BOC Chairman's Report

Here is the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners Chairman's Report for the week of June 29th.

More consideration is going into the possible airport expansion. A study will likely be commissioned next week to look at the economic impact. One item of concern that has surfaced has been the impact of increased heavy air traffic in the approaches over Coosawattee River Resort. Increased industry and jobs would be a big plus for Gilmer County. Our job is to consider the over all cost and long term benefits.

We will soon be beginning an informal survey of members and patrons of the golf course. The purpose is to gauge their feel for the course, the management, costs, etc. This will be used to evaluate the approach and future of the golf course. We continue to receive comments both for and against change.

One point of discussion over the last few weeks has been the current parking arrangements behind the old bank building. With the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division (detectives) now occupying the old bank, there has been an increased need for parking. While the first plan was to dedicate all spaces to the CID staff, we have agreed to share this parking are with other employees in the basement level of the courthouse until the new parking lots can be completed later this summer.

Unfortunately, the legislature eliminated the state exemption portion of property tax bills. This will result in an increase on this year’s property tax bills regardless of what the county and school board do with the millage rates. The estimate is approximately $150 on the average residential tract with homestead exemption. Tracts without homestead exemption will not be affected. This is the amount that the state used to discount from the property tax bill and then rebate to the county government. This rebate is also eliminated from county revenue projections. It is unfortunate that the legislature enacted these measures during today’s economic conditions.

I’d like to encourage all county residents to support our local businesses. With sales tax revenues far below projections of just a couple of years ago, every dollar counts. Last Friday I enjoyed a game of bowling with lunch at our relatively new bowling alley “The Alley” on Industrial Boulevard. The Friday “lunch and bowl” is a neat concept that makes for a relaxing end to the week. New owners Jason Martin and Brad Farris have been working hard to improve the environment around the bowling alley. It is a very good family atmosphere, I would encourage everyone to make a visit and see it for yourselves.

Our Ford ambulance problems continued last week. I’d like to thank Fannin County for loaning us one of their spare ambulances so that our level of emergency services was not compromised. I believe we are close to having the situation resolved now and shouldn’t have many problems as we go along. We may try to replace the chassis on one or more of the older ambulances if we can determine that such is the most cost effective approach going forward, as opposed to continued maintenance costs. I also want to express my appreciation for the Fire-Rescue staff that didn’t complain but did their jobs well while having to switch from one truck to another on a sometimes daily basis.

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.