The Banks County Board of Commissioners will vote Tuesday on a proposed $11.7 budget, which is down $687,000 over the current budget. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the county annex.
A budget hearing was held this Tuesday night to receive citizen input on the proposed budget but no one attended.
In other business at the meeting this Tuesday night, the BOC:
•heard a presentation from Bruce Nicholson of KCI Technologies on providing asset management services to the county. This would include studying and making recommendations on road and bridge needs and improvements, including monitoring the changing paving condition and prioritizing when repairs are needed. The company would also recommend long-term maintenance plans and conduct drainage and structure inspections. No action was taken on the proposal.
•approved the group health insurance contract with United Healthcare.
•approved a $340,268 road patching contract with Carnes Construction.
•awarded the audit contract to Duncan and Kitchens, who had the low bid of $40,250.
•gave the chairman approval to sign off on the ACCG contribution adoption agreement resolution.
•lifted the hiring freeze.
•met in closed session five minutes with county attorney Randal Frost to discuss litigation.
BOE approves sale of bonds
In a called meeting on Tuesday, the Banks County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution for the sale of $9.03 million in general obligation bonds.
Cory Kirby, attorney with Harben, Hartley & Hawkins, LLP, Gainesville, reported to the board that the bonds were obtained at a rate of 1.795 percent. “Just today, we were able to get this rate,” Kirby said.
The school system will use special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenue to repay the bonds.
The resolution calls for the proposed date of issuance of the bonds to be June 9, 2011, and the paying agent for the bonds is U.S. Bank National Association, Atlanta.
After the BOE meeting, Banks County Schools Superintendent Chris Erwin and Kirby attended the Banks County Board of Commissioners to recommend the BOC approve the levy of a tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds in the event the school system doesn’t collect enough SPLOST revenue to do so. The BOC unanimously approved the action.
Cory Kirby, attorney with Harben, Hartley & Hawkins, LLP, Gainesville, reported to the board that the bonds were obtained at a rate of 1.795 percent. “Just today, we were able to get this rate,” Kirby said.
The school system will use special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) revenue to repay the bonds.
The resolution calls for the proposed date of issuance of the bonds to be June 9, 2011, and the paying agent for the bonds is U.S. Bank National Association, Atlanta.
After the BOE meeting, Banks County Schools Superintendent Chris Erwin and Kirby attended the Banks County Board of Commissioners to recommend the BOC approve the levy of a tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on the bonds in the event the school system doesn’t collect enough SPLOST revenue to do so. The BOC unanimously approved the action.
Chamber and CVB merge
The chamber of commerce and convention and visitor’s bureau have been combined as a unified organization.
At a called meeting of the Banks County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Development Authority Chairman Scott Ledford announced that the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) have united under one leadership.
“This is a huge, huge day for us,” Ledford said. “We will all be working from the same playbook.”
Ledford announced the merger at the monthly chamber breakfast meeting on Thursday, also.
Bonnie Johnson will serve as president of the unified organization and Sherry Ward will serve as executive director, Ledford stated.
Ledford reported that the BOC, development authority, chamber board and CVB board have been working together to make this merger possible.
“You are going to see a yield from your investment,” Ledford said.
Commissioner Ernest Rogers said, “I want to personally thank all of you for working together on this.”
In a press release presented on Monday, Ledford said, “As far as the development authority, we are so pleased to have the chamber and CVB come together. Separately, the organizations have realized many achievements, but together we feel that they can do so much more for our community and especially for our business community. There are still many details to work out, but this is the first step.”
BOC chairman Milton Dalton shares Ledford’s optimism for the unified chamber/CVB.
“The commissioners are all in agreement that a unified chamber/CVB is best for Banks County at this time,” he said. “I think this is the best way to move our county forward in planning for the future.”
Johnson said: “I love Banks County and have gladly given of my time and services to make it a better place for all of us. I’m really excited to be a part of the chamber/CVB organization and to be involved in this partnership with the development authority, commissioners, chamber and CVB. By working together along with our members and volunteers, we will thrive and make this partnership a success for Banks County.”
Ward said, “I’m really excited about all of the possibilities of the chamber/CVB organization. And, I’m looking forward to working will all the members on projects, such as Leadership Banks, the camera-ready program, special events and fund raisers, as well as our tourism program of work.”
Johnson and Ward have submitted an organizational structure draft to the development authority and commissioners for their review. Once the structure is approved, the chamber/CVB will move forward in determining its program of work, establish volunteer committees, and launch a membership drive for the new organization, the newsletter states.
“Mrs. Johnson and I know that it will take hard work ironing out some of the details, but once that is complete, we feel that this organization will definitely do its part in ‘Building a Better Banks’,” Ward said.
Ledford said Ward’s salary will remain the same as she is currently getting paid by the CVB and Johnson’s work is on a volunteer basis.
“Within the next week, we should be increasing Sherry’s salary since she is taking on the chamber duties also,” Ledford said.
Ledford reported that the development authority would meet with the chamber and CVB boards in the next week to iron out the details of the salary.
“We are waiting on the contracts to come back to us from the county attorney (Randall Frost). So there is really no need to discuss this (salary) now,” Ledford said.
At a called meeting of the Banks County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Development Authority Chairman Scott Ledford announced that the Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) have united under one leadership.
“This is a huge, huge day for us,” Ledford said. “We will all be working from the same playbook.”
Ledford announced the merger at the monthly chamber breakfast meeting on Thursday, also.
Bonnie Johnson will serve as president of the unified organization and Sherry Ward will serve as executive director, Ledford stated.
Ledford reported that the BOC, development authority, chamber board and CVB board have been working together to make this merger possible.
“You are going to see a yield from your investment,” Ledford said.
Commissioner Ernest Rogers said, “I want to personally thank all of you for working together on this.”
In a press release presented on Monday, Ledford said, “As far as the development authority, we are so pleased to have the chamber and CVB come together. Separately, the organizations have realized many achievements, but together we feel that they can do so much more for our community and especially for our business community. There are still many details to work out, but this is the first step.”
BOC chairman Milton Dalton shares Ledford’s optimism for the unified chamber/CVB.
“The commissioners are all in agreement that a unified chamber/CVB is best for Banks County at this time,” he said. “I think this is the best way to move our county forward in planning for the future.”
Johnson said: “I love Banks County and have gladly given of my time and services to make it a better place for all of us. I’m really excited to be a part of the chamber/CVB organization and to be involved in this partnership with the development authority, commissioners, chamber and CVB. By working together along with our members and volunteers, we will thrive and make this partnership a success for Banks County.”
Ward said, “I’m really excited about all of the possibilities of the chamber/CVB organization. And, I’m looking forward to working will all the members on projects, such as Leadership Banks, the camera-ready program, special events and fund raisers, as well as our tourism program of work.”
Johnson and Ward have submitted an organizational structure draft to the development authority and commissioners for their review. Once the structure is approved, the chamber/CVB will move forward in determining its program of work, establish volunteer committees, and launch a membership drive for the new organization, the newsletter states.
“Mrs. Johnson and I know that it will take hard work ironing out some of the details, but once that is complete, we feel that this organization will definitely do its part in ‘Building a Better Banks’,” Ward said.
Ledford said Ward’s salary will remain the same as she is currently getting paid by the CVB and Johnson’s work is on a volunteer basis.
“Within the next week, we should be increasing Sherry’s salary since she is taking on the chamber duties also,” Ledford said.
Ledford reported that the development authority would meet with the chamber and CVB boards in the next week to iron out the details of the salary.
“We are waiting on the contracts to come back to us from the county attorney (Randall Frost). So there is really no need to discuss this (salary) now,” Ledford said.
BOC signs off on regional broadband study
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.
“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.
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.
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 »]
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.
Booster Club formed for recreation department
A Booster Club has been formed to support the county’s recreation department.
The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed to a request Tuesday night from recreation director Joe Gailey for a Booster Club to formed. Funds will be raised through yearly dues ($5 for individuals and $10 for families) and fundraisers, including sponsorship banners and barbecues. The funds raised will go to the recreation department for equipment, costs related to hosting district tourneys, upgrading All Star uniforms and other needs.
“This will help offset a lot of stuff,” Gailey said. “ [Full Story »]
The Banks County Board of Commissioners agreed to a request Tuesday night from recreation director Joe Gailey for a Booster Club to formed. Funds will be raised through yearly dues ($5 for individuals and $10 for families) and fundraisers, including sponsorship banners and barbecues. The funds raised will go to the recreation department for equipment, costs related to hosting district tourneys, upgrading All Star uniforms and other needs.
“This will help offset a lot of stuff,” Gailey said. “ [Full Story »]
Commissioners place moratorium on roadside solicitors
Recent concerns about roadside solicitors through the county were raised by commissioner Ernest Rogers during the special called meeting of the Banks County BOC Thursday morning.
The matter of soliciting in the county was placed on the agenda as an add-on prior to the approval of the agenda, which had only listed possible discussion of personnel and land acquisition.
Rogers stated that in his opinion, one of the groups which has been seen recently claiming to be representing a charity from Kentucky “might not be legal.” Rogers proposed the county place a six-month moratorium on all soliciting along all roads in the county and at the shopping centers.
[Full Story »]
The matter of soliciting in the county was placed on the agenda as an add-on prior to the approval of the agenda, which had only listed possible discussion of personnel and land acquisition.
Rogers stated that in his opinion, one of the groups which has been seen recently claiming to be representing a charity from Kentucky “might not be legal.” Rogers proposed the county place a six-month moratorium on all soliciting along all roads in the county and at the shopping centers.
[Full Story »]
BOC approves job description for economic position
A job description for the new county position to oversee economic development was approved by the Banks County Board of Commissioners Thursday.
The job has been named “community developer” and it will include economic duties, as well as planning work.
The vote to approve the job description was unanimous but commissioner Danny Maxwell spoke on his concerns about including the planning job duties.
“I think we are spreading it a little too thin,” Maxwell said. “We’re giving them so many objectives. Are they really going to be able to focus on what we want them to do as an economic developer.”
The approved job description includes the following: “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 the planning department to administer and maintain the county’s zoning, subdivision and other development related ordinances.”
The job has been named “community developer” and it will include economic duties, as well as planning work.
The vote to approve the job description was unanimous but commissioner Danny Maxwell spoke on his concerns about including the planning job duties.
“I think we are spreading it a little too thin,” Maxwell said. “We’re giving them so many objectives. Are they really going to be able to focus on what we want them to do as an economic developer.”
The approved job description includes the following: “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 the planning department to administer and maintain the county’s zoning, subdivision and other development related ordinances.”
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