FINANCIAL REPORT
- SPLOST AND LOST: SPLOST and LOST revenue shown in the report dated February 28, 2023 reflect collections reported for January. For that period, SPLOST collections were $1,101,408.79 which is a $75,590.39 (9.13%) increase over the same period last year. LOST collections were $636,893.73 which is a $12,978.62 (2.48%) decrease over the same period last year.
- SPLOST planning continues in preparation for a referendum to continue the 1% sales tax collection that will be voted on in November. County Departments have submitted their capital needs requests in draft form for review. Examples of the requests include paving and paving equipment, replacement of 30 year old fire engines, public safety vehicles, renovations to parks and government buildings. In addition, Calhoun and Gordon County are discussing transportation improvements to major intersections and roads such as Belwood, Dews Pond and Lovers Lane.
- BUDGET: Budget planning is underway for F/Y 2023-2024. I will be reviewing Departmental requests through this month with Budget meetings between the Finance Director, those Departments and me commencing at month’s end. Subsequently, we anticipate a budget work session with the BOC and publishing the recommended budget on May 17.
SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS AND ACTIVITY
- CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS:
- 1960s Courthouse: We held a project meeting last week. Construction continues to come along well. Drywall is completed on all floors. Trim work has begun on the first and second floor. First coat of paint has been applied on the first and second floors. Ceiling grids and lights are installed on the first and second floors. Flooring has started on the first floor.
- Administration Building: The BOC considers the estimate Momon has presented for roof and cornice/gutter on tonight’s agenda.
- Public Works: Building renovations should commence in the coming weeks.
- REDBONE RIDGES and HARRIS BEAMER: We continue to file reports as due. The most recent were the industrial storm water reports (both) and completion of Cell 3A (at Redbone Ridges)
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The Gordon County Development Authority met last week and received a report on economic development from Kathy Johnson.
- COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: We are currently updating the Community Work Program and Report of Accomplishments. We will host a Public Hearing for citizen input on the Comprehensive Plan in the Assembly room on March 30 at 4:00 p.m.
- IMPACT FEE STUDY: Officials of Calhoun and Gordon County plan to interview an Impact Fee specialist this month as we discuss the feasibility and need for Impact Fees to offset the public costs of major developments.
- STORM DAMAGE: Severe weather moved through the parts of the county last Friday afternoon. The NWS is investigating whether there was a brief tornado in the Sonoraville area. Approximately 10 properties sustained damage, numerous trees were downed and power outages were reported. I am not aware of any injuries that were reported.
- ADVENT HEALTH: I met with staff from Advent Health last week to discuss community health services and needs.
- ORDINANCE ENFORCEMENT: Our Ordinance Officer remains extremely busy. At last count, he has issued more than 17 citations in the last couple of weeks that will go to court in April.
- SONORAVILLE RECREATION PARKING LOT: We have received a request from the County Schools for assistance with students parking at the Sonoraville Recreation center. Unfortunately, some students have used the parking lot for improper and illegal purposes including fights, drug activity, and vandalism.
- GEO PERMITTING: Planning and Development is about to be online.
- DEBBIE VANCE: Debbie retires Friday, March 10th. This is her last official BOC meeting as a Gordon County employee. Thank you Debbie for 27 years of service at E-911.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITY
- Engineering has been consulted for a traffic study on Dews Pond/Lovers Lane
- Lunch at Sheriff’s Office
- Discussion with multiple citizens regarding various concerns
- Met at Oostanaula Community Club
