How does the public feel about recent property purchases?
News September 1, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The raucous crowds at the three property tax budget hearings wanted more information on the two recent purchases for the Hill Property for a little less than $750,000 and the Old Shoe Factory for $800,000.
According to Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris, neither of these purchases affected the decision to raise property taxes in 2020. However, attendees still needed to know why make these decisions back to back.
- See the reasons behind the tax increase, here.
“Why are we still buying all this property for the future? I understand the jail,” asked one attendee. “I understand the jail, but I don’t see a whole lot of companies lining up to buy that property at the shoe factory. Why can’t we put that off until we have the new property evaluated?”
The Old Shoe Factory was purchased using SPLOST funds, which can’t go toward operating expenses or certain maintenance costs. SPLOST goes toward capital outlay projects, such as parks, roads, schools, and public facilities. It also doesn’t affect the 2021 budget in any way, and the property is financed for six months, with half down at the time of purchase. They couldn’t finance the Hill Property.
Some citizens asked for greater transparency and tried to find a solution.
“No way I would have contracted for [those two pieces of property] if I felt like I had a choice,” stated Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris.
According to Paris, the Old Shoe Factory owners were dissolving the property and putting it on the market. Sheriff Mack Mason told Paris it would be the perfect place for a jail at a valuable price. However, they don’t anticipate building a jail for another five to eight years. In the past, Union County has paid around $300,000 to other facilities to house local prisoners. After talking with judges and district attorneys, they found a way to drop costs to approximately $80,000.
The current Union County jail can hold 54 inmates, but it typically houses 70 to 80, plus those that stay in other facilities. With COVID-19, the jail population is down due to executive orders to keep jail populations low.
“One of the hardest things in the world is to find where you can put a jail,” the commissioner added. “I’m hoping it will be way down the road. With the sheriff’s insistence, we felt like we’re saving the county money in the long run.”
No one wants a jail near their homes, but the Old Shoe Property is close to the existing jail and fire department with room for expansion.
Another gentleman, who works for local law enforcement, agreed with the Old Shoe purchases because the current jail is out of space. Training is impossible at the existing facility. They must go somewhere else to train deputies.
Also, a new facility has the potential to bring in revenue. built to federal specifications, Union could house federal prisoners and earn money from the federal government.
Others expressed their displeasure with Commissioner Paris, the tax increase, and the new county properties.
Hill Property
As for the Hill Property, the county previously budgeted for it and paid $150,000 beneath the appraised value. Union General Hospital owns the surrounding 500-plus acres, and a few people asked why didn’t the hospital purchase it?
According to Paris, the UGH couldn’t make that purchase due to COVID-19. The pandemic resulted in a financially strapped hospital that had to lay off people in the spring. In the future, the hospital could purchase the Hill Property from the county or vice versa. It provides options to both entities for either a retirement community, a new nursing home, or something else.
The commissioner expressed many in Union County express a desire for a retirement community.
“It’s one of the few things we don’t have in this county that we sorely need,” Paris added. “We feel this development is a very good possibility for the future in the next three to five years. We take a large tract of property currently exempt from property tax rolls now and have it developed and sold to the retirement village with individual homeowners and property taxpayers.”
Pat Shafer, one of those who wanted a retirement village, spoke at the third public hearing. “We have places for lower-income people, but I make too much in my retirement…There’s no place for us to go. I’m by myself now. What do I do? Do I go ten miles out of town?”
Pat Shafer would like to move to a retirement community, but Union County currently doesn’t have one.
Another attendee pondered if the promise of a retirement community in the near future was misleading because of the Hill Property’s life trust. The project might not start for five years unless something changes.
In each hearing, crowds echoed that the purchases and tax increase were “too much at once” and “looked bad.”
However, many also agreed that Paris had done a great job managing the county. They liked the dog park, new pavilion at Meeks Park, Pickleball court, and double gym. Attendees were in favor of the advancements made in Union.
They also asked for transparency in budgetary decisions, such as purchasing a property. However, county governments often conduct these discussions in executive sessions to prevent others from buying it and driving up the price.
“I’ll make sure that my staff and I really work on [how we could possibly do that],” Paris said regarding property purchase transparency.
He also discussed the possibility of a county budget community that would work with the finance staff.
“All I can do is look at what we have done in the past and know that we use the same process now as we’ve always used. [We] listen to as many people, not going out to the public because [it’s a property purchase,]” explained Paris.
The county does talk to real estate agents and certain community members to help it decide on property purchases. Paris added people could be added to a list if they wanted to be involved in the purchasing decision process.
“We’re going to watch every penny this year, tighter than we’ve always watched it, and we’re going to try and see if there are ways to cut this next year. We just couldn’t take a chance of our fund balance going so low and impacting our credit,” Paris ended.
Commissioner Paris gives COVID-19 update, courthouse case
News July 21, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – As cases rise in Union, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris commented on the difficulties of the ever-changing pandemic protocols during the July County Commission Meeting.
“We’re finding more and more people in the community are starting to test positive. It’s not an epidemic state yet, but it’s enough that we’re all concerned about it. We had someone in the courthouse this week test positive…We’re hoping this trend we’re seeing nationally, especially the Southeast doesn’t jump up and bite Union County,” Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris stated.
The county’s trying to do everything possible to combat the virus. All courthouse employees started wearing masks when it reopened to the public to try and prevent virus spread. When a potential courthouse exposure happened in April, Paris closed the courthouse for a day to professionally clean the building. ServPro performed the service.
Union County Courthouse closed for a thorough cleaning in April.
This time around, the courthouse isn’t closing, but the health department is currently conducting contact tracing to locate any potential cases. Individual offices will receive a thorough cleaning if necessary.
CDC guidance about disinfecting offices cited that coronaviruses die on surfaces in a matter of hours or days. To safely remove COVID-19 from a surface, first clean the area with soap and water, then an EPA-approved spray on the surface. If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, 1/3 cup of bleach added to one gallon of water, or a 70 percent alcohol solution will disinfect a surface. Bleach can’t be mixed with other cleaning and disinfection products together. The effectiveness of bleach solutions lasts for up to 24 hours.
Information about COVID-19 currently claimed that it was detected in the air up to three hours later, and plastic, metal, and glass between three to seven days.
“We understand that we all we’re facing no one is going to agree with all our decisions,” Paris said before urging people to reach out via email, phone, text, or Facebook.
Read the article “What does it take to clean a courthouse?”
“The nearly five months of COVID have been the most difficult time in my 20 years of being a commissioner. Almost every day, it’s another decision that must be made, and almost all decisions related to COVID do not have any precedent to go by,” confessed Paris.
The courthouse began requiring face masks after a judicial order came down from the Supreme Court of Georgia in mid-July. Anyone who enters must cover their face, social distance, and receive a temperature check. Paris confirmed this practice would apply to early voting as well.
“It’s not to be mean. It’s not to be overly powerful. It’s mainly to look after your health and those who work here’s health,” added Paris.
While Paris admitted to not agreeing with all of Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision, he continued that the gov. had the toughest job in the state at the moment. Paris recommended that everyone wear a mask in public to protect themselves and others.
Everyone in attendance wore a face mask and had their temperature checked upon entering the building.
“It really takes the pressure off of employees at grocery stores, Walmart, Home Depot, and other businesses when you wear your mask in,” Paris explained. “They won’t say anything to it, but it’s a relief to them.”
As of July 21, the Georgia Department of Public Health listed 144 COVID-19 cases in Union County and five deaths.
New updates coming to Meeks Park, multi-unit moratorium extended
Community, News June 19, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Among the several contract and agreements signed during the June Union County Commission Meeting, two pertained to future improvements to Meeks Park.
In the first agreement, Al Garnto Fine Art Studio will design, construct, and erect a floral-themed, full-color, metal sculpture. The sculpture will be located at the new pavilion and cost a maximum of $3,500.
“We appreciate Al. He’s always worked with us on all the sculpture items in the park. We felt like this would be the add on to make our new pavilion,” stated Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris.
Garnto will also work the architect for a new design in front of the double gym once it’s completed.
The second agreement focused on developing a new restroom facility within the park. It’s between the county and Engineering Management, Inc. to design a wastewater pump state. The cost of the agreement is $16,200 and went into effect on June 8, 2020. TVA and Meeks Park will fund most of the new restroom facility project in part because it falls within the TVA floodplain.
“In our long-range plan, we hope into two to three years to put an amphitheater in Meeks Park. We’ve worked with the TVA for several years on trying to design and locate a restroom,” explained Paris. “They are funding the majority of the cost of this, but not including the wastewater pump, so we have to pump the effluent from the site into the sewer line.”
Union County had to apply for a permit from TVA to build the new restroom.
Multi-Development Moratorium Extended
The multi-family unit development moratorium was extended for another 190 days from April 2, 2020. The original resolution went into effect on Aug. 6, 2019. The county prolonged the moratorium to continue to work on new regulations.
“The county is still in the process of rewriting our guidelines for multi-family and multi-story housing units,” added Paris. “We did a moratorium to prevent additional units from being built until we had time to study and see what we could do to make sure our regulations could catch up.”
Socially distanced county commission meeting attendees.
Additional Business
Union County also entered into an agreement with CHA Consulting to provide a conceptual site plan and feasibility study for the Union County Jail. The cost was $2,500. Commissioner Paris doesn’t foresee this project being built until the “distant future,” but they are beginning to look into possible options.
“I hope it’s light-years away. Anyway, we’re also having to evaluate property along the way. We feel that we need to be looking at that property now, so if we find a parcel that the Sheriff and myself feel’s a future site, we must evaluate,” explained Paris.
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Benning and Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Hall, Lumpkin, Union, and White issued a memorandum of agreement to expedite local and regional mutual aid assistance, share information, and sustain emergency aid.
Union County contracted Freeman Gas for propane services in the amount of $0.89 per gallon for the next year.
Teague Nall and Perkins, Inc. (TNP) was contracted out to provide engineering consulting services on an as needed basis and will be billed monthly.
Everyone wore masks during the meeting.
-An addendum agreement between Union County and AT&T Georgia was signed for adding additional rate elements to the existing E911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) equipment and software. The cost was $1,500 and went into effect on Sept. 30, 2019.
ACCG Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund issued a $4,000 Employee Safety Grant. The money will go toward firefighting equipment, such as gloves, boots, and helmets.
Union County declares public health state of emergency, some businesses to close
Community, News, Police & Government March 26, 2020
UNION COUNTY, Ga – At 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris approved a state of emergency in Union County on the courthouse steps. The declaration is to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Union County.
The order goes into effect on March 30 at 12:01 am. and will last until April 30 at 11:59 p.m. It can also be rescinded at an earlier time by the commissioner or will automatically terminate if Gov. Kemp ends the statewide state of emergency. The procedures enacted are based on the current threat level in Union County and can be reassessed as the pandemic progresses in the state and Union County.
Blairsville City Council declared a state of emergency on March 25, which goes into effect at 9 p.m. on March 26.
Under this state of emergency, all restaurants in the county can only offer carry-out, curbside, or drive-thru services. All on-premise dining is prohibited while the order is in effect. Restaurants licensed to sell alcohol may continue to sell by the package in sealed containers without obtaining an additional license. However, the sale of beer or wine is only allowed with the purchase of a meal. It may not be sold separately.
Businesses that provide “body care services which require physical contact between the provider and client, including but not limited to, barbering, hair design, cosmetology, massage therapy, body waxing, or nail care shall be closed for business.” This directive doesn’t restrict any services provided under the direct supervision of a licensed medical doctor, nurse, dentist, physical therapist, chiropractor, or other healthcare professionals.
All establishments not mentioned in the state of emergency declaration must post signage on entrance doors informing customers to maintain at least six feet of distance between themselves and others. If stores can’t maintain the social distancing of six feet of separation, then only ten individuals can be allowed in at any one time.
Any business certified as “essential” by Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and pursuant to O.C.G.A. 38-3-58 or designated by the Governor as “critical infrastructure” or medial or health services are still free to conduct business.
Meeks Park playgrounds and the outside exercise areas are going to be closed on Wednesday, March 25. However, Meeks Park isn’t being shut down at this time and will be signs placed at the park’s entrance stating that it is open for local use only. This means that taxpayers or Union County residents may use the park for walking/ jogging if it’s not in an organized group larger than 10 people. Social distancing will also be in place at the park. No one should be within six feet of each other, unless immediate family.
Anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19 as recognized by the CDC can’t enter public areas, businesses, shops, public transportation facilities, restaurants, or any area where “the public ingresses or egresses.” This person should seek medical treatment with their primary care physician and follow their directions until cleared to return to public interaction.
Copy of ordinance.
All public gatherings – organized groups larger than 10 – are prohibited on any county-owned or controlled property. This doesn’t prohibit the use of sidewalks or pedestrian areas in parks for walking or other exercises as long as it isn’t part of an organized group of 10 or more.
The county is not issuing a shelter in place or curfew order currently but reserves the right to do so in the future. Residents can choose to quarantine themselves or shelter in place, but it’s not a current directive by the local government. This means individuals only leave their homes for groceries, medication, or medical assistant.
Union County Sheriff’s Office is authorized to enforce the orders, rules, and regulations enacted during the state of emergency.
Anyone who violates any provision of the ordinance could be subject to a misdemeanor charge with a fine up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to 60 days for each separate violations. Individuals found assisting in “commission of a violation shall be guilty of separate offenses” as well.
Enotah District Attorney Jeff Langley informed Fetch Your News that each day the failure to comply continues it will count as a separate violation.
The EMA director is authorized to “obtain an injunction to restrain the violation of laws, code sections, orders, rules, and regulations that are contained in the GEMA act, the ordinance, or implemented by the commissioner.
The courthouse to closed to “casual traffic.” Someone must be granted permission from an employee to enter. Courthouse employees are still working. There are exceptions for the Clerk of Court Office and all court-related functions. Please visit the Union County Government website for details.
Paris hopes that the United States Forest Service (USFS) will close the Appalachian Trail and other public trails by Friday, March 27. This requires coordination with other counties from Georgia to Maine. The Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw issued a letter earlier in the week urging the USFS to close the trail. USFS must publicize the decision to close in order to keep people from the metro area and other parts of Ga, Tenn., or N.C. from entering the county.
Union County government can’t control federal or state highways to limit the number of people from entering the area. USDOT and GDOT must make those decisions. However, several metro-counties and some rural counties are now under a shelter in place directive, which should keep people from traveling to Union and potentially spreading COVID-19 or limiting local supplies.
On a Facebook post, Paris addressed the request from residents to close the county off to the individuals who aren’t necessarily considered “local”:
“Several have suggested that we keep everyone that is not local, out of the county. This is not practical or legal at this time. We cannot keep people from other towns or cities out of our stores. That is strictly the prerogative of store owners and managers. In addition, many of the people in our county may have an out of state tag, but they still own property here, pay taxes here and are part-time residents and certainly have the right to stay here.”
As of 12 p.m. on March 26, there aren’t any confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Union County. However, several neighboring counties do have cases, including Fannin, White, Lumpkin, and Cherokee County N.C. It’s a good idea for all citizens in Union County to follow the CDC guidelines of hand washing and social distancing whenever possible to prevent the spread.
Union Transportation System provides rides to citizens
Community, Health January 6, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Commission reapplied for a grant with Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the United States Department of Transportation(DOT) to partially fund the transportation system.
The county annual applies for the grant which provides around half the funding to run the two, 10-person passenger vans. All residents of Union can utilize the transit system for a nominal fee: $3 for the first mile and $0.50 for each additional mile. Riders under six are free.
Union County Transportation officials advise riders call a day ahead to make an appointment for van pick up. Vans are air-conditioned, equipped with hydraulic chair lifts, and handicap accessible. Riders under 12 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over. Also, children under six must have a safety seat provided in order to ride.
Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris commended the service saying it’s a great way to assist those who have no other means of transportation. Anyone can be on time and make their doctor’s appointments, go to the grocery store, or other locations within county limits.
The Union County Transportation System office is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and those interested can book a ride by calling (706) 439-6050.
U.S. Forest Service grants permit for Union County target range
Announcements, Featured, News December 30, 2019
UNION COUNTY, Ga – The Union County target range project can officially proceed after the U.S. Forest Service issued a special use permit.
This is the current milestone crossed for Union’s first gun range. Currently, residents and law enforcement must use private land or travel outside the community to practice their shooting skills.
The range will be located off SR 180 between mile markers 18 and 19. It will feature a 200-yard rifle range, a shorter pistol range, and clubhouse. Union County Gun Club, formed in 2017, will be responsible for the operation of the facility.
Sheriff Mack Mason has been a strong proponent for establishing a gun range, “There is a lot of target practice that takes place on Forest Service land near houses, and homeowners, in close proximity, disturb one another when shooting on their property. “I’m hoping to centralize these people, that maybe they’ll want to join this club, confine it to a particular area by shooting in a nice, safe facility.”
Mason even approached Commissioner Lamar Paris with this location for the range around two-and-a-half years ago. Paris had been looking for a suitable location for the project for five years.
Previously, the county government held three separate public hearings as required by the U.S. Forest Service to inform the public and answer any concerns. No one issued a complaint against using national forest land.
In Nov. 2019, Blue Ridge District Ranger Andy Baker issued a Final Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact. “This decision consists of authorizing Union County Government to construct a target range on National Forest lands,” Baker’s report stated.
Paris commented on the use of U.S. Forest land, “It’s not all just the campers and the hikers. That’s a big part of it – you don’t want to destroy your national forest – but this particular property
is already in the grass, so there are very few trees that will have to be cut.”
Now that the project can move ahead, Union County government officials and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will meet to discuss funding and site planning.
Site planning will take between two or three months, but it’s too early to provide a construction timeline.
2020 budget increases approximately 14 percent, revenue also up
Featured Stories December 30, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – On Dec. 27, 2019, Commissioner Lamar Paris approved the 2020 operating budget and cited higher costs, insurance, and salaries as the reasons behind the almost 14 percent increase from 2019. However, the county’s also taken in more revenues to account for the growing budget.
“Something we work many months on preparing,” opened Paris. “Our goal is, and always has been, to keep our millage rate and tax rate as close as to what it is each year without raising the public’s taxes.”
It will cost $19,462,648 to operate Union County in 2020, and several departments are seeing a bump in budgets for various reasons.
Insurance costs have increased an average of $450,000 every year for the past four years. The county workforce is “getting a little bit older,” and medical care continues to go up every year.
Property and liability insurance have also risen roughly $50,000 in the last four years.
Revenues meet expenditures in 2020.
Board of Elections must purchase new all new voting equipment for 2020 because the entire state is switching to a new system. Voters will now receive a paper ballot after casting votes electronically to confirm their selections before leaving their voting precinct. The state is providing funds to cover the initial costs. Currently, no one knows the final expense for the additional security and machines. Overall, Elections received around $50,000 in additional funding for the new technology.
“It seems like every service in the county is going up because when you’ve got a good economy, everything costs more,” said Paris, “You’ve got to pay people to keep people.”
Asphalt prices went up to $11 per ton, and in 2019, Union purchased 9,300 tons of asphalt, resulting in another $100,00 from the budget.
Court costs also continue to go up – public defenders by $50,000; juvenile Court went up by $60,000; and district attorney’s office by $70,000.
Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) budget features of $500,000 increase for a total of $3,605,857.Most of the funds will go toward deputies’ salaries to prevent workers from leaving for higher jobs in other counties. Salaries have consistently risen over the last four years to keep the UCSO workforce.
“In Jan., UCSO is trading in their ten highest mileage 2018 Ford Explorers for ten 2020 Dodge Durangos. We’re in full compliance with that, and we understand that. I think that’s the best thing they could do, but again that’s more money. What we’re trying to [identify] is we can find the right vehicles and trade them on a year to two-year basis, which is something we’ve never been able to do before. We could get a cost of trade in as little as $2,000 to $4,000 trading in the vehicle and getting a brand new one the next year. Not sure how that’s all going to work, we’re in the process, but we’re having to pay the first time, this [year],” Paris explained the new vehicle trade process for the UCSO.
The 2020 budget doesn’t require the county to dip into the fund balance. Revenue equals expenditures for the year. The fund balance, as of now, has around two months in reserves. Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) recommends county governments keep at least two months of regular operating revenues on hand to cover expenditures.
“We wouldn’t be able to do [everything] without more revenue coming in the last four years,” stated Paris. “We’d have to raise taxes so much without our revenues.”
In 2019, building permits are up $130,000; Title Ad Valorem increased by $310,000; real estate transfer rose by $35,000; LOST is up $300,000; transportation fares up by $10,000; and insurance premium increased by $400,000.
The 2020 budget doesn’t feature the U.S. Forestry permits for the new gun range. SPLOST, grants, and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will help to fund the range. DNR offers a matching incentive to counties who open a gun range up to the public. This project is currently in the early stages, including determining the final cost.
Commissioner Commemorates St. Clare’s Episcopal Church
Announcements, Community October 24, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed Oct. 6, 2019, as St. Clare’s Episcopal Church Day, honoring its 35 years in the community.
The first official service of St Clare’s Episcopal Church was held on October 7, 1984. The parish congregated then at the First United Methodist Church on Cleveland Street.
In Oct. 1988, the mission began worshiping at the Susan B. Harris Chapel until building its own facility on Ledford Road in 1995.
St. Clare’s has been involved in numerous community activities and outreach on local, state, and worldwide levels. It continually assists the Union County’s non-profit organizations, such as the Hope House, Helping Hands Community Clinic, the Ecumenical Food Pantry, S.A.F.E, Meals on Wheels, and Family Connection.
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity. Their liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages. Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests and bishops. They celebrate unity in Christ while honoring differences, always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion.
Currently, Rev. Liz Schellingerhoudt serves as rector at St. Clare’s Episcopal Church and services are held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist, and Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m., Weekday Eucharist.
If you would like more information, you can email them at [email protected] or call 706-745-0607.
September Proclaimed Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
Community September 23, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Commissioner Lamar Paris recognized September as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month citing the prevalence of the epidemic among local youth.
“Young people are key to Union County, Georgia’s future success, prosperity, and quality of life. Our young people are our most valuable resource; they deserve opportunities to discover themselves and their purpose in secure environments that allow them to create relationships, find wholeness, and strengthen others,” read Paris from the proclamation.
Union County currently has the third-highest suicide rate in the state of Georgia according to CDC data from 2018.
By raising awareness and placing value on the lives of the individual, suicide can be prevented. Those dedicated to creating safe and guided environments for Union County’s youths that are free of judgment, alcohol, and drugs will give teenagers and children an opportunity to reach their full potential and become the next generation of leaders.
The county’s goal is to let young people know that they’re valued and seen by making September Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. No one will be forgotten.
Constitution Week and Day
Paris proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week in Union County and 17th as Constitution Day.
The Old Unicoi Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution serves as a leader in local responsibilities to protect and defend the Constitution and inform the public about the document that safeguards American liberties.
Public law 84-915 signed in 1956 guarantees an annual proclamation issued by the President that recognizes Constitution Week.
“It is fitting and proper to accord official recognition to this magnificent document and its memorable anniversary, and to the patriotic celebrations which will commemorate it,” stated Paris.
Photo courtesy of Change in Our World, Inc. Facebook page. Change dedicates services to raising awareness about suicide in local community and reaching out to young people.
Three Months Later Construction Begins on the Double Gym
Community, Park and Recreation October 24, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Construction on the new double gymnasium for the recreation department has finally started after a three-month delay.
The construction firm BKM out of Braselton, GA fell behind on its projects and pushed back the start date multiple times. Paris mentioned in last month’s commissioner’s meeting that the county was prepared to look elsewhere is BKM didn’t start construction in Oct. However, now, all the footings are poured as well as the reinforced concrete support for the steel beams. The beams should arrive in Nov.
“The structure is a total of 31,565 sq. ft. with two gymnasiums separated by offices, restrooms, dressing rooms and a meeting room. The upstairs area will allow storage for all equipment. There will be an inside walking trail on the main floor,” explained Commissioner Lamar Paris.
The gym will be open to youths and adults. It will offer exercise classes, dancing, aerobics, volleyball, and additional fitness classes.
Paris addressed why they decided to build the facility, “The need for this has accelerated as the growth in the basketball programs has been steady or the last few years and the fact that new security issues for the school system have prevented use of the existing basketball courts as we have been able in the past.”
Adjacent to the double gym and behind the health department will be eight new pickleball courts. The asphalt for the courts has been poured and fencing is currently being installed. The final lining will be applied afterward. The courts might be completed by the end of the year, but the bathroom and small pavilion won’t be completed until late spring or early summer – the same time as the gym.
The Meeks Park pavilion should complete paving and landscaping by spring as well.
Additionally, GDOT and the county are working on an access road from Hwy. 515 to School Circle, but will probably be delayed until next year.
Commissioner Recognizes World Polio Day
Featured Stories November 27, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed Oct. 24, 2019, as World Polio Day in Union County and encouraged all citizens to join him in fighting for a polio-free world.
In 1985, Rotary International launched PolioPlus and spearheaded the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, which today includes the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to immunize children of the world against polio.
Polio cases have dropped 99.9 percent since 1988, and it’s almost eradicated across the globe.
Rotary International has contributed more than $1.8 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect over two million children in 122 countries against the disease.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has promised to donate $300 million if Rotary International can raise an additional $100 million.
These efforts provide needed operational support, medical personnel, laboratory equipment, and educational materials for health workers and parents.
Governments have donated more than $8 billion to support Rotary and its efforts to eliminating polio from the face of the globe.
Rotary International was founded on Feb. 23, 1905, in Chicago, IL and is recognized as the world’s first and one of the largest non-profit service organizations. Currently, there are over 1.2 million club members in over 35,000 clubs.
Public Hearing Scheduled for Soil Erosion and Pollution Ordinance
News, Police & Government September 25, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – September 19 Commissioner meeting included the first reading of the revised Soil Erosion, Sedimentation, and Pollution Control Ordinance with the first public hearing scheduled for October 10 at 5:30 p.m.
The state issued changes to the ordinance which Union County must adopt to stay in accordance with the law. The ordinance is available in the commissioner’s office for anyone who wants to review it.
The model ordinance issued by Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division lists extensive requirements as to how to properly preserve the land. It deals with grading, conservation, sedimentation, trout streams, etc.
For instance, “Practices for the stabilization of erodible or sediment-producing areas by utilizing the mechanical properties of matter for the purpose of either changing the surface of the land or storing, regulating or disposing of runoff to prevent excessive sediment loss. Examples of structural erosion and sediment control practices are riprap, sediment basins, dikes, level spreaders, waterways or outlets, diversions, grade stabilization structures and sediment traps, etc. Such practices can be found in the publication Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia.”
It also addresses enforcement and fines. Offenders had five days to correct mistakes before the issuing authority returns for an inspection. Fine wise:
“Any person who violates any provisions of this ordinance, or any permit condition or limitation established pursuant to this ordinance, or who negligently or intentionally fails or refuses to comply with any final or emergency order of the Director issued as provided in this ordinance shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500.00 per day. For the purpose of enforcing the provisions of this ordinance, notwithstanding any provisions in any City charter to the contrary, municipal courts shall be authorized to impose penalty not to exceed $2,500.00 for each violation.”
This information all comes from the model ordinance that the county hasn’t implemented as of yet. The EPD regularly updates the Soil Erosion Ordinance every five years and counties must hold public hearings to inform citizens about the changes.
For a more in-depth review of the changes, attend the public hearing on Oct. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Feature image is courtesy of Georgia EPD.
Commissioner Addresses New Services, Construction and Grants
Community, News, Police & Government September 23, 2019
BLAIRSVILLE, GA – September 19 Commissioner meeting addressed several services coming to the county, including the new recreation gymnasium, juvenile justice grant, and road department software.
After some initial contractor setbacks, Commissioner Lamar Paris is confident that the new double, recreation gym will start within the next month.
The foundation has already been poured for the project, and the county has been waiting for construction to begin. It will be located next to Union County’s Health Department on the Glenn Gooch By-Pass.
“We’re hoping it’s going to start this month, said Paris, “We had a near come-to Jesus meeting with the contractor this week. We told them that if they didn’t start this month, then we would take it back out to bid.”
Contractors were supposed to begin construction two months ago, but keep pushing the date back due to other projects. Once complete the double gym will offer an indoor walking track and two courts for community use.
Union County received an Accountability Courts Grant for the Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant for the amount of $118,087 from July 2019 to June 2020. It’s part of the drug court program to help young people reform and rehabilitate their lives.
“We really have a lot of people that have gotten in trouble with drugs and gone through this process, they’ve reformed and they’ve come out of this having their charges removed, said Paris, “I think they’ve got about an 87% non-recidivism rate.”
The county accepted a contract with Point to Point Environmental for Creek Impact and Free Product Abatement for the amount of $65,905.00, effective August 29, 2019. This contract was necessary due to a fuel tank leak at the Road Department and required a combination of self-insurance and public funds to be fully covered.
“Fuel tanks that were put in place by prior administrations, several years ago,” said Paris, “I’m not sure it’s anything you can blame anybody about. One of them just sprang a leak. They have leak detection devices on the tank, but by the time that happened, there had been some leakage.”
The state came in an evaluated the situation and mitigated it, so no direct out of pocket costs to the county.
IWorQ and the county have agreed to a software contract for public works and community development projects and tracking, including building inspection, road department, county commissioner’s office, and the county. It should streamline the repair work and inspection projects in the county through accurate tracking. One day the public can also report road hazards online for the county to review.
The system will help the county to evaluate “what roads to do when” and make it easily presentable to the public.
“The departments are all excited about it especially the road department and building inspection,” said Paris.
The contract amounted to $33,000.
Rushton and Company, LLC agreed to provide specified financial processes training to county staff for $14,000. The additional training will ensure that all transactions are properly processed and recorded.
“We’re supplementing the auditors to come back and double-check the work that’s being done in the accounting department, just to verify things to make sure we’re going in the right direction. Help us keep an eye on the budget process and try to shore up a mistake or two, nothing big…help our staff to understand exactly what they have to do and the order they have to do it,” explained Paris.
Butternut Crossing became part of the county road system.
The next commissioner meeting moved to Tuesday, October 22 at 6 p.m.
GDOT Purchases Land to Widen Hwy. 515
Police & Government July 24, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Commissioner Lamar Paris discussed purchase and settlement with GDOT to expand Hwy. 515/76 between Blairsville and Young Harris.
The widening of Hwy 515 from Blairsville to Young Harris took another step forward with GDOT officially purchasing Land Lots 269 and 270 for $450,000. The 1.264 acres runs along Hwy. 515 and to the right of the Farmer’s Market.
“This county property purchased almost two years ago as part of the Davenport property, and some of it happened to be a really nice piece right on the highway,” stated Paris, “I think we bought 11 acres for $767,000 give or take 10 or 20K.”
Commissioner Lamar Paris spoke on GDOT’s plan to widen 515 from Blairsville to Young Harris.
Paris also bestowed 0.076 acres at the Glenn Gooch By-Pass and Hwy. 515 intersection to GDOT for the road expansion. He explained the donation was a thank you to GDOT for their speedy work and assistance with the Farmer’s Market Way Road.
“We really hated to lose this one acre right on the highway, but it really reduced the amount of money we had in [initial purchase],” said Paris.
The initial purchase of the property came from the General Fund, and once the settlement comes through the $450,000 will transfer back into that account.
County Improvements
Additionally, Paris addressed improvements ongoing throughout the county.
The parking lot for the new recreation center complex on the Glenn Gooch By-Pass is near completion, and building construction should begin within the next 30 days.
“We’re beginning construction of Pickleball courts,” explained Paris, “We’re finally adding eight pickleball courts behind the Health Department. We began the grading, and we’ll have a specialty company come in to pave the surface because it has to be too exacting standards.”
New addition and pad for Fire Station completed.
Curb on Pat Colwell Rd expanded and Roads Department working on roads around the county.
“Our Road Department is completing patching miles and miles of county roads and will begin resurfacing some of those and paving others. We hope to have complete in 45 days,” Paris said.
New Meek’s Park sign installed and active along Hwy. 515.
New Meeks Park sign up and running for Union County residents.
“It’s pretty awesome. Landscaping will be finished next week. This will be an electronic sign, aside from being big and impressive looking, it will really be able to give information to the public,” stated Paris.
Union County $2.2M Over Budget in 2018
News, Police & Government June 25, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Union County went $2.2M over budget in 2018 due to unexpected health care costs and rises in service expenses.
Auditors advised the amending of the 2018 budget after expenditures exceeded expectations for the year. The total operating budget for 2018 amounted to $18,908,000.
Several areas of the operating budget experienced higher costs than anticipated, but the biggest expense was health insurance.
“Our medical insurance went up $569,000 last year, completely out of the blue,” stated Commissioner Lamar Paris, “we’re working hard this year to get that cut back, working with our employees, try to work on healthy habits, where they go to the doctor, when they do to the doctor, and increasing employee costs.”
The county also hired a new online doctor, where they can talk to a doctor at any time.
“It’s a benefit to our employees and hopefully our bottom line too,” said Paris.
Aside from health insurance, other departments/offices that went over were general administration by $167,391, sheriff’s office by $563,356, jail by $143,668, and fire department at $172,950.
General Administration included repair and maintenance, and SPLOST can’t provide funds.
Overview of 2018 operating budget.
“We redid a whole section of the courthouse roof,” explained Commissioner Paris, “We try to use SPLOST wherever we can for any capital improvements, but on a repair, we can’t do that. The roof was $37,000 over budget. Contract labor was $20,000 over budget.”
The Sheriff’s office experienced a host of costs increases just like other county offices.
“Salaries were up $173,000 and that’s happening because sheriff’s deputies and all other counties, everybody’s going up and when one goes up, they all go up. So their deputies want more money or they’ll go to that county. It’s a real tough thing how you balance what the pay is and what the pressure is coming from other places,” stated Paris.
The county and Sheriff Mack Mason came together to find a number that satisfied deputies, but the expense didn’t factor into the initial budget. Uniforms, vehicle repairs, vehicles, and supplies also caused the overages. Capital assets and some SPLOST covered part, but not all of the costs.
Jail also raised salaries, which accounted for $82,000, and paid $10,000 in overtime.
Fire department went over due to salaries and buying a new ladder truck for the county.
“Had a couple of guys that drove all over the Southeast looking at fire trucks,” said Paris, “finally, found one that we bought for $93,000. It’s eight years old with 30,000 miles on it. The company that sold it to us completely went over it and redid it. We never had a ladder truck, and we needed one a long time.”
Typically, ladder trucks cost around $1M-plus for brand new trucks. Also, the fire department started new training procedures and developed new facilities to teach firemen how to carry people out of a fire.
County also hired a public defender to speed up the trial process for inmates to lessen jail expenses from 2017. Last year, inmate cost was $118,000, and this year, it’s $19,000 due to the new public defender.
Revenues and property tax collection exceeded the budget by $150,000, charges for services exceed by $277,000, sale of capital assets exceeded by $400,023, and $1.5M of fund balance was used.
The fund balance equalizes expenses over revenues, and the $1.5M is less than last year. Hopefully, by next year,
everything will equal out, and the fund balance won’t be needed.
Contract Agreements
The hospital’s helicopter service, provided by Air budgeMethods Corporation, was renewed in a contract that runs through May 31, 2019. The county agreed to pay half of $76,765.00 to continue the service. It’s an increase from last year because initially, the company wanted to pull out of the area. It will not exceed that amount, and Union General will pay the other half.
“When you go over there and look at the helipad and think that in little Union County,” Paris marveled, “that no matter what happens you can be flown to wherever the emergency room is that you need to go to, just to have that available, we never ever had that available until ten years ago.”
Legacy Link, the service that helps run the senior center, and the county renewed its contract for the fiscal year 2020 for $95,000 as well as a commitment letter for $11,450.00.
Construction Starting on New Rec Center and Finishing on Farmer’s Market
Community, News May 18, 2019
Blairsville, Ga – Commissioner Lamar Paris approved the contract with BM&K Construction to build the new Union County Recreation Center.
The facility will include a double gym and will be located next to the Health Department. Construction on the recreation center should be completed by March 10, 2020. The contracted amount for the facility is $3,320,00.00
“It’s going to be a beautiful facility, and the contractor should start right away. We’re excited about that,” said Commissioner Lamar Paris.
Commissioner Paris speaks to all the construction projects going on in the county.
Also, the new entrance to the Farmer’s Market will be opening soon, hopefully by the June 1 opening of the Farmer’s Market. The pavements complete, and striping still needs to be finished.
“Department of Transportation has to come and make the three-way light a four-way light at the by-pass intersection and 515, explained Paris, “They’ve assured us that they will let us know that they thought with a two-week notice that they can get it done.”
Additionally, the county approved a resolution to reapply for a non-operational Army Tank through the Army Tank Automotive and Armaments Command for display at the Leon Davenport’s Building. It’s the third time that the county has applied for a tank.
“We’ve been totally frustrated for five years solid, and the gentleman who started the process just died a few months ago. We’re very sad about that and we’re trying to increase our efforts, go our congressman and maybe go down to the army depot to find out why we’re not being considered for a tank,” said Paris.