2020 audit reveals revenue up, expenses down in Union

News
2020 audit clay pilgrim

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County received a clean/unmodified opinion concerning its 2020 audit from Rushton and Company, a CPA firm.

Clay Pilgrim, CPA, CPE, CCF, delivered the information during the July County Commission meeting.

“I do have great news, this is real riveting information this audit, so I’m glad you joined us,” Pilgrim told the large crowd. He also thanked all county officials for their help.

The 2020 fiscal budget was amended down from $17,999,955 to $17,468,052 during the meeting as well.

The net position/ county equity covers three areas, net investments and capital assets, restricted net position, and unrestricted net position.  The total net position for the county in 2020 was $57,418,192.

  • Capital assets and net investments – $47,643,505 – examples: buildings, equipment
  • Restricted net position – $5,456,656 – example: SPLOST
  • Unrestricted net positions – $4,318,031 – example: residual

“For the year, there was an increase in net position, revenues exceeded expenses by $5,505,303. The largest reason for that increase was some operating grants and contributions that were received and sales tax increases as well with a lower expense increase overall,” Pilgrim stated.

In Union County’s General Fund also known as the operating budget, revenues increased 21 percent ($3,708,099) in 2020. Here’s the following breakdown of revenue increases:

2020 audit revenues by source. Sales Tax was the largest at 35 percent and property tax came in second at 32 percent.

  • Property taxes – $181,943
  • Title ad valorem – $543,158
  • Intangible taxes – $174,580
  • Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) – $922,524
  • Intergovernmental revenues – $1,358,375

“[LOST increase] is a trend we’re seeing across the mountain areas of the state with sales tax. Folks moving this way or spending time up in the mountains with the pandemic that took place last year,” Pilgrim added.

The property tax line includes the last seven years of digest, any collections paid in 2020, and assessments.

Expenses for the county also increased by 4.7 percent ($777,040). The breakdown is as follows.

  • General administration – $944,789 – the cost included capital outlay projects and the county reappraisal.
  • Sheriff’s office – $297,845 – personal services

One area of expenditures decreased and that was highways and streets which were under by $583,708 also for personal services.

The unassigned fund balance or general fund equity will allow the county to operate for 2.7 months. The fund balance is $3,896,041. Last year, the fund balance was $1,805,929 and could only operate for 1.3 months.

2020 audit expenses Public Safety was the largest at 35 percent and general government came in second at 27 percent.

Pilgrim explained that counties want to keep between two- or three months’ worth of monies in the fund balance in case of emergencies. In 2019, when the county increased property taxes by 17 percent on its side, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris explained that the dip in the fund balance was part of the reason why.

SPLOST 5 went into effect in 2021 and thus far $51,780 has been expended on capital projects. The 2015 SPLOST or SPLOST 4 expended $6,210,663 in collected sales tax. SPLOST money can’t go into the general fund.

“It does typically reduce the need for other taxation,” Pilgrim commented because it goes toward capital projects.

However, SPLOST doesn’t go toward the operational costs. TSPLOST has a little more room concerning the operation of roads and bridges.

Packed room voices opinion on Union’s property reevaluation

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crowd for property reevaluation

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – A raucous crowd turned out in force to discuss taxes and property reevaluation after notices hit residents’ mailboxes at the start of the month.

The meeting was moved to the jury assembly room and some still had to stand for the 2-plus hour-long meeting focused on property values and taxes. Assistant Police Chief Shawn Dyer instructed the crowd to respect each other, or an officer would remove them from the meeting. The cantankerous didn’t always heed the advice after the meeting began, but no one was escorted out of the room.

“The growth is what causes expenses to go up. We all know that. No matter where you’ve been before. The more you grow the more those expenses are going to go up. And we will continue to prepare for them, but these are not simple solutions, and they all take time, careful consideration, and planning. We have and will continue to be working with the Georgia Mountain Regional Commission,” Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris opened.

Union County’s also working with the Carl Vinson Institute, University of Georgia, and TBT to assist with future planning and find other revenue options to help lower property taxes.

Sales tax captures all people in a county whether they are property owners, renters, employees, visitors, short-time residents, or short-term rental and we certainly want them to assist in paying with the operation of our government,” Paris said. “For anyone to say that we are trying to grow the county without any thought of planning our future is simply not accurate.”

Stan King from GMASS, the company hired to reevaluate property value in Union County, explained that the estimated tax on the bottom of the reassessment notice wasn’t the tax for 2021. The taxes for 2021 haven’t been set as of yet because the millage rate hasn’t been established.

Paris stated that the millage rate is likely to go down this year, but the county doesn’t know the exact number at this time. Departments are just now turning in budget requests for the next year. The millage rate is set according to what a county budget requires.

“We’re going to make every effort to cut that mill rate as much as possible. You’ve got my commitment that we’re going to try to do that and cut as much as we can. But we’ve also got these increased costs; they’re not huge, but they’re going to be enough because of the sheriff’s department – no offense to the sheriff’s department – but it’s hard. We’re finding firemen the same thing,” Paris explained about the millage rate and increased public safety departments. Many counties are competing for employees and they’re going to the areas offering the higher-paying jobs.

Chart of Union County home sales. The blue line indicates the average sale price and the red line is the assessed value.

The number on the reassessments uses last year’s millage rate and last year Union County experienced a 17 percent tax increase on the county side. The county and the school each propose a separate millage rate and then it’s combined for the overall rate.

Even with last year’s tax increase, Union County had the 12th lowest tax rate in Georgia. Previously, it was the third-lowest.

The property reassessments were contracted out in 2019 and just completed in 2021. The revaluation was necessary because Union County had fallen below the state’s Fair Market Value requirements.

King explained that a county wants to fall between .36 and .42 in assessed Fair Market Value, but Union County had fallen below that range. If a property reassessment hadn’t taken place, then the county would have been fined by the state. The new rate places Union County into the .38-.39 area.

In other words, the value of home sales in Union County has continued to exponentially increase, but the assessed value largely remained flat. The reassessment catches property values up to the home sales value.

“In 2016, when the market started to increase in the value of home sales… I really picked out home sales because that’s the predominant class of properties that make up the tax digest,” King explained. “Our assessments being so much flatter than what the market actually does. It’s our duty to mirror the market.”

The county’s requirement by law to appraise all property at fair market value every year. The physical assessment only has to take place every three years.

GMASS Stan King

GMASS Assessor Stan King explained the intricacies of the property evaluation process.

After the reassessment, the assessments were brought up to Fair Market Value compared to the sales price.

This is why some people are experiencing property value increases of 100 percent or more. As home sale prices increase, then the assessed value of homes needs to match.

The home sales value continues to increase in North Georgia, which means values will probably need to be adjusted again.

However, once the housing market takes a downward turn, property owners need to make a report of that as well. Appraisals are typically a year behind concerning market values. Still, the market typically corrects itself.

“Between January and April, I would encourage everyone to file their [property] returns just like you do on your income tax, you’re supposed to do it on your property tax. Most people do not,” King said. “You’re paying taxes based on your property on January 1.”

Property owners still have time to appeal the new assessments, around 25 days. The tax assessor’s office can approve or deny exemptions depending on the property, such exemptions include homestead and agriculture. Flood plains and easements are typically taken into account at the time of evaluation. However, there’s no item that you can appeal for the amount of value increase.

The appraised value measures from the outside-to-outside wall, but there’s a difference in square footage if it’s heated or not.

“There’s an inflationary number that will be given to them of what they need to roll that back to on the inflationary growth. So, if you have your property and you’ve done nothing to that property, but we’ve increased the value all that is inflationary – the whole value difference is inflationary,” King added about the tax digest and millage rate process.

The tax digest is made up of more than just real estate such as heavy equipment, auto tags, timber, planes, and real property.

One veteran and former police officer Kevin Bloodworth spoke as part of the meeting and stated the value of Union County is in its citizens. He also criticized the county’s communication methods about the property reevaluation, saying if it had been better explained, then people wouldn’t be as angry.

“You got people out here living on $900 a month or less in Social Security so even a $100 increase in taxes plus the congruent increase in their insurance that’s a meal for them. They can’t drive somewhere but a couple times a week. Inflation is up 2.5 percent. Gasoline is up a gallon. The head of the federal reserve is telling us this time next year we may be under crushing inflation,” Bloodworth remarked. “Your job sir and that of your staff is finding ways to make this palatable and acceptable for the value of our community.”

Bloodworth also advocated for new building impact fees in the county.

Paris addressed impact fees, using Dawson County as an example. Many north Georgia counties don’t charge impact fees for new construction.

“A few years ago, Dawson County instituted impact fees to slow their growth instead it only sped up their growth. And today while our property tax rate was 18.9 mills, 12th lowest in the state, Dawson County, a county with similar size, population, and property values, was 23.6 mills, which made them the 18th lowest in the state,” Paris explained. “If you live in Dawson County, they’re going to make $5 million to $6 million more on their property taxes than we are based on last year’s mill.”

Paris reiterated that the last thing he wants is uncontrolled growth in Union County, but some growth is necessary to maintain the quality of life in the area. He touted Union General Hospital and local small businesses. They must be considered when developing the county.

“There’s nothing I would have loved better than to have left our property values just like they were. I did not make that decision. The board of assessors made that decision, and they made that decision because the state of Georgia was going to come down because it was impossible to keep up with values,” Paris commented.

The Sole Commissioner explained that 48 percent of Union County is owned by National Forest Service, 3 percent is owned by the TVA, and 20 percent is covenant-protected farmland. Additionally, Choestoe, Track Rock, and Suches don’t have access to public water. As a result, massive developments aren’t likely to happen and drive property values up. Without public water, it’s harder for developers to recoup their investments when they must build on 1.5 acres and include a well and septic system.

Paris took questions after the meeting ended on the topic.

As for how Paris operates his monthly meeting, he explained that anyone who believes they have something important to say can be placed on the agenda. Additionally, he said the question-and-answer session isn’t recorded because it doesn’t have to be. However, they do discuss every issue brought up during the Q and A sessions.

Several construction contracts approved at county meeting

News
commissioner construction projects

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County’s moving forward with a few construction projects to upgrade various community services.

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris accepted a contract with Hayes, James, and Associates for professional design services for concept site plans, preliminary engineering, clearing, and grading plans, and land development permitting for the Youth Sports Complex. The facility will be located near the Farmer’s Market and the contract cost $18,400.

Paris also accepted three agreements with Gardner, Spencer, Smith, Tench & Jarbeau for design services including schematics, design development, construction documents and construction administration for new projects.

A 750 sq. ft. addition to the S.A.F.E. House was one of the approved projects. The new area will consist of a meeting room and storage room. The existing area will be turned into a playroom. The agreement is not to exceed $10,000.

Union County Senior Center will also be getting a 1,400 sq. ft. for new multi-stall restrooms and an exercise equipment room for the senior citizens. The cost is not to exceed $20,000.

The final agreement was for a new Union County Public Safety Complex for a 7,900 sq. ft. with three bays for engines and sleeping and living areas on the north end of Union County.

Paris accepted a $1,800,000.00 grant from the Georgia Department of Resources with a local match of $600,000 for the construction of a new public target range with a 150-yard rifle range and a 25-yard pistol range along with a support building containing a classroom, administrative office, storage, and public restroom. The matching portion can be repaid as either direct funding or in-kind labor.

The grant’s effective from April 1, 2021, to September 30, 2023.

Georgia Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance granted the Union County Fire Department $5,000.00. With this funding, the fire department purchased thirty sections of fire hose, hose adapters, and nozzles. Also, Mason Schuknecht, a Union County resident and Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy accepted a position with the Georgia Forestry. He will be covering northern Georgia from I-20 North.

Resolution R-2021-06 was approved to open a bank account for American Rescue Plan funds.

Freeman Gas was retained for propane services for $1.39 per gallon. It’s a year-long contract.

Union County becomes a Purple Heart County

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TSPLOST Purple Heart County construction multifamily development

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed Union County as a Purple Heart County at the June commission meeting.

“The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from Union County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens,” the proclamation reads.

Ryan McPherson was in attendance to accept the proclamation. He thanked Paris and added the move is another way for communities to recognize service members who were wounded in combat.

In recent wars, thousands of soldiers received Purple Hearts:

  • 320,000 in World War I
  • Over 1,000,000 in World War II
  • 118,000 in the Korean War
  • 351,000 in Vietnam
  • 600 in the Persian Gulf
  • 12,000 in Afghanistan
  • 35,000 in Iraq

Union County becoming a Purple Heart County makes it easier for the community to become part of the Purple Heart Trail. The trail creates “a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges, and other monuments that give tribute to the men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart medal.” It serves as a visual reminder to those on the road that someone paid a high price for them to travel comfortably in the states.

Purple Heart Trail entities in Georgia.

Military Order of the Purple Heart established the Purple Heart Trail in 1992. It begins in Mt. Vernon, Virginia and has designated sections in 45 states and Guam.

Read the entire proclamation below:

WHEREAS, The people of the County of Union have great admiration and the utmost gratitude for all the men and women who have selflessly served their country and this community in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities and placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all; and

WHEREAS, The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women from Union County who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens; and

WHEREAS, Many men and women in uniform have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, Many citizens of our community have earned the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force, construed as a singularly meritorious act of essential service; and

WHEREAS, Union County appreciates the sacrifices our Purple Heart recipients made in defending our freedoms and believe it is important that we acknowledge them for their courage and show them the honor and support they have earned.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Union County Sole Commissioner, Lamar Paris, hereby proclaims Union County as a Purple Heart County, honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform who were wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

April proclaimed Child Abuse Prevention Month

Community
Child Abuse Prevention Month

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris brought attention to an issue that affects Union County’s most precious resource, its children.

Paris declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month, “Children are the key to the future…they are our most valuable resources, but also our most vulnerable. Child abuse and neglect can be prevented by supporting and strengthening families thus preventing the far-reaching effects of maltreatment.”

In 2020, Enotah CASA assisted in 295 child abuse cases in Union, Towns, White, and Lumpkin Counties. Blue and white pinwheels mark the square are a symbol of support for children and families struggling with the issue. There’s a pinwheel for each child assisted by Enotah CASA last year.

Enotah CASA provides each child in the court system an advocate for their best interests. The organization operates on grants, donations, and fundraisers.

Paris urged everyone in the community to become involved in protecting local children.

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment act passed in 1974 and has experienced several amendments since that time. Still, the purpose remains the same to prevent child abuse and neglect.

In 1983, Child Abuse Prevention Month was proclaimed by Congress. The blue ribbon campaign started in Virginia by a grandmother who used the ribbons to remember her grandson who was a victim of child abuse.

https://youtu.be/ezE8Xm2nTeg

Union County declares itself pro-Second Amendment

News
pro-second amendment

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris adopted a resolution in support of the Second Amendment during January’s commission meeting.

The resolution cited that it’s a Constitutional right for people to “keep and bear arms” as well as the Georgia Constitution which prohibits the state from infringing on that right.

Paris and Sheriff Mack Mason expressed their support for the Second Amendment and for the rights of citizens. They asked the governor and General Assembly to “take no action which would violate the freedoms guaranteed in both Constitutions.”

The measure doesn’t address the federal government. It also doesn’t explicitly use the term “sanctuary,” which is a term included in several pro-Second Amendment resolutions or laws.

“I think every resolution you see is a little different, but they all amount to the same thing. They all have the same opportunity, same weight to work,” Paris stated.

Those in the crowd asked if Paris could look into amending the resolution to include “sanctuary county” because they believed it carried more weight with the federal government. He confirmed that someone will look into the matter and review the document.

“We’re trying to make it, so we’re protected, but if the federal government for some reason were to do something that’s through the federal government, but the fact that we’ve got a resolution still gives our sheriff the right to…meet them at the county line and say ‘you guys leave you aren’t coming in here, Paris explained.

The commissioner viewed mass gun confiscation unlikely from the federal or state government, but this measure grants the sheriff’s ability to question new stricter laws.

41 other counties in Georgia have adopted sanctuary city measures. Fannin, Dawson, Banks, Gilmer, White, Habersham, Pickens, and Rabun are some of those counties.

Copy of the resolution

As for the new gun range, the DNR is crossing every T to try and appease everyone before proceeding. Also, the DNR will undergo office changes and possibly new regulations now that the Biden Administration has taken office.

County Business

In January 2021, the county entered into several agreements, contracts, and resolutions. For the jail, they renewed the contract agreement for food services at no additional costs and agreed to a contract with Roof Management, Inc to replace the jail and sheriff’s office roof for $215,500.00.

Rushton and Company will complete the 2020 audit with the agreed-upon cost, not to exceed, $59,000.

For the senior center, Union County provided $95,000 as the local share with Legacy Link overseeing the other costs.

Union County 911 Center generator’s planned maintenance cost $1,151.02 from Cummins, Inc.

The statewide mutual aid and assistance agreement between Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) and Union County was renewed. This agreement provided the framework to support mutual assistance in managing an emergency or disaster.

A contract with Winkler and Winkler was agreed upon for the expansion of the View Grill at the Union County Community Center for the amount of $330,370.00. Once completed, some of the outdoor seating at the View will be enclosed.

The second resolution passed dealt with the Alcohol License Fee Schedule. The cost of the full background check for applicants increased to $72.50. The alcohol beverage permits for employees will be $37.00 and renewal will cost $16.00.

Farmers Market Way and Market View Connecter were accepted into the county road maintenance.

https://youtu.be/2tdh1mxETD8

Sons of the American Revolution honor first responders

Community

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – The Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution paid homage to local firefighters, law enforcement, EMT, and EMS workers during the December Commission meeting.

Sid Turner presented three awards. The first the law enforcement commendation went to Lt. Leon James who serves the Union County Sheriff’s Office and primarily stationed at the courthouse. In 2017, he became the commanding officer of the courthouse law enforcement operation, assisted in implementing the security checkpoints, and wrote the safety plan. Later, Sheriff Mason chose James slow down traffic in Union County.

Lt. Brent Long received the firefighter safety commendation. Long’s served the fire department for 21 years, initially as a volunteer. In 2002, he became a full-time firefighter. He’s responsible for training the entire department and emergency medical services. He’s also the deputy director of emergency management.

Frank Lowery accepted the emergency services commendation. Lowery’s been with the Union County EMS since 2012 and “consistently delivers care to his patients at a high level.” In 2016, he was promoted to shift supervisor and performs training coordinator and quality assurance coordinator responsibilities. Lowery also received the Murray King award for outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Union County.

Proclamations

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris issued three proclamations during the December meeting, Retired Teacher’s Day on November 1, Arbor Day on February 9, and Radon Action Month in January.

Contracts and Grants

SPLOST funds were used to purchase a $478,873 fire engine/pumper for the fire department. Also, the county entered into two no cost contracts with debris removal services as required by FEMA.

Winkler and Winkler were awarded a $330,370.00 contract to upgrade the View Grill. SPLOST funds were used for this project.

To repair the roof at the Union County Sheriff’s Office, Jail to Roof Management were awarded $215,500.00 in SPLOST funds.

Two accountability court grants for the Enotah Family Treatment Court and health court were accepted.

The emergency moratorium on multi-family housing units was extended for another 190 days from October 8, 2020.

 

https://youtu.be/jRkPIyCHm58

Union County Commission Meetings for 2021

Community, News
public hearings millage rate courthouse Qualifying meetings state of emergency property

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – During the December 2020 meeting, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris approved the meeting schedule for 2021.

The meetings will continue to take place on the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Union County Courthouse in Courtroom A.

The dates are as follows

  • January 21
  • February 18
  • March 18
  • April 15
  • May 20
  • June 17
  • July 15
  • August 19
  • September 16
  • October 21
  • November 18
  • December 16

All meetings are open to the public. Individuals with disabilities can contact the County Clerk to allow Union County to make accommodations for those people.

https://youtu.be/jRkPIyCHm58

Commissioner declares World Polio Day and Wilonell Dyer Day

News
polio

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – In the Union County Commission meeting, Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris signed two proclamations for World Polio Day on October 24 and Wilonell Dyer Day on October 11.

Members of the Rotary Club were in attendance to accept the World Polio Day proclamation. Over 1.2 million professionals and business leaders make up Rotary International, which specializes in providing humanitarian service and promoting goodwill and peace in the world.

In 1985, Rotary began the PolioPlus and headed up the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to immunize children against polio. Today the effort includes the World Health Organization, CDC, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Since 1988, polio cases in children have dropped 99 percent, and the world is close to eradicating the disease. Rotary club volunteers have protected more than two billion children in 122 countries from the disease. Currently, the club is working to raise an additional $100 million, which will be doubled by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to $300 million.

Wilonell Dyer Day

Commissioner Paris visited Wilonell Dyer in the Union County Nursing Home just before her 101st birthday on October 11 to present her proclamation. Born Wilonell Collins in 1919 in the Choestoe area, she married Ervin Dyer, and they had four children Jerry, Larry, Judy, and Janie.

Wilonell taught school for over 30 years, with 29 of those years spent teaching Algebra and Math to Union County youths. She retired on June 30, 1982.

A life-long member of Choestoe Baptist Church, she served as the treasurer for several years. Also, with nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, she regularly earned Mother’s Day honors for having the most grandchildren present on the holiday. She’s currently the oldest living member of the church.

Currently, the Union County Nursing Home is allowing window visits for its residents to protect them against COVID-19.

In other business, Paris accepted two accountability courts grants for the Enotah Mental Health Court, in the amounts of $12,582.00 and $29,640.00. He also closed two old bank accounts that are no longer in use: the Capital Improvements bank account at Bank OZK and the 2015 Bond Project Fund maintained by the Treasury Office.

https://youtu.be/XaNMK-eUbJA

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

Community
suicide prevention

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County had the third-highest suicide rate per capita in Georgia in 2018, according to the CDC.

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed September 2020 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Union County with Change in Our World Director Rebecca Brendle.

Beginning in 2015, Change in Our World had brought awareness and ministered to countless young people in the community about the value of life.

Exert from the proclamation: “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.”

Change in Our World tirelessly works to provide opportunity and gathering places for the youth of Union County. The organization has a regular meeting space, hosts local events, and recently purchased the Blairsville Ice Cream and Mini-Golf stand. Change in Our World participants and the community are always invited to stop by the ice cream shop. In October, the organization will be participating in the Georgia Mountain Fairground Arts and Crafts Festival, and then in November, it will be attending the Mountain Country Christmas in Lights Festival.

Hopefully, its efforts will help to empower local young people, letting them find their voices and becoming contributing members of the community.

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. No one will be forgotten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HfC1jlTIN8&feature=youtu.be

Feature image courtesy of Change in Our World. Recently, the non-profit received a $5,000 grant from the county.

September 17 proclaimed Constitution Day in Union County

Community
Constitution Day

BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Constitution Day will be observed on September 17th with Constitution Week to last until September 23rd.

“On this day in 1787, the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution of the United States of America. With this proclamation, we’re giving official recognition to this document and the anniversary of its signing,” read Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris from the proclamation. “I ask the citizens of Union County to reaffirm the ideas the framers of the Constitution had in 1787 by vigilantly protecting the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian

of our liberties.”
Two members of the Sons of the American Revolution, Jared Ogden and James Cook, dressed in full regalia, received the proclamation from Commissioner Paris.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution President Jared Ogden expressed his appreciation, especially during these times.

L to R: Commissioner Lamar Paris, Jared Ogden, James Cook

“With the backlash against authority, against peace, against prosperity basically, we feel that reaffirming the purposes and principles of the Constitution are so critical, especially now,” said Ogden.

A school in Iowa first recognized Constitution Day in 1911, and in 1917, the Sons of the American Revolution began a committee to promote the holiday. The committee included President Calvin Coolidge, John D. Rockefeller, and General John Pershing as members.

In 1940, Congress created “I am American” Day, which was held on the third Sunday in May to celebrate citizenship. In 1952, Congress moved “I am American” Day to September 17th and renamed it Citizenship Day.

The present holiday came into being in 2004 as an amendment to a spending bill. It renamed Citizenship Day as Constitution and Citizenship Day. The law also mandates that all public schools and federal agencies offer programming on Constitutional history on that day.

https://youtu.be/bnXjsKfLaO4

State of the county following COVID-19 shutdowns

Community, Health
county

UNION COUNTY, Ga – Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris gave a brief update on how Union County is faring while many residents try to find a sense of normalcy.

Over the course of approximately one month, Union County’s cases grew by 20. Out of the 43, only eleven of those patients needed hospitalization and one death. Union General Hospital had one active patient as of May 22. Previously, multiple beds were occupied by COVID-19 patients.

“We’re very fortunate up here,” stated Paris. “The fact that we’ve only got one in the hospital is a great sign. Does that mean we’re only going to have one? No. Does it mean we’re out of the woods yet? No. But we feel that what we have done in the county is very preventative.”

The commissioner added that those over 65 and with preexisting conditions are still under the Gov. Kemp’s stay at home order until June 13.

“We just have to remember that this thing still is serious. My concern going forward is people are going to – like me, like all of us – are just tired of it. Just like wearing [masks] or not wearing [it],” expressed Paris.

He wanted everyone to continue to be cautious and follow social distancing. He did encourage masks wearing in public areas and to use common sense to try and flatten the curve.

“Employees at those stores are the ones who really notice it. They feel like if you don’t wear one, then you’re not concerned about protecting them,” said Paris.

Whether or not to open the Meeks Park pool is currently being debated because current COVID-19 protocols limit use to 50 people at one time. Also, all chairs must be disinfected each time the person using one leaves the facility. If the county decides to open, it might have to hire someone to sanitize all surfaces in and around the pool.

“It’s not only what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it, but it’s what’s the governor’s going to do. Is he going to loosen the guidelines or tighten the guidelines?” Paris commented on the rapidly evolving situation.

On a positive note, county sales tax revenue for April is slightly up from the same time last year. However, this isn’t expected to last. Also, the state still must unveil its 14 percent budget cuts, which will affect some areas of the county.

The city of Blairsville reported tax revenue numbers similar to last year as well. Currently, COVID-19 hasn’t significantly impacted the city’s budget, but again these numbers could change as the year progresses.

Across the board, it’s too early to determine the financial impact of COVID-19.

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