Cannery Deeded to School Board

During a special called meeting last week, Blue Ridge City Council deeded the Blue Ridge Cannery over to the board of education. Present at the meeting, Fannin County School Superintendent Mark Henson thanked the board.

“This helps citizens of Fannin County,”

he said.

“This really gives us the ability to make a quality cannery.”

After the morning meeting, the BOE also held a called meeting as a counterpart to council’s meeting, to approve the acceptance of the deed.

Located near the Farmer’s Market on Summit Street, off East First Street in Blue Ridge, the cannery hails as a community hallmark. The cannery dates back to the early 1960s and has historically served as an impromptu non profit operation, where local residents could come and can fruits and vegetables. The facility has also been used for educational purposes. The school system’s agricultural department has made ample use of the operation, instructing students in the canning process. But, over time some of the equipment in the facility has deteriorated. In fact, Henson said equipment issues caused the place to close in the fall of last canning season. Prior to last week, the building was legally owned by the city. However, the school system and the Department of Agriculture have typically operated the facility. Also, the city doesn’t have the funding for the repairs. But, through Special Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) revenue, the school system is able to fund the repairs and make the cannery a viable operation again.

In its meeting last week, the board discussed the cost of repairs. According to the discussion, the greatest expense will be the boiler, which will cost approximately $30,000. Other repairs include a chemical system ($2,390) and water softener ($2,450). The total cost of repairs is estimated at $65,000, which will be paid out of SPLOST funds. Repairs on the place have already started, mainly with repairs to the roof of the building.

“It’s something the citizens have wanted,”

Henson said,

“And something that will be good for the community.”

Henson says he hopes repairs are completed in time for next canning season.