The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed Monday night to fund $10,000 to participate in a regional broadband study in hopes that the effort will improve economic development efforts.
“This will be a huge step in economic development for the Martin Bridge Road area,” commissioner Sammy Reece said. “We’ve got to start somewhere.”
The One Georgia Authority will provide $160,000 of the total $200,000 cost of the project. The other participating counties in the region will fund the remainder of the project. Banks County officials plans to ask economic partners in the county to provide $1,000 each toward the county’s total $10,000.
According to economic director Brad Day, the study will provide strategic guidance in the planning of fiber optic connectivity that can be implemented to enable economic development. The study will also identify funding sources for providing fiber optic connectivity, including grant opportunities.
OTHER BUSINESS
In other business Tuesday night, the BOC:
•approved a proclamation recognizing April 10-16 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
•approved the low bid of $22,583 from Gunby Communications to place a weather siren at the 911 center overlooking the recreation fields. The county has received a federal grant to fund 75 percent of this project.
•heard that the county has planted 20 trees that was funded through a grant. The trees were placed on county property, including the recreation ball fields.
•approved the annual propane gas bid to the low bidder, Amerigas.
•met in closed session for 15 minutes to discuss land acquisition. When the meeting was opened to the public, the BOC voted to spend $10,500 to purchase .278 acres on Chandler Street, near the historic jail which is planned to be used for county office space.
Top Stories
Jim Fuller resigns as fire chief
After almost eight months as fire chief, Jim Fuller has resigned from the position.
Fuller submitted a letter of resignation to Banks County Board of Commission chairman Milton Dalton on April 1 and his last day on the job was Monday. He did not give any details for his resignation.
“First, let me say thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Banks County,” he wrote in the brief letter. “I feel it is time for me to submit my resignation.”
Assistant fire chief Brian Eubanks will serve as interim fire chief until a replacement is named.
Fuller submitted a letter of resignation to Banks County Board of Commission chairman Milton Dalton on April 1 and his last day on the job was Monday. He did not give any details for his resignation.
“First, let me say thank you for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Banks County,” he wrote in the brief letter. “I feel it is time for me to submit my resignation.”
Assistant fire chief Brian Eubanks will serve as interim fire chief until a replacement is named.
Ledford named development authority chairman
Scott Ledford was elected as chairman of the Banks County Development Authority on Wednesday, March 23.
Bill Griffin was selected to serve as vice chairman and Jonathan Bennett was chosen as treasurer.
Chairman Jack Banks told the authority that he did not plan to serve another term. Banks’ term expires in February of 2012.
For more coverage from the development authority meeting, see this week's issue of The Banks County News.
Bill Griffin was selected to serve as vice chairman and Jonathan Bennett was chosen as treasurer.
Chairman Jack Banks told the authority that he did not plan to serve another term. Banks’ term expires in February of 2012.
For more coverage from the development authority meeting, see this week's issue of The Banks County News.
Banks receives ‘Camera Ready Community’ designation
Banks County is one of 73 counties recognized Monday at the capitol by Governor Nathan Deal and the Georgia Film, Music & Digital Entertainment Office as a “Camera Ready Community.” The state’s “Camera Ready Community” program was launched as part of an ongoing effort to bolster Georgia’s growing film and television industry.
Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A “Camera Ready Community” must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level.
Banks County’s liaison is Sherry Ward, executive director of the Banks County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Ward attended the ceremony Monday at the capitol along with Milton Dalton, chairman of the Banks County Board of Commissioners; Chuck Ansley, president of the Banks County Chamber of Commerce; Bradley Day, Banks County community developer; Jenni Gailey, county clerk; and Erin Decker, assistant county clerk. [Full Story »]
Camera Ready is a designation put in place by the state to offer film and television production companies easier, faster and better access to local resources and information. A “Camera Ready Community” must designate a liaison who can assist film and television production companies on a local level.
Banks County’s liaison is Sherry Ward, executive director of the Banks County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Ward attended the ceremony Monday at the capitol along with Milton Dalton, chairman of the Banks County Board of Commissioners; Chuck Ansley, president of the Banks County Chamber of Commerce; Bradley Day, Banks County community developer; Jenni Gailey, county clerk; and Erin Decker, assistant county clerk. [Full Story »]
ELOST passes 585-198
Banks County voters overwhelmingly voted Tuesday in favor of renewing the education local option sales tax (ELOST).
The referendum passed in a 585-198 vote with 75 percent of the voters casting a ballot in favor of the one-cent sales tax. There was nine percent voter turnout with 785 of the 8,490 registered voters casting a ballot.
"We really appreciate the support from our community for our children,” superintendent Chris Erwin said. “We feel like this will really make a difference in the lives of our children."
The referendum passed in a 585-198 vote with 75 percent of the voters casting a ballot in favor of the one-cent sales tax. There was nine percent voter turnout with 785 of the 8,490 registered voters casting a ballot.
"We really appreciate the support from our community for our children,” superintendent Chris Erwin said. “We feel like this will really make a difference in the lives of our children."
Vote coming up Tuesday on education sales tax
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday for voters to cast their ballot on the Education Local Option Sales Tax (ELOST).
Among the projects to be funded with the one-cent sales tax would be an addition to the high school and construction of a new elementary school.
ELOST is an option for a local school system to call for a referendum approving a one percent sales tax for school construction and/or to retire bond debt.
The county currently has a seven percent sales tax in place. The referendum is to continue the current tax. If the ELOST passes, there will be no change to the existing seven cent sales tax in Banks County.
The ELOST would generate a maximum of $19 million over a five-year period. If the ELOST is passed, the school system can immediately begin additions to the high school to address overcrowding, make necessary technology updates and transportation purchases, construct an addition to the agriculture facility and administrative offices, acquire future school sites, and begin construction of a new elementary school. All proposed projects should be completed by fall 2018.
Among the projects to be funded with the one-cent sales tax would be an addition to the high school and construction of a new elementary school.
ELOST is an option for a local school system to call for a referendum approving a one percent sales tax for school construction and/or to retire bond debt.
The county currently has a seven percent sales tax in place. The referendum is to continue the current tax. If the ELOST passes, there will be no change to the existing seven cent sales tax in Banks County.
The ELOST would generate a maximum of $19 million over a five-year period. If the ELOST is passed, the school system can immediately begin additions to the high school to address overcrowding, make necessary technology updates and transportation purchases, construct an addition to the agriculture facility and administrative offices, acquire future school sites, and begin construction of a new elementary school. All proposed projects should be completed by fall 2018.
Day hired to handle economic development
Bradley Day, Dawsonville, has been hired to oversee economic development for Banks County, as well as handling some planning and development duties.
The Banks County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Day for the newly-created community developer position after meeting behind closed doors with the development authority for one and a half hours Tuesday night. The salary, which the development authority has agreed to fund for the first year, will be $68,000. Day will begin work in the county on March 15.
“I’m excited to be coming to Banks County because I see an incredible potential,” Day said Wednesday morning. “I think the foundation for continued success is really apparent. All the work that has been done up to this point in Banks County to keep the economy going attracted to Banks County.”
Day has served as president of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Tift County Development Authority. He is currently a consultant for North Star Renewable Energy, where his job duties include site selection, incentive negotiation, fuel contract negotiation and power purchase agreement negotiation.
During his career, Day has also served as executive director of the Tallahassee Economic Development Council, executive director of the Development Authority of Jefferson County, vice president of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and a management analyst with the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.
Day has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Brigham Young University.
The job description for the community developer position is as follows: “to serve as the principal staff resource for economic development and implementation of a comprehensive county economic development program. This position will help develop and coordinate strategies, policies and initiatives for economic growth in Banks County. This position will also perform administrative and supervisory work responsible for directing the daily operations of planning development to administer and maintain the county’s zoning, subdivision and other development-related ordinances. This position reports to the chairman of the board of commissioners.”
Day lives in Dawsonville but said he plans to move to Banks County.
The Banks County Board of Commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Day for the newly-created community developer position after meeting behind closed doors with the development authority for one and a half hours Tuesday night. The salary, which the development authority has agreed to fund for the first year, will be $68,000. Day will begin work in the county on March 15.
“I’m excited to be coming to Banks County because I see an incredible potential,” Day said Wednesday morning. “I think the foundation for continued success is really apparent. All the work that has been done up to this point in Banks County to keep the economy going attracted to Banks County.”
Day has served as president of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and executive director of the Tift County Development Authority. He is currently a consultant for North Star Renewable Energy, where his job duties include site selection, incentive negotiation, fuel contract negotiation and power purchase agreement negotiation.
During his career, Day has also served as executive director of the Tallahassee Economic Development Council, executive director of the Development Authority of Jefferson County, vice president of the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce and a management analyst with the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.
Day has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Georgia and a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Brigham Young University.
The job description for the community developer position is as follows: “to serve as the principal staff resource for economic development and implementation of a comprehensive county economic development program. This position will help develop and coordinate strategies, policies and initiatives for economic growth in Banks County. This position will also perform administrative and supervisory work responsible for directing the daily operations of planning development to administer and maintain the county’s zoning, subdivision and other development-related ordinances. This position reports to the chairman of the board of commissioners.”
Day lives in Dawsonville but said he plans to move to Banks County.
Ginn backs off secrecy bill as drawn; says changes needed
Sen. Frank Ginn (District 47) said Friday afternoon that after re-reading SB159 — legislation that would slam the door on any public meetings or records related to an "economic development project" — he would not support the current version of the proposed bill.
Sen. Ginn said that the bill as written is too broad and needs to be amended.
His main concern with economic development projects, he said, was that since the current law doesn't allow a government group to meet together with company representatives, those representatives tend to meet one-on-one with officials, often manipulating them into agreeing to a deal that may not be good.
"The dynamics of the group are different," he said.
Still, Sen. Ginn said the bill as written was not good and that he won't support the current version. He has contacted the main sponsor of the legislation to see about getting some changes made, he said.
Sen. Ginn said that the bill as written is too broad and needs to be amended.
His main concern with economic development projects, he said, was that since the current law doesn't allow a government group to meet together with company representatives, those representatives tend to meet one-on-one with officials, often manipulating them into agreeing to a deal that may not be good.
"The dynamics of the group are different," he said.
Still, Sen. Ginn said the bill as written was not good and that he won't support the current version. He has contacted the main sponsor of the legislation to see about getting some changes made, he said.
Education sales tax vote coming up March 15
Voters will have the opportunity to go to the polls to vote on the Education Local Option Sales Tax –ELOST on Tuesday, March 15. Among the projects to be funded with the one-cent sales tax would be an addition to the high school and construction of a new elementary school.
ELOST is an option for a local school system to call for a referendum approving a one percent sales tax for school construction and/or to retire bond debt.
The county currently has a seven percent sales tax in place. The referendum is to continue the current tax. If the ELOST passes, there will be no change to the existing seven cent sales tax in Banks County. The tax is a consumption tax. It is not a property tax.
The ELOST would generate a maximum of $19 million over a five-year period. If the ELOST is passed, the school system can immediately begin additions to the high school to address overcrowding, make necessary technology updates and transportation purchases, construct an addition to the agriculture facility and administrative offices, acquire future school sites, and begin construction of a new elementary school. All proposed projects should be completed by fall 2018.
The current high school facility is at capacity. High school additions and a new K-5 building are needed to meet the projected growth. In order to provide permanent, adequate classrooms and facilities, additional buildings are required. These decisions were based on the local facilities plan conducted by the facilities section of the Georgia Department of Education and supported by the local school system's strategic plan.
School Superintendent Chris Erwin said, “The penny sales tax spreads the responsibility of educating our children to all citizens and visitors of the community. Anyone who spends money in Banks County is funding the ELOST regardless of whether or not the person resides in the county,” he said.
All of the proceeds from the previous ELOST were used to construct the new Banks County Elementary School, the Banks County High School cafeteria addition, the Banks County High School athletic complex, and the Banks County Primary School additions.
ELOST is an option for a local school system to call for a referendum approving a one percent sales tax for school construction and/or to retire bond debt.
The county currently has a seven percent sales tax in place. The referendum is to continue the current tax. If the ELOST passes, there will be no change to the existing seven cent sales tax in Banks County. The tax is a consumption tax. It is not a property tax.
The ELOST would generate a maximum of $19 million over a five-year period. If the ELOST is passed, the school system can immediately begin additions to the high school to address overcrowding, make necessary technology updates and transportation purchases, construct an addition to the agriculture facility and administrative offices, acquire future school sites, and begin construction of a new elementary school. All proposed projects should be completed by fall 2018.
The current high school facility is at capacity. High school additions and a new K-5 building are needed to meet the projected growth. In order to provide permanent, adequate classrooms and facilities, additional buildings are required. These decisions were based on the local facilities plan conducted by the facilities section of the Georgia Department of Education and supported by the local school system's strategic plan.
School Superintendent Chris Erwin said, “The penny sales tax spreads the responsibility of educating our children to all citizens and visitors of the community. Anyone who spends money in Banks County is funding the ELOST regardless of whether or not the person resides in the county,” he said.
All of the proceeds from the previous ELOST were used to construct the new Banks County Elementary School, the Banks County High School cafeteria addition, the Banks County High School athletic complex, and the Banks County Primary School additions.
Storm leads to trees in roadway, power outages
A storm that passed across Banks County Monday evening led to downed trees in the road and power outages.
A tornado watch was issued at approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday and was in effect until 8 p.m. A thunderstorm warning was issued at 5:18 p.m. and was in place until 6 p.m.
“At 5:25 p.m., we received the first report of zero visibility, heavy wind and lightening from one of the field units,” 911 director Deidra Moore said Tuesday.
For the next hour, public safety staff received approximately 40 storm-related calls, including 16 trees blocking the roadways, power outages in Maysville and Gillsville and two minor traffic accidents.
Other reports included The Boots Etc. sign was blown into Highway 441 and a storage building from Home Depot was blown into Steven B. Tanger Blvd. No one was injured.
“We really faired well,” Moore said. “I think it quickly reminded everyone that the spring storm season is on the way. I believe everyone, including the public safety group, private businesses and the citizens, worked very well together.”
A tornado watch was issued at approximately 1:30 p.m. Monday and was in effect until 8 p.m. A thunderstorm warning was issued at 5:18 p.m. and was in place until 6 p.m.
“At 5:25 p.m., we received the first report of zero visibility, heavy wind and lightening from one of the field units,” 911 director Deidra Moore said Tuesday.
For the next hour, public safety staff received approximately 40 storm-related calls, including 16 trees blocking the roadways, power outages in Maysville and Gillsville and two minor traffic accidents.
Other reports included The Boots Etc. sign was blown into Highway 441 and a storage building from Home Depot was blown into Steven B. Tanger Blvd. No one was injured.
“We really faired well,” Moore said. “I think it quickly reminded everyone that the spring storm season is on the way. I believe everyone, including the public safety group, private businesses and the citizens, worked very well together.”
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