With the first day of school fast approaching, open house has been scheduled at the four schools in the county.
The schedule is as follows:
•Banks County Primary School, Wednesday, August 1, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
•Banks County Elementary School, Wednesday, August 1, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
•Banks County Middle School, Wednesday August 1, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
•Banks County High School, Thursday, August 2, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The first day of school will be Friday, Aug. 3.
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Runoff election set Tuesday
Early voting for the July 24 runoff election will be through Friday, July 20.
All early voting will be held at the Elections Office, located at 226 Candler Street, Homer, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Election Day, Tuesday, July 24, all 13 voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be no Saturday voting.
Absentee ballots by mail are available now.
Races on the Republican ballot will be:
•Governor: L.S. “Casey” Cagle and Brian Kemp.
•Lieutenant Governor: Geoff Duncan and David Shafer.
•Secretary of State: David Belle Isle and Brad Raffensperger.
Races on the Democratic ballot will be:
•Sid Chapman and Otha E. Thornton Jr., state school superintendent.
All early voting will be held at the Elections Office, located at 226 Candler Street, Homer, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Election Day, Tuesday, July 24, all 13 voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be no Saturday voting.
Absentee ballots by mail are available now.
Races on the Republican ballot will be:
•Governor: L.S. “Casey” Cagle and Brian Kemp.
•Lieutenant Governor: Geoff Duncan and David Shafer.
•Secretary of State: David Belle Isle and Brad Raffensperger.
Races on the Democratic ballot will be:
•Sid Chapman and Otha E. Thornton Jr., state school superintendent.
Lula moving forward on new well site
The Lula City Council is continuing to move forward with condemnation of property for a new well site. During a meeting held Monday night, citizens were allowed the opportunity to voice concerns and ask questions regarding this proposal.
Following the public input portion of the meeting, the council unanimously agreed to proceed with the exercise of eminent domain to acquire easement area of 1.63 acres and the fee simple title to 3,750 square feet of property for a well site off of Belton Bridge Road. Due to a technicality with publishing the public hearing notice, another public hearing will be held July 16.
City engineer Robert Simmons gave an update on the project. Simmons said Hydrogeologist Bob Atkins was tasked with locating the best probable sites where ground water could be located.
Atkins has determined, after considering three possible locations, property located off of Belton Bridge Road is the best site for the proposed well. The actual site consists of 3,750 square feet with a 30-foot easement for access and water lines to the site.
Atkins has presented a proposal for construction of a test well. If the test well proves adequate quality and quantity of water, the well will then be converted to a production well. Once his service is completed, he will prepare a report of his recommendations for pump size, settings and water treatment. Atkins fee for this project would cost the city $22,972. In addition, Mr. Atkins has received a quote of $47,380 from Middle Georgia Well Company to drill the well.
Once the well has been determined to be adequate, RMA Engineering will then be responsible for submitting an application to EPD for permitting of the well and designing the treatment building and production well. RMA engineering fees would cost $28,875. But, before getting to this point, the council must first acquire the property.
The first step towards obtaining the property consisted of city representatives meeting with the property owner to inform the owner that the property has been identified as a good well site. Once the informal efforts did not achieve an agreement for the city to acquire the property, the next step was to appraise the property, with consent from the owner. The appraisal reported the property to be valued at $7,900. According to city attorney Joseph Homans, this is the minimum amount the council is authorized to offer to the owner of the property.
Several property owners in the affected area voiced their concerns ranging from the impact on adjoining property owners to what makes this the best site for the well. One property owner, Monica Pryor, questioned how the council could be voting to move forward with this project without knowing the complete project cost. Pryor pointed out the council has not included the cost for such items as erosion control and road preparation to the site
“It’s like you don’t have all the numbers, but yet you are voting on this, and you don’t even know how much it will cost,” said Pryor.
Mayor Jim Grier noted that until the project is to a certain point, the cost is irreverent.
“If we don’t go past that point, then we don’t have to have that cost or know what that is,” Grier said.
For more news from Lula, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Following the public input portion of the meeting, the council unanimously agreed to proceed with the exercise of eminent domain to acquire easement area of 1.63 acres and the fee simple title to 3,750 square feet of property for a well site off of Belton Bridge Road. Due to a technicality with publishing the public hearing notice, another public hearing will be held July 16.
City engineer Robert Simmons gave an update on the project. Simmons said Hydrogeologist Bob Atkins was tasked with locating the best probable sites where ground water could be located.
Atkins has determined, after considering three possible locations, property located off of Belton Bridge Road is the best site for the proposed well. The actual site consists of 3,750 square feet with a 30-foot easement for access and water lines to the site.
Atkins has presented a proposal for construction of a test well. If the test well proves adequate quality and quantity of water, the well will then be converted to a production well. Once his service is completed, he will prepare a report of his recommendations for pump size, settings and water treatment. Atkins fee for this project would cost the city $22,972. In addition, Mr. Atkins has received a quote of $47,380 from Middle Georgia Well Company to drill the well.
Once the well has been determined to be adequate, RMA Engineering will then be responsible for submitting an application to EPD for permitting of the well and designing the treatment building and production well. RMA engineering fees would cost $28,875. But, before getting to this point, the council must first acquire the property.
The first step towards obtaining the property consisted of city representatives meeting with the property owner to inform the owner that the property has been identified as a good well site. Once the informal efforts did not achieve an agreement for the city to acquire the property, the next step was to appraise the property, with consent from the owner. The appraisal reported the property to be valued at $7,900. According to city attorney Joseph Homans, this is the minimum amount the council is authorized to offer to the owner of the property.
Several property owners in the affected area voiced their concerns ranging from the impact on adjoining property owners to what makes this the best site for the well. One property owner, Monica Pryor, questioned how the council could be voting to move forward with this project without knowing the complete project cost. Pryor pointed out the council has not included the cost for such items as erosion control and road preparation to the site
“It’s like you don’t have all the numbers, but yet you are voting on this, and you don’t even know how much it will cost,” said Pryor.
Mayor Jim Grier noted that until the project is to a certain point, the cost is irreverent.
“If we don’t go past that point, then we don’t have to have that cost or know what that is,” Grier said.
For more news from Lula, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
County, cities to meet Tuesday
A kick off meeting will be held between the Banks County Board of Commissioners and the cities of Alto, Baldwin, Gillsville, Homer, Lula and Maysville to discuss the 2018 Banks County Service Delivery Strategy on Tuesday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the board room of the Banks County Annex.
Fireworks planned Wednesday in Homer
The Town of Homer and the Homer Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting the annual Fireworks Display on July 4.
The event will be held at the Banks County High School, located just south of Homer on State Route 164. Show time will be approximately 9:30 p.m.
“As always we ask that people please respect the school property and clean up their area,” leaders state.
The event is planned by the Town of Homer and the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.
The event will be held at the Banks County High School, located just south of Homer on State Route 164. Show time will be approximately 9:30 p.m.
“As always we ask that people please respect the school property and clean up their area,” leaders state.
The event is planned by the Town of Homer and the Homer Volunteer Fire Department.
Early voting coming up for July 24 election
Early voting for the July 24 runoff election will be held Monday, July 2, through Friday, July 20.
All early voting will be held at the Elections Office, located at 226 Candler Street, Homer, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Election Day, Tuesday, July 24, all 13 voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be no Saturday voting. Voting also will not be held on Wednesday, July 4.
Absentee ballots by mail are available now.
Races on the Republican ballot will be:
•Governor: L.S. “Casey” Cagle and Brian Kemp.
•Lieutenant Governor: Geoff Duncan and David Shafer.
•Secretary of State: David Belle Isle and Brad Raffensperger.
Races on the Democrat ballot will be:
•Sid Chapman and Otha E. Thornton Jr., state school superintendent.
All early voting will be held at the Elections Office, located at 226 Candler Street, Homer, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On Election Day, Tuesday, July 24, all 13 voting precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be no Saturday voting. Voting also will not be held on Wednesday, July 4.
Absentee ballots by mail are available now.
Races on the Republican ballot will be:
•Governor: L.S. “Casey” Cagle and Brian Kemp.
•Lieutenant Governor: Geoff Duncan and David Shafer.
•Secretary of State: David Belle Isle and Brad Raffensperger.
Races on the Democrat ballot will be:
•Sid Chapman and Otha E. Thornton Jr., state school superintendent.
Tanger recognized by Chamber CVB
Tanger Outlet Center received the Business of the Year Award at the June meeting of the Banks County Chamber of Commerce CVB. Mark Valentine, general manger of Tanger, accepted the award from Becky Carlan, Chamber CVB representative.
The guest speaker at the monthly breakfast meeting spoke on the Better Business Bureau. Want to find out about local scams in your area? What about checking out praises for local businesses? Both of these are services offered by the Better Business Bureau on their website, www.bbb.org. Bo Wilson, with the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Georgia, spoke on these topics at the Bank County Chamber of Commerce CVB meeting in Homer.
Wilson started his talk by asking the crowd what they think of when they hear "Better Business Bureau." The most common answer was "complaints."
"We are more than a complaint department," Wilson said.
He them detailed the scam tracker option found on the website, as well as speaking on the praises, as well as complaints, that are listed about businesses. He was quick to point out that even though a business may have a complaint filed against them, it doesn't mean they are a bad business.
"It's not about the number of complaints you have," he said. "It's about how you handle them. As a business owner, you can not make everyone happy. Complaints happen. It's a part of life. What matters is how you handle the complaints."
Wilson said the man goal of the BBB is to provide "trust and ethics" for businesses in the local marketplace.
Business owners can check out the website to apply for accreditation, with eight criteria being reviewed before the business is approved.
The BBB also offers a college scholarship program, with an essay being submitted as part of the application process.
The Chamber CVB holds a monthly breakfast meeting at 7:45 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Banks County Board of Education office.
For more Chamber CVB news, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
The guest speaker at the monthly breakfast meeting spoke on the Better Business Bureau. Want to find out about local scams in your area? What about checking out praises for local businesses? Both of these are services offered by the Better Business Bureau on their website, www.bbb.org. Bo Wilson, with the Better Business Bureau of Northeast Georgia, spoke on these topics at the Bank County Chamber of Commerce CVB meeting in Homer.
Wilson started his talk by asking the crowd what they think of when they hear "Better Business Bureau." The most common answer was "complaints."
"We are more than a complaint department," Wilson said.
He them detailed the scam tracker option found on the website, as well as speaking on the praises, as well as complaints, that are listed about businesses. He was quick to point out that even though a business may have a complaint filed against them, it doesn't mean they are a bad business.
"It's not about the number of complaints you have," he said. "It's about how you handle them. As a business owner, you can not make everyone happy. Complaints happen. It's a part of life. What matters is how you handle the complaints."
Wilson said the man goal of the BBB is to provide "trust and ethics" for businesses in the local marketplace.
Business owners can check out the website to apply for accreditation, with eight criteria being reviewed before the business is approved.
The BBB also offers a college scholarship program, with an essay being submitted as part of the application process.
The Chamber CVB holds a monthly breakfast meeting at 7:45 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Banks County Board of Education office.
For more Chamber CVB news, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Homer approves FY19 budget
The Homer City Council unanimously approved its fiscal year 2019 budget for the general fund and water department last week.
The general fund will increase by $9,800 to $487,400 and the water fund will increase by 20 percent, from $204,800 to $246,500.
The largest change in expenses will be a jump of $40,000 to buy water. The cost of water is projected to go from $40,000 to $80,000. Most of the increase is because the city must buy all of its water supply from Banks County until it gets its new well, off Evans Street, producing water.
The expected increase will be covered with reserve funds.
General fund increases are expected in workman’s compensation, professional fees, street lights, garbage pickup, gas and fuel and vehicle insurance.
The biggest source of revenue for the general fund is sales tax. It is projected to be $165,000, down $3,000 from the FY 2018. The insurance premium tax is projected to be up $5,000.
The council also approved accepting two loans for the water department, in connection with the new well. The council approved one loan for $700,000 and $90,000 of that total will be forgiven if the city makes all of its payments on time. The other loan is for $450,000 and will replace all of the towns water meters.
The new well will be on 28 acres the city is buying on Evans Street.
Much of the land can be a new city park, council members have said
Mayor Doug Cheek noted the existing water meters are old and need to be replaced. The new meters will allow employees to remotely access them for monthly readings.
The interest rate for both loans is a bit more than 1 percent.
The loans are through the Georgia Environmental Financial Authority.
For more news from the Homer City Council, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
The general fund will increase by $9,800 to $487,400 and the water fund will increase by 20 percent, from $204,800 to $246,500.
The largest change in expenses will be a jump of $40,000 to buy water. The cost of water is projected to go from $40,000 to $80,000. Most of the increase is because the city must buy all of its water supply from Banks County until it gets its new well, off Evans Street, producing water.
The expected increase will be covered with reserve funds.
General fund increases are expected in workman’s compensation, professional fees, street lights, garbage pickup, gas and fuel and vehicle insurance.
The biggest source of revenue for the general fund is sales tax. It is projected to be $165,000, down $3,000 from the FY 2018. The insurance premium tax is projected to be up $5,000.
The council also approved accepting two loans for the water department, in connection with the new well. The council approved one loan for $700,000 and $90,000 of that total will be forgiven if the city makes all of its payments on time. The other loan is for $450,000 and will replace all of the towns water meters.
The new well will be on 28 acres the city is buying on Evans Street.
Much of the land can be a new city park, council members have said
Mayor Doug Cheek noted the existing water meters are old and need to be replaced. The new meters will allow employees to remotely access them for monthly readings.
The interest rate for both loans is a bit more than 1 percent.
The loans are through the Georgia Environmental Financial Authority.
For more news from the Homer City Council, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Farmers Market open in Baldwin
The City of Baldwin Farmers’ Market is now open from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays in the downtown area, across from the old city hall location.
There is no fee for vendors taking part in the market through the month of October. Products that are not characteristic of a wholesome family environment will not be allowed. “The sale of firearms, ammunition and pornography is strictly prohibited,” leaders state. For more information, contact Baldwin City Hall at 706-778-6341.
There is no fee for vendors taking part in the market through the month of October. Products that are not characteristic of a wholesome family environment will not be allowed. “The sale of firearms, ammunition and pornography is strictly prohibited,” leaders state. For more information, contact Baldwin City Hall at 706-778-6341.
Baldwin denies rezoning for business
The Baldwin City Council denied a controversial rezoning request on Monday for approximately two acres at 925 Duncan Bridge Road.
Chet Barrett, on behalf of the property owners, Estate of Bobby and Frances Barrett, applied for the rezoning from Residential (R1) to Highway Business (HB). He planned to sell the lot to the owner of a landscaping business.
Barrett said this would be the base of operations for the landscaper and he would have equipment on the lot. Barrett stated other property surrounding this lot were currently zoned commercial. The Habersham County Airport is just across Duncan Bridge Road from this property.
Barrett said he thought it would be a hard sale for someone wanting to put a house on this lot as that is what it is currently zoned for.
“I don’t think anyone wants to look out their front door and see planes leaving the airport,” Barrett said.
A large group turned out for the public hearing portion of Monday’s meeting to voice concern with the rezoning.
The residents speaking in opposition to the request came from two subdivisions near the property, Mallard Pond and Chandler Heights.
Sandy Evans, Mallard Pond, said she doesn’t think a business of any kind was a good fit for this lot. She said her concern isn’t necessarily with the landscaper, but what could go in after the landscaper is gone.
Jacky Addison addressed the council about the noise and traffic that a business could cause in the area.
Chandler Heights resident Mary Benson said, “The airport and business park need to stay on the other side of the road (Duncan Bridge Road).”
Peggy Fortson said, “If this rezoning is approved you will just be opening up a Pandora’s Box.”
Joel Harlow, Mallard Pond, said the rezoning would de-value the residential property around it and the tax values would go down.
“Once it is changed to Highway Business, it can’t be changed back,” said Tom Heflin, Chandler Heights. “I would like to see it stay the same as it is currently.”
Nathan Davis said, “You will be going down a slippery slope, if you approve this rezoning.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Parrish said this is a small lot with residential zoning around it and changing it to highway business would open it up for anything.
Parrish said the council had previously received a rezoning request similar to this one on another piece of property and it was denied after some of the same concerns were voiced by nearby residents.
“That one was denied,” Parrish said.
Council member Alice Venter, who is a real estate agent, said she understands where Barrett is at as far as selling the lot for residential.
“You can’t sell to someone wanting to build a house with the airport just across the road,” Venter said. “As a real estate agent, I do understand that.”
However, Venter said she also understands the concerns from the nearby property owners.
Parrish called for a motion to approve the rezoning, but no motion was made.
“With no motion received, that constitutes a denial,” Parrish said.
For more news from Baldwin, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
Chet Barrett, on behalf of the property owners, Estate of Bobby and Frances Barrett, applied for the rezoning from Residential (R1) to Highway Business (HB). He planned to sell the lot to the owner of a landscaping business.
Barrett said this would be the base of operations for the landscaper and he would have equipment on the lot. Barrett stated other property surrounding this lot were currently zoned commercial. The Habersham County Airport is just across Duncan Bridge Road from this property.
Barrett said he thought it would be a hard sale for someone wanting to put a house on this lot as that is what it is currently zoned for.
“I don’t think anyone wants to look out their front door and see planes leaving the airport,” Barrett said.
A large group turned out for the public hearing portion of Monday’s meeting to voice concern with the rezoning.
The residents speaking in opposition to the request came from two subdivisions near the property, Mallard Pond and Chandler Heights.
Sandy Evans, Mallard Pond, said she doesn’t think a business of any kind was a good fit for this lot. She said her concern isn’t necessarily with the landscaper, but what could go in after the landscaper is gone.
Jacky Addison addressed the council about the noise and traffic that a business could cause in the area.
Chandler Heights resident Mary Benson said, “The airport and business park need to stay on the other side of the road (Duncan Bridge Road).”
Peggy Fortson said, “If this rezoning is approved you will just be opening up a Pandora’s Box.”
Joel Harlow, Mallard Pond, said the rezoning would de-value the residential property around it and the tax values would go down.
“Once it is changed to Highway Business, it can’t be changed back,” said Tom Heflin, Chandler Heights. “I would like to see it stay the same as it is currently.”
Nathan Davis said, “You will be going down a slippery slope, if you approve this rezoning.”
Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Parrish said this is a small lot with residential zoning around it and changing it to highway business would open it up for anything.
Parrish said the council had previously received a rezoning request similar to this one on another piece of property and it was denied after some of the same concerns were voiced by nearby residents.
“That one was denied,” Parrish said.
Council member Alice Venter, who is a real estate agent, said she understands where Barrett is at as far as selling the lot for residential.
“You can’t sell to someone wanting to build a house with the airport just across the road,” Venter said. “As a real estate agent, I do understand that.”
However, Venter said she also understands the concerns from the nearby property owners.
Parrish called for a motion to approve the rezoning, but no motion was made.
“With no motion received, that constitutes a denial,” Parrish said.
For more news from Baldwin, see this week's issue of the Banks County News.
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