income and expenses. At the evening meeting formal approval was given to advertise the Millage Rate at 5.0 mils.
Related to the budget discussions, this reporter reminded the members of the Commission that they had each, in the last campaign, talked about the importance of transparency in government. They each had indicated that would support steps to allow citizens to monitor income and expenses within the County. I suggested that they post monthly income & expense reports, by department, on the official County website. They committed to do this and instructed County Finance Director, Faye Harvey to proceed with getting the reports posted.
• The second most discussed item was the award of the contract for the feasibility study on the extension of the airport runway. There seemed to be very little enthusiasm for the runway extension among the Commissioners especially if condemnation of land is involved in completing the project. It was noted however that now is the time to look at the extension with the General Obligation Bond money that is earmarked for the airport. In addition it was felt that the study may provide useful information for economic development. Six proposals were received for the study. The “short list” was two companies. RKG from Virginia was deemed the best proposal because of price and direct experience with airport feasibility studies. At the evening meeting the Commission awarded the $27,500 contract to RKG.
• In other actions at the evening meeting, the Commission approved a zoning request by Billy Masters on Yukon Rd. of a parcel from R-1 to C. Action on the wireless telephone contract was tabled until the next regular meeting. The Commission authorized the Chairman to execute documents to extend the TAN Note from $2 million to $4 million dollars. The Airport Advisory Board was reduced from 8 members to 7 members and Don Isom was appointed to a vacant position on the Board. Approval was given for exchange of road right of way with a private property owner. Proposals were approved for paving and resurfacing of roads, and the Commission authorized the participation in the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.
Several items were discussed, the most notable included:
• Award of the proposal on refurbishing a ladder truck for the Fire Department. The cost of the refurbishing is $199,000. $150,000 will be paid by the City of East Ellijay. There was only one proposal received and that was from the original manufacturer of the vehicle. The cost to refurbish is much less than the estimated cost of a comparable new vehicle at $1.1 million. The award was formally approved at the evening meeting.
• Award of the proposal to re-roof the Civic Center Building. Commission Chairman Chastain explained that the roof on the Civic Center is in deplorable condition and has resulted in mold and mildew in the building. “The mold problem cannot be addressed until the water problem is solved”, said Commissioner Chastain. There were two proposals received and the Commission awarded the contract to the lowest of $42,760 by Paris Roofing at the evening meeting.
• Perhaps the most discussed item at the Workshop was the action to advertise for the new Millage Rate. The Commissioners indicated that they would hold the Millage Rate to 5.0 mils for the 2009 tax year. They also indicated that doing this required the department heads and constitutional officers to hold their budgets “flat”. Budget discussions will commence within the next thirty days with each department head and constitutional officer. Emphasis will be placed on completing this year’s expenditures approximately eight to ten percent less than originally approved to offset the reduction of budgeted income of approximately the same amount. For the first six months (50% of year) County expenditures are a total of 47.57% of budget but revenue is only 39.94% of budget. The Commissioners indicated that they will take action in a future meeting to amend the current budget to reflect the reduction of income and expenses. At the evening meeting formal approval was given to advertise the Millage Rate at 5.0 mils.
Related to the budget discussions, this reporter reminded the members of the Commission that they had each, in the last campaign, talked about the importance of transparency in government. They each had indicated that would support steps to allow citizens to monitor income and expenses within the County. I suggested that they post monthly income & expense reports, by department, on the official County website. They committed to do this and instructed County Finance Director, Faye Harvey to proceed with getting the reports posted.
• The second most discussed item was the award of the contract for the feasibility study on the extension of the airport runway. There seemed to be very little enthusiasm for the runway extension among the Commissioners especially if condemnation of land is involved in completing the project. It was noted however that now is the time to look at the extension with the General Obligation Bond money that is earmarked for the airport. In addition it was felt that the study may provide useful information for economic development. Six proposals were received for the study. The “short list” was two companies. RKG from Virginia was deemed the best proposal because of price and direct experience with airport feasibility studies. At the evening meeting the Commission awarded the $27,500 contract to RKG.
• In other actions at the evening meeting, the Commission approved a zoning request by Billy Masters on Yukon Rd. of a parcel from R-1 to C. Action on the wireless telephone contract was tabled until the next regular meeting. The Commission authorized the Chairman to execute documents to extend the TAN Note from $2 million to $4 million dollars. The Airport Advisory Board was reduced from 8 members to 7 members and Don Isom was appointed to a vacant position on the Board. Approval was given for exchange of road right of way with a private property owner. Proposals were approved for paving and resurfacing of roads, and the Commission authorized the participation in the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July Chamber Network Lunch
Seventy Seven members of the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce gathered at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday July 7, 2009 at Harrison Hall for the monthly Network Lunch. The lunch was sponsored and catered by Quiznos. The lunches provide members the opportunity to get together and discuss business on a monthly basis and receive new businesses and individual members that come into Gilmer County. Approximately 10 new members were introduced at the meeting. For additional information on becoming an individual or business member of the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce call the office at 706-635-7400.
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