Grant for Green Creek Trail to proceed, new flooring for animal control
News October 27, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – The Green Creek Trail grant application was approved by the board of commissioners after tabling the issue for two weeks.
If approved, the grant will provide funds to update the outer walking trail and make it ADA accessible.
The grant would improve the one-mile trail loop around the outer edge of the old campground, the inner trails are not included. The kiosks and the trailhead are part of the improvements and ramps as well as slopes would need to be built for handicapped individuals.
The trail is already asphalt.
Signage and maintenance plan would be a part of the updates too. The road department and recreation department now collaborate on maintenance of the area.
The maximum grant amount is $200,000 and a grant match is required by the county of at least 20 percent. Gribble recommended Fannin commit to a $50,000 match. It’s a reimbursement grant as well so the county would need to budget the $250,000 in the 2023 year and will receive $200,000 back after completing the process.
SPLOST and tourism project development fund could potentially be used to fund the project.
Post Two Glenn Patterson asked if additional patrols could drive through the Green Creek Trail area. Some of the calls he received about Green Creek Trail included concerned citizens who use the trail and often find beer cans discarded.
Chairman Jamie Hensley added that they can add a no alcohol sign at Green Creek. The trail is supposed to be closed at night, but the gate in the area isn’t typically closed at night.
Animal Control Updates
Animal control is in the midst of researching new software to update processes. The issue of purchasing new software was tabled for another two weeks.
New flooring options for the animal control facility are also being considered for $21,779. This would include the kennels, back area, but not the office area. The new flooring would assist with the drainage issue and appears to be a durable option. It also comes with a warranty.
Hensley believed the funds could come from the animal control budget for the year.
The animal control facility would be closed for four days to install the new flooring. During that time, the county would rely on rescues to house the animals until they could move back into the facility. Fannin’s already been in talks with some rescues.
The board approved the purchase.
American Rescue Act Funds for Elected Officials
The commissioners approved providing American Rescue Act funds (ARP) to elected officials in Fannin County, excluding the commissioners. They previously provided funds to government employees who weren’t elected.
“Elected officials are really the ones who have to make everything happen,” Hensley explained. “At a time where we’re short-handed, they have to shift things around to make the service we provide to our citizens [possible].”
It would affect around six or seven elected officials.
Post One Johnny Scearce and Post Two Glenn Patterson agreed with the move.
Patterson asked that the funds be made optional in case someone didn’t want to take the money.
The amounts for the elected officials will be presented at the next meeting.
Commissioners officially dismiss Animal Control Head
News April 29, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Following an executive session, all three Fannin County Commissioners voted to terminate Animal Control Department Head John Drullinger.
When asked about the dismissal later, Chairman Jamie Hensley stated it was time to make a change and go in a different direction.
The public began calling for Drullinger’s termination months ago. Several of those who came forward questioned if they had been personally slighted by the department head because of their opposition to his leadership style. The most recent calls for termination came on April 13, 2021.
Read more about individuals’ complaints with the former Animal Control Head here.
Since Hensley took office, the county’s been making changes to improve the animal control facilities like fixing the drainage issue inside the building, trucks now have a GPS monitoring system, new sink installed, new hours, an account for donations, and started a volunteer of the month.
Anyone interest can donate to Fannin County Animal Control on the county website.
The animal control facility was recently deep cleaned and organized on April 27. Hensley’s hopeful these positive strides forward will continue in the future.
J.R. Cornett was placed as interim head of Animal Control. He’s been with the department for more than five years.
Fannin’s also accepting applications for those who are qualified to lead Animal Control.
Public calls for animal control reforms and leadership change
News March 17, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Residents of Fannin County came forward to issue complaints about animal control and Julie Wooten asked for Animal Control Officer John Drullinger’s termination.
Wooten suffered a roaming dog attack at her property on January 12, 2021 and lost one of her geese to the incident. It’s the second time a dog attacked Wooten’s geese. She estimated to have lost $12,000 because of the continued assaults.
She claimed Drullinger never responded to her phone calls even after being instructed to by Chairman Jamie Hensley. According to Wooten, she previously called nine different times about the same dog. She wanted to know why the animal control didn’t have paperwork on the dog because according to her, Drullinger picked up the dog once.
“Am I not getting my information out of spite because I have been so vocal about my displeasure with it?” she asked.
She went on to detail other encounters with Drullinger. She retold her experience of asking to adopt a dog that wasn’t fixed. Drullinger told her to go through a rescue first. However, recently another individual could adopt eight- to ten-week-old puppies. Typically, a dog is fixed between four to six months.
“Why does he get to change his rules when it suits him? That’s the issue with it, not the person to adopt the puppies but the fact that Mr. Drullinger is making up these rules as he goes.” Wooten stated.
She presented research detailing 11 roaming dog attacks last year and three required medical attention.
FYN spoke with Chairman Jamie Hensley about the accusations. He stated that the county’s trying to rectify the situation and making changes to animal control for the safety of the animals and the employees. The goal is to provide more transparency and accountability to the public. They hope to address everything as quickly and positively as possible.
Debi Holcomb asked for a written policy and procedures for animal control, so a department head couldn’t act of his own accord. She also spoke about not being allowed to sign a contract for a dog around Thanksgiving 2020 and had to call a rescue in to obtain a contract for her.
new drainage. Photo courtesy of Natalie Kissel
Animal Control did recently make several improvements to the facility. Since Hensley took office, they fixed the drainage issue inside the building, trucks now have a GPS monitoring system, new sink installed, new hours, an account for donations, and started a volunteer of the month. Under former Chairman Stan Helton, the volunteer program began, outdoor access to kennels, and installation of an outdoor play area.