BLAIRSVILLE, Ga. – Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris convened the January commissioner’s meeting Jan. 18, 2018, at 6 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse.

In his commissioner’s comments, Paris, referring to the winter weather and extremely low temperatures that plagued Union County this week, said, “As difficult as this has been, it could have been so much worse”. Paris said, incredulously, there was not one structure fire (only a very few chimney fires) and there were a great many automobile mishaps, but no serious injuries associated with any of them.

The commissioner recognized and thanked the Blairsville City and Union County agencies and their personnel that braved the snow and cold: the Blairsville Police Department, Union County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Union County Road Department. Paris said there was one hiker up on the Appalachian Trail in Suches that called in at approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday morning requesting assistance. He was told, said Paris, since it was not a life or death emergency, to either shelter in place or that a team would meet him at the trail exit. The hiker managed to find his way out on Wednesday morning, Paris said.

Paris approved Resolution R-2018-01 setting the qualifying fees for the 2018 Election as required by the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) 21-2-131. That fee, he said, is set at $108 per candidate. Paris said the only seats up for election in May are three Union County Board of Education seats.

The commissioner approved Resolution R-2018-02 amending the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia 401 (a) Defined Contribution Plan for Union County Employees. As discussed in the July 2017 commissioner’s meeting, this amendment increases the matching percentage the county pays out to employees who participate in the 401 (a)/ 457 (b) employee savings program (similar to a 401 (k)). This plan will go into effect in February 2018. A defined contribution plan limits any liability to Union County for future retirement benefits, as opposed to a defined benefit program, which does entail future liability.

Paris approved a Shared Well Water and Easement Agreement between Rachel L. Hancock, Worley E. Scogin (by Rebecca J. Scogin), and Rebecca J. Scogin for access to a well located on Union County property. There will be no cost to either party, said Paris. The property, he said, is located at Union County Fire Station 12 in Choestoe on Highway 180. Paris said a verbal agreement had existed for years and this written Agreement makes it official.

A business license for Cathy Brackett Rental was approved by Paris.

 

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