Pickens County public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will meet on Dec. 15, 2025 to consider several agenda items. They will decide on the 2026 county budget and approve projects such as the expansion of Fire Station #10, a brush truck for Station #10, multiple land leases at the county airport, a hotel/motel agreement with the Chamber of Commerce, and an annexation request from the Town of Talking Rock. The board will also act on rezoning requests and appoint a new member to the Development Authority. Minutes from recent meetings will be approved.

• Consideration and approval of the 2026 budget
• Consideration and approval of Fire Station #10 expansion
• Consideration and approval of a brush truck for Station #10
• Consideration and approval of Hangar I-03 lease at Pickens County Airport
• Pending annexation request from the Town of Talking Rock – parcel at 2297 Highway 136 West

The commissioners approved the county’s 2026 budget. They also approved the lowest‑bid expansion of Fire Station #10, the purchase of a brush truck for the station, and several airport land leases. The request to annex a parcel from Talking Rock was tabled for further review. Additional actions included rezoning approvals, appointing a development authority member, and naming a new county attorney.

• Approved 2026 budget (2 yes, 0 no)
• Approved Fire Station #10 expansion bid of $62,640 (2 yes, 0 no)
• Approved purchase of brush truck for $183,399 (2 yes, 0 no)
• Approved Hangar I-03 lease to Mr. Furlong (2 yes, 0 no)
• Approved H-01 land lease at Pickens County Airport to Learning to Fly (Joel and Sherry Little) (2 yes, 0 no)
• Tabled Talking Rock annexation request (2 yes, 0 no)
• Approved rezoning RZ-191027, RZ-191034, and RZ-191040 (2 yes, 0 no)
• Approved appointment of John Luke Weaver as County Attorney (2 yes, 0 no)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will review several rezoning and special‑use applications, including a conditional use for Karyn Smith and new rezoning requests from Daniel Barrett, Easy Money Ventures, LLC, and Hannah & Craig Jones (on behalf of Scott Bruce). The commission will also vote on the 2026 meeting calendar.

• Conditional Use for Karyn Smith, 20.0‑acre parcel #065 010 (CU‑191050) – old business
• Rezoning AG to RR for Daniel Barrett, 1.5‑acre of a 19‑acre tract, parcel #030A 101 (RZ‑191052)
• Rezoning AG to ER for Easy Money Ventures, LLC, 66.55‑acre parcel #010 029 (RZ‑191059)
• Rezoning AG to RR for Hannah & Craig Jones on behalf of Scott Bruce, 8.60‑acre parcel #037 047 (RZ‑191064)
• Vote on the 2026 Planning Commission meeting calendar

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a conditional use for a spring and fall concert series at 8834 Hwy Crossroads. It also approved three rezoning requests: 1.5 acres from Agricultural to Rural Residential at 1750 Talking Rock Road, 66.55 acres from Agricultural to Estate Residential at 187 Old Jones Mountain Road, and 8.60 acres from Agricultural to Rural Residential at 11025 Highway 53 West. The 2026 meeting calendar was adopted and the minutes from the prior meeting were approved with an attendance correction.

• Approved conditional use for concert series (5 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved rezoning 1.5 acres AG→RR at 1750 Talking Rock Road (6 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved rezoning 66.55 acres AG→ER at 187 Old Jones Mountain Road (6 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved rezoning 8.60 acres AG→RR at 11025 Highway 53 West (6 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Adopted prior meeting minutes with attendance correction (6 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved 2026 Planning Commission calendar (6 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Adjourned meeting (6 in favor, 0 opposed)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will hold a second public hearing on the 2026 budget and public comments. They will consider and approve a pharmacy agreement with QUVA and a FY 2026 ARPA grant (GOCAT-001140). The meeting also includes updates on the Henderson Mountain water line project, the terminal construction project, and a review of land‑use intensity district change requests.

• Consideration and approval of the QUVA Pharmacy Agreement
• Consideration and approval of GOCAT-001140 FY 2026 ARPA Grant
• Second public hearing on the 2026 budget
• Update on Henderson Mountain Water Line Project
• Review of Land Use Intensity District Change Requests

The Pickens County Board voted 2‑yes, 0‑no to adopt Regroup as the new mass communication provider, replacing the Code Red system. It also approved a QUVA Pharmacy agreement for fire‑rescue, two grant awards (GOCAT‑001140 and FY 2026 ARPA), and an agenda amendment. The meeting was adjourned after a motion passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda amendment to add items 8 and 9‑D (2‑yes, 0‑no)
• Closed second public hearing (2‑yes, 0‑no)
• Approved QUVA Pharmacy agreement for Fire & Rescue (2‑yes, 0‑no)
• Approved GOCAT‑001140 grant of $49,685.40 (2‑yes, 0‑no)
• Approved FY 2026 ARPA grant of $156,659 (2‑yes, 0‑no)
• Approved transition to Regroup mass‑communication system (2‑yes, 0‑no)
• Motion to adjourn passed (2‑yes, 0‑no)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding the 2026 Budget, the Pettit Road abandonment request, and airport operational standards. The body will also consider a SPLOST bond resolution and a de-annexation request from the City of Jasper.

• Public hearing for 2026 Budget
• Public hearing and decision on Pettit Road Abandonment Request
• Public hearing and decision on Airport Ordinance regulatory standards
• Consideration of SPLOST Bond Resolution
• De-Annexation Request from the City of Jasper (Parcel #041-062)

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners approved the Airport Operations Ordinance that sets regulatory standards for airport use. The ordinance was adopted with a 2‑yes, 0‑no vote. The Board also approved related actions including the removal of two derelict aircraft, a state grant for airport fencing, and a SPLOST bond resolution.

• Approved Airport Operations Ordinance (2-0)
• Approved removal of aircraft N6723A and N6150P by Dec 3, 2025 (2-0)
• Accepted $750,000 state grant for airport fencing (2-0)
• Approved SPLOST Bond Resolution authorizing debt issuance (2-0)
• Approved Airport lease termination for H‑11 hangar (2-0)
• Approved Red Cross facility service agreement for disaster shelter (2-0)
• Approved Scrap Tire Abatement Reimbursement Program (2-0)
• Approved Pettit Road abandonment request (2-0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission meeting on November 10, 2025 will address several rezoning and special‑use applications. Items include converting agricultural land to residential, changing residential to a different classification, and a conditional‑use request for a 20‑acre parcel. The commission will also review a request to change a right‑of‑way to a recreational use and other parcel reclassifications.

• RZ‑191024 – Howard Vallimont: Agricultural (AG) to Residential (RR), 8.27 acres, Parcel #040 081.
• RZ‑191034 – Tina Davis Thomason: Special Use (SA) to Residential (RR), 6.39 acres, Parcel #034 084 201.
• RZ‑191040 – Wesley Babcock: Agricultural (AG) to Special Use (SA), 12.81 acres, Parcel #043 015 002.
• RZ‑191050 – Karyn Smith: Conditional Use, 20.0 acres, Parcel #065 010.
• RZ‑191051 – John Halko & Willie Johnson: Residential (RR) to Recreational (RB), 2.98 acres, Parcel #029B 101.

The commission adopted the September 8, 2025 minutes unanimously. It approved rezoning of four parcels: 1.5 acres (parcel #040 081) from Agricultural to Rural Residential, 6.39 acres (parcel #034 084 20) from Small Agricultural to Rural Residential, 12.81 acres (parcel #043 015 002) from Agricultural to Small Agricultural, and 2.98 acres (parcel #044A 002) from Rural Residential to Rural Business. The request to add a fall and spring concert condition to the existing conditional use on parcel #065010 was tabled.

• Adopted September 8, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 1.5‑acre parcel #040 081 from Agricultural to Rural Residential (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 6.39‑acre parcel #034 084 20 from Small Agricultural to Rural Residential (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 12.81‑acre parcel #043 015 002 from Agricultural to Small Agricultural (6-0)
• Approved rezoning of 2.98‑acre parcel #044A 002 from Rural Residential to Rural Business (6-0)
• Tabled request to add fall/spring concert condition to conditional use on parcel #065010 (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will discuss airport lease matters and a 2026 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for the airport. The board will also consider two rezoning requests and the installation of a four-way stop at the Lower Dowda and Fairview intersection.

• 2026 Five Year Capital Improvement Plan for Airport
• Four-way stop at Lower Dowda and Fairview Intersection
• RZ-191004: 1.5 acres at 124 Willow Lane from SA to RR
• RZ-191011: 12 acres at 285 Stephens View Road from AG to HB/RR
• Surplus of hydraulic equipment for Fire Department

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several actions, including a lease amendment to pave the airport parking area, a five‑year capital improvement plan for the airport, and the installation of a four‑way stop at Lower Dowda Mill Road and Fairview Road. They also declared surplus fire‑department equipment for donation, adopted the 2026 holiday calendar, and approved rezoning of 124 Willow Lane with conditions. The agenda was amended to add an executive session, which the board entered after a 2‑yes vote.

• Approved airport lease paving request (2‑0)
• Approved 2026 five‑year airport capital improvement plan (2‑0)
• Approved surplus hydraulic equipment for fire department donation (2‑0)
• Approved four‑way stop at Lower Dowda Mill Road and Fairview Road (2‑0)
• Approved 2026 Holiday Calendar (2‑0)
• Approved rezoning of 124 Willow Lane (RZ‑191004) with conditions (2‑0)
• Approved amendment to agenda adding executive session (2‑0)
• Approved entry into executive session (2‑0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board will consider and approve the 2025 millage rate that includes a rollback and additional tax cuts. It will also approve a notice to proceed with the Fixed Base Operator (FBO) for the Pickens County Airport JZP. A work session will review land‑use intensity district change requests, a brush‑truck purchase request from the Wildcat Community, and tenant site‑improvement proposals at the airport. The session will also discuss proposed SPLOST projects.

• Approval of the 2025 millage rate with rollback and tax cuts
• Approval of notice to proceed with the FBO for Pickens County Airport JZP
• Review of land‑use intensity district change requests
• Wildcat Community presentation to purchase a brush truck
• Discussion of proposed SPLOST projects

The commissioners approved the agenda amendment (2‑0) and adopted the 2025 millage rate, lowering it from 7.286 to 6.772 (2‑0). A proclamation declaring October 4‑5 as Marble Festival Weekend was signed. The meeting was adjourned after a motion passed (2‑0).

• Agenda amendment approved (2 yes, 0 no)
• 2025 millage rate approved with rollback (2 yes, 0 no)
• Proclamation signed declaring Oct 4‑5 Marble Festival Weekend
• Meeting adjourned (2 yes, 0 no)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will consider and approve updates to the employee handbook, a memorandum of understanding with the University of Georgia Extension Cooperative, and a proposal to upgrade radio communications equipment. They will also vote on de‑annexing a parcel at 581 Old Burnt Mountain Road, accept Georgia Department of Transportation funds for the South Terminal Apron Rehabilitation Project at the county airport, and authorize related documentation. Additional items include a parks and recreation open house, a master services agreement for fire‑marshal operations, a school affiliation agreement for EMT clinicals, and three rezoning actions.

• De‑annexation of Parcel #029A 064 013 (581 Old Burnt Mountain Road) from the City of Jasper
• Acceptance of GDOT funds for the South Terminal Apron Rehabilitation Project at Pickens County Airport
• Master Services Agreement with Life Safety Inspection Vault for Fire Marshal Operations
• School Affiliation Agreement with Piedmont Hospital for EMT student clinicals
• Rezoning RZ-190987 – 3.6076‑acre tract at 3432 Highway 53 West (AG to RR)

The commissioners approved several items, all by a 2‑yes, 0‑no vote. They adopted updates to the employee handbook, a renewal MOU with the University of Georgia Extension Cooperative, and a $236,194.80 radio console upgrade with additional software costs. They accepted a $1,472,737.50 GDOT grant for the airport’s south terminal apron rehabilitation and approved a cost‑free Master Services Agreement with Life Safety Inspection Vault and a school affiliation agreement with Piedmont Hospital. They also approved a rezoning of an agricultural parcel to residential‑rural (RZ‑190987).

• Approved agenda (2-0)
• Approved employee handbook policy updates (2-0)
• Approved MOU with University of Georgia Extension Cooperative (2-0)
• Approved radio console upgrade ($236,194.80 equipment, $40,579 software) (2-0)
• Approved acceptance of GDOT grant $1,472,737.50 for airport apron rehab (2-0)
• Approved Master Services Agreement with Life Safety Inspection Vault (2-0)
• Approved School Affiliation Agreement with Piedmont Hospital for EMT students (2-0)
• Approved rezoning RZ-190987 (AG to RR) (2-0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet on September 8, 2025, to decide on two rezoning requests converting land to residential and mixed residential uses. The meeting is procedural with no old business listed and no new items beyond the rezoning proposals.

• RZ–191004: Justin Burke requests rezoning 1.5 acres of a 7.86-acre tract from SA to RR (Parcel #018 030 005)
• RZ-191011: Ava Rogers requests rezoning 11 acres to HB and 1 acre to RR from a 33.34-acre tract (Parcel #053D 079)

The commission adopted the August 11 minutes and deferred case RZ‑191004 to after RZ‑191011. It approved the rezoning of a 12‑acre portion of parcel 053D 079, converting 1 acre to Rural Residential and 11 acres to Highway Business. It also approved the rezoning of 1.5 acres of parcel 018 030 050 from Small Agricultural to Rural Residential. The meeting was adjourned at 5:57 P.M.

• Adopted August 11 minutes (5-0)
• Deferred RZ‑191004 to after RZ‑191011 (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 12‑acre portion of parcel 053D 079 to RR (1 acre) and HB (11 acres) (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 1.5‑acre portion of parcel 018 030 050 from SA to RR (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and consider amendments to ordinances regarding fire prevention, land use, land development, and roads and bridges. The board will also consider a referendum for the sale of distilled spirits in unincorporated areas.

• Proposed referendum for package store sales of distilled spirits in unincorporated Pickens County
• Annexation request from the City of Jasper for 48.65 acres at 773 Fairview Road
• Rezone request CU-190968 for an event space on 30.61 acres at 119 Inland Drive
• Proposed ordinance amendments for Fire Prevention and Protection, Land Use Intensity Districts, and Land Development Standards
• Proposed ordinance amendments for Roads and Bridges and General Provisions

The Board approved agenda changes and the June 21, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved a conditional‑use rezoning for a 30.61‑acre parcel and designated Chairman Kris Stancil as the county voting delegate to the ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference. Commissioners approved a special referendum to allow package‑store sales of distilled spirits in unincorporated Pickens County and voted to object to the City of Jasper’s annexation request for 48.65 acres at 773 Fairview Road. The board also adopted six ordinance amendments covering fire protection, land‑use intensity, development standards, roads, and general provisions.

• Approved agenda change moving Action Items to #7 (2‑0)
• Approved June 21, 2025 meeting minutes (2‑0)
• Approved conditional‑use rezoning CU‑190968 for Charles Hoetink parcel (2‑0)
• Approved Chairman Kris Stancil as voting delegate for Legislative Leadership Conference (2‑0)
• Approved special referendum election for package‑store sales of distilled spirits in unincorporated county (2‑0)
• Objected to Jasper annexation request for 48.65 acres at 773 Fairview Road (2‑0)
• Approved multiple ordinance amendments (Chapters 21, 67, 38, 54, 1, 2) (2‑0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet to discuss three requests to change land use designations. These include requests to move parcels from agricultural to residential or residential to highway business.

• RZ–190987: Mary Jo Dillard request to change 3.6076-acre tract from AG to RR
• RZ-190988: Blue-Green Fish, LLC request to change 1.72 acres of a 13.72-acre tract from AG to RR
• RZ-190989: Aldalberto Ramos request to change 1.5 acres of a 7.87-acre tract from RR to HB

The commission adopted the July 14 minutes (6-0). It approved rezoning of parcel #031 113 001 from Agricultural to Rural Residential (7-0), parcel #044A 002 from Agricultural to Rural Residential (7-0), and parcel #050 028 from Rural Residential to Highway Business (7-0). The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 P.M. after a unanimous motion.

• Adopted July 14 minutes (6 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved rezoning of parcel #031 113 001 AG→RR (7 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved rezoning of parcel #044A 002 AG→RR (7 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Approved rezoning of parcel #050 028 RR→HB (7 in favor, 0 opposed)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss establishing a water and sewer connection on Whitestone Road. The meeting includes votes on emergency vehicle purchases, budget amendments, and four land-use requests.

• Connection to Ellijay-Gilmer Water and Sewer Authority at Whitestone Road
• Purchase of a Commercial Rescue Pumper Truck and a Medix Ambulance
• Installation of a 3-Way Stop at Buchanan and Wilkie Road
• Rezoning requests for Hwy 53 West (Imerys Marble INC and Matthew & Diane Kinzer)
• Conditional Use permits for event spaces on Camp Dobbs Road and 131 Reavis Road

The Pickens County Board approved a motion to let the Chairman secure a water‑supply connection with the Ellijay‑Gilmer Water and Sewer Authority. It also approved purchases of a commercial rescue pumper truck and a Medix ambulance, a 3‑way stop at Buchanan and Wilkie Road, a medication‑management contract, and budget amendments. Several rezoning requests were approved. All votes were 2‑yes, 0‑no.

• Authorized Chairman to establish water connection with Ellijay‑Gilmer Water and Sewer Authority (2‑0)
• Approved purchase of Commercial Rescue Pumper Truck for $439,621 (2‑0)
• Approved purchase of Medix Ambulance for $324,200 (2‑0)
• Approved 3‑way stop at the intersection of Buchanan and Wilkie Road (2‑0)
• Approved contract with Bound Tree Medical for Operative IQ platform (2‑0)
• Approved budget amendments for public safety grants and public works repairs (2‑0)
• Approved rezoning of Joyace Jones/Imerys Marble Inc. parcel on Hwy 53 West (2‑0)
• Approved rezoning of Matthew & Diane Kinzer parcel on Hwy 53 West (2‑0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet to discuss a conditional use request for an event space. One rezoning request has been withdrawn.

• CU-190968: Conditional use request by Charles Hoetink for an event space on 30.61 acres (Parcel # 002 001 007)
• RZ-190967: Rezoning request by Rai Sookram withdrawn

The commission adopted the June 9 minutes with a 5‑0 vote. A pending rezoning request (RZ‑190967) was withdrawn. The commission voted 5‑0 to conditionally approve a winery event use on a 30.61‑acre parcel in the Agricultural district. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Adopted June 9 minutes (5-0)
• RZ‑190967 withdrawn (no vote)
• Approved conditional use for parcel #002 001 007 winery event site (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to call a referendum election for a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The body will also review a terminal construction project at the Pickens County Airport.

• Resolution to call a referendum election for a 1% SPLOST
• Terminal Construction Project at Pickens County Airport (JZP)
• Potential referendum on package store sales of distilled spirits in unincorporated areas
• Proposed 3-way stop at Buchannan and Wilkie Roads
• Purchase of an ambulance and fire truck

The commissioners approved the meeting agenda by a 2‑0 vote. They also approved a resolution to call a November 4, 2025 referendum to reimpose a special one‑percent sales tax (SPLOST) by a 2‑0 vote. No other motions were decided, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda (2‑0)
• Approved resolution to call SPLOST referendum election (2‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (2‑0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review four rezoning applications in Talking Rock and on Hwy 53 West. The meeting includes a financial audit presentation and decisions on financial policy updates and an ARPA grant award.

• Rezoning 146 High Meadows Lane from ER to RR (3 acres)
• Rezoning 2500 Hwy 136 Connector from RR to HB (0.54 acres)
• Rezoning Big Ridge Road from AG to SA (34.74 acres)
• Rezoning Hwy 53 West from AG to HB/SA (9.35 acres)
• Resolution to temporarily lift the burn ban

The board approved agenda amendments adding items on the 2026 SPLOST discussion and the Henderson Mountain Road Water Line Project bid. It approved updates to the financial management policy, a $225,949 MOU with North Georgia Community Action Agency, and acceptance of a $688,324 ARPA grant for courtroom audio‑visual equipment. Commissioners voted to temporarily lift the county burn ban for 60 days, to award the $1,920,722.50 water line contract to Ohmshiv Construction, and to maintain the previously adopted 5‑year SPLOST plan. Additional actions included approving four rezones, appointing Sandy Tatum to the library board, and adopting the meeting minutes.

• Approved agenda amendments (Item F & G) (2‑0 yes)
• Approved financial management policy updates (2‑0 yes)
• Approved MOU with North Georgia Community Action Agency ($225,949) (2‑0 yes)
• Accepted $688,324 ARPA grant for courtroom AV equipment (2‑0 yes)
• Approved resolution to temporarily lift burn ban for 60 days (2‑0 yes)
• Decided to keep the 5‑year SPLOST plan (no vote recorded)
• Awarded $1,920,722.50 water line contract to Ohmshiv Construction (2‑0 yes)
• Approved four rezones (RZ-190926, RZ-190931, RZ-190932, RZ-190933) (2‑0 yes)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will consider two rezoning requests and two conditional use applications for event spaces. One rezoning request has been withdrawn.

• RZ-190943: Joyace Jones on behalf of Imerys, AG to RR for 0.72-acres of a 39.46-acre tract
• RZ-190944: Matthew & Diane Kinzer, AG to ER for 14.15-acres
• CU-190948: Stan Fitts, Event Space on 247.96-acres
• CU-190949: Richard Paulsen, Event Space on 14.3-acres

The commission adopted the May 12 minutes (4‑0). It approved rezoning applications for a 0.72‑acre rural residential addition, a 14.15‑acre split into two lots, a 247.96‑acre winery and event venue, and a 14.3‑acre small‑event equestrian venue, each with a 6‑0 unanimous vote. One application (RZ‑190942) was withdrawn. The meeting adjourned unanimously.

• Adopted May 12 minutes – 4 in favor, 0 opposed
• RZ‑190942 (Adam Harper) withdrawn – no action
• Approved rezoning of 0.72‑acre parcel for Joyace Jones (RZ‑190943) – 6‑0
• Approved rezoning of 14.15‑acre tract for Matthew & Diane Kinzer (RZ‑190944) – 6‑0
• Approved rezoning of 247.96‑acre tract for Stan Fitts winery and small events (CU‑190948) – 6‑0
• Approved rezoning of 14.3‑acre tract for Richard Paulsen small‑event venue – 6‑0
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously

Board of Commissioners

The Work Session scheduled for June 2, 2025, has been cancelled. No other items are listed on the agenda.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on amendments to land development standards, land use maps, and finance chapters. The body is also considering a restructuring of the internal organization of the Pickens County Government.

• Public hearings on amendments to Land Development Standards and Land Use Intensity Districts
• Proposed creation of an Airport Advisory Board
• Consideration of an airport fencing construction contract
• Rezone request for 19.84-acres on Allred Mill Road (AG to ER)
• Conditional use requests for event spaces at 8269 Hwy 53 East and 834 Worley Crossroads

The board set the 2025 estimated property tax rollback millage rate at 7.234 mills. It denied the airport fencing contract, appointed an Airport Advisory Board, and approved a resolution to restructure the county’s internal organization. The board also acted on land‑use matters, denying one rezoning, approving another with a stipulation, and approving several conditional‑use permits and a rezoning for event space. All votes were 2‑yes to 0‑no unless otherwise noted.

• Approved 2025 Estimated Property Tax Rollback Millage Rate at 7.234 mills (2‑0)
• Denied airport fencing contract (2‑0)
• Approved appointment of Airport Advisory Board (2‑0, Tippens abstained)
• Approved restructuring of internal organization of Pickens County Government (2‑0)
• Denied rezoning RZ‑190878 (Allred Mill Road) from Agriculture to Estate Residential (2‑0)
• Approved rezoning RZ‑190909 (Charles Hoetink) to Estate Residential with stipulation (2‑0)
• Approved Conditional Use Permit CU‑190908 (Pool’s Farm, LLC) with event‑space conditions (2‑0)
• Approved rezoning RZ‑190911 (Brandon & Brett Roland) from Agriculture/Rural Residential to Estate Residential (2‑0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet on May 12, 2025, to discuss and potentially act on four rezoning requests. The applications include changes from existing to proposed zoning categories for parcels across the county. The meeting will also cover approval of prior minutes and public comments.

• RZ-190926 – Scott & Cassidy Maney: Rezone 3 acres from ER to RR, Parcel 040 032
• RZ-190931 – Kevin Moss: Rezone 0.54 acres from RR to HB, Parcel 033 158
• RZ-190932 – Billy Lam for David Gaddis: Rezone 34.74 acres from AG to SA, Parcel 016 019
• RZ-190933 – Jimmy Cagle: Rezone 0.5 acres from AG to HB and 8.85 acres to SA, Parcel 032 063 001

The commission adopted the April 14 minutes with a 5‑0 vote. It approved rezoning of a 3‑acre parcel from Estate Residential to Rural Residential, a .54‑acre parcel from Rural Residential to Highway Business, a 34.74‑acre parcel from Agricultural to Small Agricultural, and a 0.5‑acre parcel to Highway Business with the remaining 8.85 acres to Small Agricultural. All motions passed unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned with a 5‑0 vote.

• Adopted April 14 minutes (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 3 acres (parcel #040 032) ER→RR (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of .54 acre (parcel #033 158) RR→HB (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 34.74 acres (parcel #016 019) AG→SA (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 0.5 acre (parcel #032 063 001) AG→HB and 8.85 acres SA (4-0)
• Motion to adjourn carried (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and work session followed by a called meeting. The public hearing covers proposed amendments to five chapters of the county code (General Provisions, Advertising and Signs, Buildings and Building Regulations, Businesses, Health and Sanitation). The called meeting includes votes on those code amendments, a resolution to initiate a new county SPLOST referendum, and 2024 budget amendments.

• Resolution to authorize initiation of a new county SPLOST referendum
• Code amendments to PCOO Chapters 1, 4, 16, 18, and 34 (with some articles removed per agenda amendments)
• Work session review of Land Use Intensity District change requests
• 2024 Budget Amendments for approval
• Public hearing scheduled before the work session and called meeting

The commissioners approved amendments to five chapters of the Pickens County Code of Ordinances. They adopted a resolution authorizing the chairman to begin steps for a November 4, 2025 SPLOST referendum. The 2024 budget amendments were also approved. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda amendments (2-0)
• Closed public hearing (2-0)
• Approved amendments to PCOO Chapters 1, 4, 16, 18, and 34 (each 2-0)
• Authorized initiation of process to call a SPLOST referendum (2-0)
• Approved 2024 budget amendments (2-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel matters (2-0)
• Exited executive session (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will hold three public hearings: one on abandoning a portion of Pettit Road, and two on rezoning properties totaling over 265 acres. Under new business, the board will consider adopting the 2023 National Electrical Code, approving a bid for the Talking Rock Fire Station, updating the employee handbook, and approving a financial agreement with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. Action items include multiple rezoning requests, notably the McCleskey and Fitts property rezones from the public hearings.

• Public hearing on abandonment of a portion of Pettit Road
• Tim & Tracy McCleskey request to rezone 17.44 acres at 14692 Highway 53 East from Highway Business to Agriculture
• Stan Fitts request to rezone 247.96 acres on Camp Dobbs Road from Suburban Residential to Agriculture
• Consideration and approval of bid for Talking Rock Fire Station
• Consideration and adoption of National Electrical Code 2023 Edition

The commissioners approved the annual extension agreement with the University of Georgia, updates to the employee handbook, and adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code. They also approved a $878,700 bid for the Talking Rock Fire Station and voted to abandon a portion of Pettit Road. Several land‑use actions were taken, including tabling one rezoning and approving others.

• Approved Annual Financial Agreement with University of Georgia Extension (2-0)
• Approved Employee Handbook updates (2-0)
• Adopted 2023 National Electrical Code (2-0)
• Approved $878,700 bid from GCCI for Talking Rock Fire Station (2-0)
• Approved abandonment of a portion of Pettit Road (2-0)
• Tabled rezoning of Allred Mill Road (Agriculture to Estate Residential) to May BOC meeting (2-0)
• Approved rezoning of Cagle Mill Road South (Agriculture to Highway Business) (2-1)
• Approved down zoning of Highway 53 East (Business to Agriculture) (2-0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will consider several requests to change land use designations. These include proposals for event spaces and residential zoning changes. One rezoning request has been withdrawn.

• RZ-190909: Charles Hoetink request to change 1 acre from AG to ER
• RZ-190904: James Dean request to change 2.2 acres from RR to SR
• CU-190908: Pool’s Farm, LLC request for event space on 367 acres
• CU-190903: Kevin & Karyn Smith request for event space on 20 acres
• RZ-190911: Brandon & Brett Roland request to change 36.62 total acres from AG/RR to ER

The commission unanimously approved the withdrawal of one rezoning application, approved several rezoning changes—including a 1‑acre AG to ER conversion and a dual‑parcel rezoning—and approved two Conditional Use permits for event spaces. It also denied a request to rezone a 2.2‑acre parcel from Rural Residential to Suburban Residential. All votes were 6‑0 in favor.

• Adopt March 10 minutes (6-0)
• Change meeting order to new sequence (6-0)
• Approve withdrawal of RZ‑190905 (6-0)
• Approve rezoning of 1‑acre parcel #002001007 from AG to ER with condition (6-0)
• Deny rezoning of parcel #034084204 from RR to SR (6-0)
• Approve Conditional Use for Pool’s Farm parcels #051033 & #051003003 (6-0)
• Approve Conditional Use for Smith farm parcel #065010 (6-0)
• Approve rezoning of parcels #018030 and #018030004 (6-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items. Topics include a 911 Proclamation, review of Land Use Intensity District Change Requests, and discussion on adopting the 2023 National Electrical Code. Also on the agenda is a discussion on parks and recreation activities.

• 911 Proclamation
• Review of Land Use Intensity District Change Requests
• Discussion Related to the Adoption of the National Electrical Code 2023 Edition
• Discussion on Activities with Parks and Recreation

The board issued a proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and reviewed land‑use rezoning requests, the 2023 National Electrical Code, and recreation activities. It announced upcoming votes on rezoning, the NEC adoption, and the Talking Rock fire‑station low bidder at the April 21 meeting, and noted a retreat and office closure. No formal actions or votes were taken.

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a public hearing on a downzoning request (RZ-190902). New business includes an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Jasper, approval of the Emergency Operating Plan, a statewide mutual aid agreement, and several reappointments to the Planning Commission and other boards. The board will also consider a GDOT agreement for bridge replacement on State Route 136 at Talking Rock Creek, along with road paving bids, budget amendments, and surplus equipment declarations.

• Public hearing on downzoning request RZ-190902: 7.86 acres on Cove Road from RR to AG
• Consideration and approval of GDOT agreement for bridge replacement on SR 136 at Talking Rock Creek
• Reappointment of Karen Benson and Harold Hensley to the Planning Commission, plus other board appointments
• Consideration of LMIG road paving bids and parking lot paving bids
• Declaration of surplus equipment from Water, Public Works, Recreation, and Fire departments

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners approved a $2,001,060.13 LMIG SPLOST asphalt paving contract with Colditz Trucking and a $419,827.56 parking lot paving contract with Johnson Paving. They also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Jasper for building regulation, the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan, a statewide mutual aid agreement, and a GDOT bridge replacement agreement for State Route 136 at Talking Rock Creek. The board authorized a public hearing for abandoning a portion of Pettit Road and approved several appointments and reappointments to county boards.

• Approved $2,001,060.13 LMIG road paving bid to Colditz Trucking (2-0)
• Approved $419,827.56 parking lot paving bid to Johnson Paving (2-0)
• Approved IGA with City of Jasper for building regulation (2-0)
• Approved 2025 Emergency Operations Plan (2-0)
• Approved statewide mutual aid agreement (2-0)
• Approved GDOT bridge replacement agreement for SR 136 at Talking Rock Creek (2-0)
• Authorized public hearing for Pettit Road abandonment (2-0)
• Approved conditional use CU-190879 for equestrian event space with stipulations (2-0)

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will decide on two rezoning applications: a tabled rezone from February for 19.84 acres on Allred Mill Road (AG to ER) and a new request for 8.98 acres on Cagle Mill Road South (AG to HB) for Rock Creek Manor. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and public comments.

• RZ-190878 – Rezone of 19.84 acres on Allred Mill Road from AG to ER (Parcel #053 066), tabled from February 10, 2025
• RZ-190893 – Rezone of 8.98 acres on Cagle Mill Road South from AG to HB for Rock Creek Manor (Parcel #064 102 005)
• Reading and approval of previous meeting minutes

The Pickens County Planning Commission recommended denial of a rezoning request by Abass Al-Saeedi for a 19.84-acre parcel on Allred Mill Road from Agricultural to Estate Residential, intended for a five-house minor subdivision. The commission also recommended approval of a rezoning for an 8.98-acre tract on behalf of Rock Creek Manor from Agricultural to Highway Business for a memory care facility addition. Both recommendations will go to the county board for final action.

• Recommended denial of rezoning (AG to ER) for Allred Mill Road parcel #053 066 (4-0)
• Recommended approval of rezoning (AG to HB) for Parcel #064 102 005 for Rock Creek Manor memory care (4-0)
• Adopted minutes from February 10, 2025 meeting (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss two main items: proposed changes to Land Use Intensity District designations and the 2025 County Emergency Operations Plan. The meeting is for discussion only, with no final votes scheduled.

• Review of Land Use Intensity District Change Requests
• 2025 Pickens County Emergency Operations Plan

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners held a work session and reviewed two rezoning requests that will be voted on at the March 17 BOC meeting. No formal votes were taken. The board also discussed the 2025 Emergency Operations Plan and heard updates on early voting and the Talking Rock Fire Station bids.

• Reviewed CU-190879, equestrian facility event space at 131 Reavis Road (no vote)
• Reviewed RZ-190890, AG to RR rezoning at 345 Davis Road (no vote)
• Discussed 2025 Pickens County Emergency Operations Plan (no action)
• Noted early voting for E-SPLOST runs through March 14, 2025
• Noted bids for Talking Rock Fire Station open March 12, 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the repeal of the Pickens County Airport Authority Act and the transfer of its leases and contracts. The meeting also includes a rezoning request and a grant for scrap tires.

• RZ-190854: Rezone 15.12 acres of Highway 136 Connector from AG to RR
• Approval of a Scrap Tire Amnesty Grant
• Resolution to repeal the Pickens County Airport Authority Act and dissolve the Authority

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to dissolve the Pickens County Airport Authority, subject to Georgia General Assembly approval, and transfer its assets and obligations to the county. The board also approved a list of county roads for radar speed enforcement, a University of Georgia Cooperative Extension (4-H) contract for 2025-2026, and a scrap tire amnesty grant agreement. A previously tabled rezoning application (RZ-190854) was withdrawn by the applicants, and the board recognized three Tax Commissioner's Office employees.

• Approved resolution to dissolve Pickens County Airport Authority and transfer assets to county (2-0)
• Approved list of county roads for radar speed enforcement (2-0)
• Approved UGA Cooperative Extension (4-H) contract for July 2025-June 2026 (2-0)
• Approved scrap tire amnesty grant agreement with up to $6,097 reimbursement (2-0)
• Approved agenda with three amendments (2-0)
• Approved minutes of January 28, 2025 meeting (2-0)
• Rezoning RZ-190854 withdrawn by applicants Brandon and Brett Roland

Planning Commission

The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet on February 10, 2025, to appoint a new secretary and consider three rezoning requests. The requests include a 19.84-acre rezoning from AG to ER for a 5-lot subdivision, a 14.3-acre equestrian facility event space, and a 1.5-acre rezoning from AG to RR.

• Rezoning request RZ-190878 by Abass Al-Saeedi for 19.84 acres on Allred Mill Road from AG to ER for a 5-lot subdivision (parcel #053 066)
• Rezoning request RZ-190879 by Richard Paulsen for 14.3 acres at 131 Reavis Road for an equestrian facility event space (parcel #067D 090 002)
• Rezoning request RZ-190890 by Stephanie Ray for a 1.5-acre portion of 13.47 acres at 345 Davis Road from AG to RR (parcel #036 047)
• Appointment of new Planning Commission Secretary

The Pickens County Planning Commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for an equestrian facility and event space at 131 Reavis Rd, with conditions including amplified sound ending by 10 pm. They also recommended approval of a rezone at 345 Davis Rd from Agricultural to Rural Residential, and tabled a rezone request by Abass Al-Saeedi until March. Gerri Sauer was appointed as the new Planning Commission Secretary.

• Appointed Gerri Sauer as Planning Commission Secretary (4-0)
• Tabled RZ-190878 (Abass Al-Saeedi) rezone until March meeting (4-0)
• Recommended approval of CU-190879 (Richard Paulsen) for equestrian facility/event space at 131 Reavis Rd, with conditions including amplified sound ending by 10 pm (4-0)
• Recommended approval of RZ-190890 (Stephanie Ray) rezone at 345 Davis Rd from AG to RR (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several rezoning applications and administrative appointments. The agenda includes decisions on county speed limit regulations, a retiree medical insurance program, and a hazard mitigation plan.

• Seven rezoning requests including 1075 Waters Edge Circle and 5770 Highway 136 West
• Approval of Regulation of Speed Limits Within the County
• Resolution to Update Retiree Medical Insurance Program
• Consideration and approval of a generator bid
• Appointment of Lesa Thomason as County Clerk and Karen Wheeler as Deputy County Clerk

The Pickens County Board of Commissioners approved a $99,550 generator bid (reimbursed 75% by grant), the Hazard Mitigation Plan, and several rezones, including RZ-190851 (UR to ER) and RZ-190852 (AG to HB). They tabled the speed limit regulation and one rezone (RZ-190853) for further review. All votes were 2-0 except RZ-190852, which passed 2-1.

• Approved generator bid from Power Solutions for $99,550 (2-0)
• Approved Hazard Mitigation Plan (2-0)
• Approved surplus vehicles list (2-0)
• Approved Hobson Drive culvert funding assistance (2-0)
• Approved rezone RZ-190851 (UR to ER) (2-0)
• Approved rezone RZ-190852 (AG to HB) (2-1)
• Tabled rezone RZ-190853 (AG to SA) until Feb 12 (2-0)
• Approved rezone RZ-190854 (AG to RR) (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to review requests for land use intensity district changes. The board will also discuss the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Review of Land Use Intensity District Change Requests
• Hazard Mitigation Plan discussion

The Board of Commissioners held a work session to review seven rezoning requests that will be voted on at the January 28, 2025 meeting. No formal votes were taken; the session also included a discussion of the Hazard Mitigation Plan by the EMA Director. The meeting was procedural and adjourned at 5:15 pm.

• Reviewed RZ-190851 (1075 Waters Edge Circle, UR to ER, 8.07 acres) — no vote
• Reviewed RZ-190852 (5770 Highway 136 West, AG to HB, 3.88 acres) — no vote
• Reviewed RZ-190853 (Stone Crest Road, AG to SA, 27.2 acres) — no vote
• Reviewed RZ-190854 (Highway 136 Connector, AG to RR, 15.12 acres) — no vote
• Reviewed RZ-190856 (558 Fitts Road, AG to RR, 1.5 acres) — no vote
• Reviewed RZ-190857 (370 Thompson Lane, AG to RR, 4.34 acres) — no vote
• Reviewed RZ-190858 (370 Thompson Lane, AG to SA, 10.82 acres) — no vote
• Discussed Hazard Mitigation Plan (required for federal funding) — no action