Commissioners approve Amended Alarm Ordinance
Board of Commissioners July 13, 2022
FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a new alarm ordinance. The commissioners also approved purchases for the Sheriff’s Office and 911 Center.
During their July 12 meeting, the commissioners voted to adopt the Fannin County Amended Alarm Ordinance. At a public hearing in February, it was noted that false alarms were becoming an issue for Fannin’s first responders. A Fannin County Fire Department representative had noted that responding to a call costs around $300 and that each of the 66 alarm calls received in the last year were false alarms. Sheriff Dane Kirby also emphasized hundreds of false alarm responses.
In response, the newly adopted ordinance states: “It is hereby found and determined that three or more false alarms within a permit year is excessive, constitutes a public nuisance, and shall be unlawful.” While first and second false alarms carry no penalty, the third violation will receive a $150 penalty. At their fifth, and any subsequent violation, an alarm user will receive a $500 penalty.
The ordinance will begin to effect alarm users, defined as “any person, corporation, partnership, proprietorship, governmental or educational entity or any other entity owning, leasing, or operating an alarm system, or on whose premises an alarm system is maintained for the protection of such premises,” beginning on September 1, 2022.
Other Business
The commissioners were also presented with the Annual Financial Report for 2021. Amanda Wilkson, with BatesCarter, presented the report. She noted that 2021 revenues had increased by almost $6 million compared to 2020 revenues, largely due to an increase in property and sales tax revenue. When asked, Wilkson suggested that the county utilize its large fund balance on capital projects.
Sheriff Dane Kirby spoke to the commissioners on behalf of Major Keith Bosen, who was unable to attend. He explained that three high speed cameras on a patrol car tag reader needed to be replaced. The commissioners approved the $8,400 purchase from the Public Safety SPLOST Fund.
The commissioners also approved $122,200 to be spent on upgrading the 911 Center’s phone system from 2014. Deputy EMA Director Patrick Cook explained that the prior system vendor no longer supports the system, meaning there was no one to service the system. While Cook noted there were no current problems, he said the upgrade will provide five years of hardware and labor maintenance. The addition of a fourth answering position and the possibility of hiring another deputy was discussed as well.
Commissioners approve FY21 Financial Report
Board of Commissioners June 29, 2022
FANNIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Fannin County Board of Commissioners approved the 2021 fiscal year audit and budget adjustments and the final draft of Fannin County’s Annual Financial Report during their latest meeting.
Chairman Jamie Hensley briefly explained the financial report and audit, emphasizing notable portions.
He first explained that the budget adjustments were mostly made up of salary changes, specifically noting a 3% salary increase and ARPA compensation that was given to county employees.
Hensley then explained that uncertainty from the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 led to the “flat” budget for the fiscal year of 2021. He noted that the county made a conservative estimate of revenues, accounting only for property taxes. Despite that, Hensley said the county received more than anticipated: “The general fund increased in fund balance by a little over six million dollars.”
Commissioner Johnny Scearce, who attended the meeting online, said he was “very happy with it.”
“We don’t know what tomorrow is, it’s kind of an uncertain time. So it’s good to have a little cushion,” Commissioner Glenn Patterson followed. He also mentioned two upcoming projects for the county, referring to two recent agreements between the Fannin County Board of Commissioners and other governmental bodies. One will bring a free-standing library to the county, and the other will create an improved recreation center for both county and city residents. Patterson called the projects “good things for Fannin County,” adding, “and we need some funds to make that happen.”
The only other action item on the board’s agenda was the approval of a variance request. The commissioners approved the request, from Fred Glennon and Helen Johnstone, made to place a garage on property off of Highland Gap Road. During the public commentary portion of the meeting, the commissioners also heard from county residents about development and traffic concerns. Expressing the board’s interest in responding to growth in the county, Chairman Hensley told one commentator: “Whether anybody likes it or not, change is inevitable. It’s going to happen. It’s how we manage it.” He continued, “We’re fairly young in our seats. We’re trying to find those answers as quickly as possible.”
Commissioners pass addendum to lodging tax contract with Chamber
News October 2, 2021
BLUE RIDGE, Ga – Commissioners approved an addendum concerning lodging (hotel/motel) tax split between the Chamber of Commerce and Fannin County for tourism product development.
Previously, the split was 50/50 between the two entities and now the county will receive another eighth and third of the tax. The funds could go toward needs at the parks, recreation center, and other designation tourism items.
“The county shall pay the Chamber as under the original agreement and any renewal of the same, 41.66 percent of the total tax collected. The same shall be and is restricted to tourism markets. All other provisions of the original agreement shall remain in full force and in effect,” read the addended agreement.
When the lodging tax was initially established, some counties contracted with a 501(c) organization, such as the Chamber of Commerce. The agreement is considered a public/private partnership for this reason.
“It’s something we can give back to our community as long as it’s a tourism-related product,” Chairman Jamie Hensley added.
In 2019, the board of commissioners voted to send the hotel/motel increase proposal to the General Assembly. It’s a one percent increase from the current five percent tax rate. The General Assembly passed an up to eight percent increase, but the commissioners only approved going up to six percent.
The tax use is restricted to tourism product development under the county and tourism marketing under the Chamber.
Fiscal Year 2020 Adjustments
Commissioners passed 2020 budget adjustments after auditors discovered the expenditures were slightly over for the year.
2020 financial statements were passed as well. The formality is to keep the books in line with state protocol.
The 2020 audit presentation will hopefully take place in October.
Whitepath Building for Sale
The Whitepath building has been listed for sale with the help of Economic Development Director Christie Gribble. It’s not an MLS real estate listing but is posted for sale on the economic development website.
A previous board purchased the building in 2019. In 2021 an inspection unveiled mold and some asbestos in the building.