Board of commissioners voting session agenda

• 6 p.m. Sept. 20 Dawson County Government Center Assembly Room A. Roll call B. Opening presentation: 1. Doris Cook: Etowah Water and Sewer Authority-Clean Water Month Proclamation 2. Alice Williamson: 9th District Opportunity C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes 1. Minutes of the special called meeting on Sept. 4. 2. Minutes of the voting session on Sept. 6. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (Three minute limit/person, 15 ...

System requires upgrades

The Dawson County commission is weighing whether to use 1-cent sales tax revenue to upgrade the local public safety communications system to meet a Jan. 1 federal deadline. County Manager Kevin Tanner said the county is currently capable of hitting a switch and being in compliance with narrow banding for all public safety radio frequencies.

Dozens support sludge ordinance

Dozens of residents and business leaders on Thursday showed support for a local ordinance that would ban a certain type of sewage application in Dawson County. Written after developer Ken Curren asked the state Environmental Protection Division to amend the Hampton Creek Water Reclamation Facility sludge management plan, the proposed ordinance would prohibit depositing Class B sewage sludge in the county.

City alcohol referendum discussions postponed

After further review, it appears the city of Dawsonville won't ask voters on Nov. 6 to consider allowing sales of distilled spirits by the drink on Sundays. A second public hearing on the topic ended Monday night with the city council voting to postpone further discussion until November. That means the matter is unlikely to make the ballot until at least March.

City, county reach LOST accord

Dawsonville and Dawson County officials met last Tuesday to approve a split of the revenue generated by the 1-cent local option sales tax, or LOST. Through the agreement, the funds will be divided at 88 percent for the county and 12 percent for the city.

Board approves budget

For the second consecutive year, the budget approved by Dawson County commissioners does not include funding for the group charged with helping bring commercial and industrial growth to the area. Peter Hill, chairman of the Development Authority of Dawson County, equated the cuts to "firing the marketing department to pay the bills today."

Board of Commissioners Voting Session Agenda, 6 p.m. Sept. 6 in the assembly room at the Dawson Coun

A. Roll call B. Opening presentation: Jacqueline Daniels, ConnectAbility C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes: Minutes of the Aug. 16 voting session. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (3 minute limit/person, 15 minutes maximum): None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings 1. Public hearing regarding the approval of the proposed FY2013 Budget. (Second of two hearings.) 2. Public hearing regarding an ordinance prohibiting land ...

City seeks to renew land application permit

Officials with the city of Dawsonville want to renew a land application permit in preparation for future growth in the Gold Creek area. "We're just trying to keep the permit alive," said Gary Barr, who oversees the city's water and sewer operations. "It's easier to keep it than to start all over again later on."

5 vie for posts on council

Five candidates will vie for two seats on the Dawsonville City Council this fall. Those who have qualified for the Special Election on Nov. 6 include: Frank Craft, Alan Metzel, Tom Schaide, Angie Smith and Mike Sosebee.

Budget, sludge to top commission agenda

The county's 2013 spending plan and a proposal that would ban a certain type of sewage application are top agenda items for tomorrow's county commission meeting. This will be the final chance for the public to make comments on Dawson County's proposed 2013 budget and the first opportunity to address an ordinance intended to stop the application of Class B partially treated sewage sludge.

Board to discuss tethering

Dawson County commissioners have been asked to consider an ordinance that would make it illegal to restrain a dog for longer than three hours. Carolyn Bowen, president of Dawson County Humane Society, said the need for an anti-tethering law can help address what she described as severe animal abuse cases.

LOST deal likely

Top local government officials say an agreement over the 1-cent local option sales tax, or LOST, likely will be reached soon. Representatives from the city of Dawsonville and Dawson County agreed to suspend mediation Aug. 21 after huddling with a mediator in an attempt to resolve negotiations.

Swafford to lead state association

Dawson County Fire Chief Lanier Swafford was recently elected president of the Georgia State Firefighter's Association. An installation ceremony was held Saturday night at the group's annual banquet in Dalton.

Collins defeats Zoller in 9th District U.S. House race

Hearings set on sludge ordinance

County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would ban the application of Class B sewage sludge in residential areas. According to Commission Chairman Mike Berg, the need for such an ordinance surfaced after developer Ken Curren asked the state Environmental Protection Division to amend the Hampton Creek Water Reclamation Facility sludge management plan.

City to discuss water service

City council members on Monday said they want to renegotiate a longstanding agreement with Etowah Water and Sewer Authority involving service delivery in outlying areas of Dawsonville.

City looks to revise water deal

Dawsonville council members are contemplating service delivery changes that could impact residents in the outlying areas of the city.

Berg named ACCG president

When Mike Berg moved to Dawson County from Gwinnett years ago, he could have parked a lounge chair on a deck overlooking Lake Lanier and enjoyed retirement.

Deal, delegates gather

Dawson County was in the spotlight last weekend as Republicans from across northeast Georgia rallied at the 9th Congressional District banquet and convention.

Gooch named ‘most influential’

A local legislator was recently tapped among Georgia's most influential lawmakers.