Walker County public meetings in 2024
32 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Development Authority
The Walker County Development Authority held a called meeting on December 27, 2024, and approved two substantive actions: renewing Robert Wardlaw's contract for six months at $1,000 per month, and engaging Jarrard & Davis Law Firm for real estate acquisition. Both motions passed unanimously (5-0). The board also entered and exited executive session to discuss real estate and personnel, and acknowledged the departure of Attorney David Gottlieb and the incoming commission chair.
- Approved agenda (5-0)
- Entered executive session for real estate and personnel (5-0)
- Exited executive session (5-0)
- Renewed Robert Wardlaw contract for 6 months at $1,000/month (5-0)
- Engaged Jarrard & Davis Law Firm for real estate acquisition (5-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved amendments to the Land Use Code regarding poultry and solar, and approved several rezones including Hawks Ridge Holdings (C-1 to PUD) and R.L. Wooten (A-1 to C-1). The animal code ordinance was tabled until April 2025. Multiple resolutions and contracts were also approved.
- Approved Land Use Code amendments (sections 12-14) with modifications (4-0)
- Approved Hawks Ridge Holdings rezone to PUD (4-0)
- Approved R.L. Wooten rezone to C-1 (3-0, Blakemore recused)
- Tabled See Rock City rezone until February 2025 (4-0)
- Approved Kelly Lee Griffin & Paige Griffin rezone to C-1 (4-0)
- Approved Randal Dalton variance for Dollar General (4-0)
- Tabled animal code ordinance until April 2025 (4-0)
- Approved $52,862 purchase order for F250 command vehicle (4-0)
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will read and approve the October 17, 2024 minutes before opening a public hearing. New business includes rezoning requests for three properties to C-1 commercial zoning and a variance request for a property on Stone Creek Road. Old business will address amendments to the land development regulations. The meeting will conclude with adjournment.
- Rezone 6560 Hwy 151, LaFayette, GA 30728 from Agricultural to C-1 (Commercial) – R.L. Wooten
- Rezone O Hwy 157, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 from Residential to C-1 (Commercial) – See Rock City c/o Doug Chapin
- Rezone 3404 N. Hwy 27, LaFayette, GA 30728 from R-2 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) – Kelly Lee & Paige
- Variance request for 131 Stone Creek Road, Rising Fawn, GA 30738 – Randal Dalton
- Amendments to Land Development Regulations (old business)
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider several zoning and variance requests, including a shooting range permit and amendments to land development regulations.
- Teresa Huddleston variance request at 131 Stone Creek Road
- Travis Pozzobon variance request at 14491 Hwy 151
- Genelle Harris rezone from A-1 to R-2 at 657 Cannon Road
- Hawks Ridge Holdings partial rezone from C-1 to PUD at 180 Hutcheson Drive
- McLemore Club LLC Special Use Permit Class 3 for shooting range at 23145 Hwy 157
Alcoholic Beverage Board
The Alcoholic Beverage Board will meet to approve minutes from August 22, 2024, and review new applications. The meeting also includes a period for open discussion.
- Review of new alcoholic beverage applications
Alcoholic Beverage Board
The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Board will approve the August 22, 2024 meeting minutes, review any new license applications, and hold an open discussion before adjourning.
- Reading and approval of minutes for August 22, 2024
- Review of new alcoholic beverage license applications
- Open discussion on board matters
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2025 General Fund and Special Revenue/Enterprise Fund budgets, appointed David Gilleland as Chief of Police, and approved the Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail agreement. They also approved the Cloudland at McLemore development agreement and a tourism promotion agreement, despite public opposition to the 30-year term and concerns about transparency.
- Approved FY2025 General Fund budget (4-0)
- Approved FY2025 Special Revenue and Enterprise Funds budget (4-0)
- Appointed David Gilleland as Walker County Chief of Police (4-0)
- Approved Chickamauga Battlefield Connector Trail agreement (4-0)
- Approved Cloudland at McLemore development agreement (4-0)
- Approved Tourism Product Promotion and Development Agreement (4-0)
- Approved $40,000 purchase order to Topo Industries for brush grinding at landfill (4-0)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider a commercial rezone request and two property variance requests. The body will also review minutes from the July 18, 2024 meeting.
- J&E Pichardo LLC: Request to rezone 0 S. Hwy 341 from A-1 (Agricultural) to CN (Commercial Neighborhood)
- Robert Carter: Request for ten variances at 217 Claire Street to create ten lots with eight dwellings
- Timothy Moore: Request for a front setback variance at 0 Old LaFayette Road for a double wide manufactured home
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will open a public hearing to consider two requests for zoning variances. After the hearing, the commission may take action on the variances before adjourning.
- Variance request by Melissa Houser for 5194 Hwy 151, LaFayette, GA 30728
- Variance request by Albert Siegel for 1713 Yankee Road, Menlo, GA 30731
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a resolution to revise the Planning Department fee schedule by breaking inspections into specific categories. They also authorized a $38,600.00 contract for exterior painting of the Marsh House. An agreement with the City of Rossville regarding recreational services was tabled until the next meeting.
- Resolution R-024-24 to revise Planning Department fees
- $38,600.00 contract for Marsh House exterior painting
- Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Rossville (tabled)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved subgrant awards for an Adult Felony Drug Court and a Mental Health Court. Members also approved a conditional use variance for property at 8264 Highway 157 in Rising Fawn. An intergovernmental agreement with the City of Rossville regarding recreational services was tabled for further review.
- Approval of Adult Felony Drug Court subgrant award ($401,545 total)
- Approval of Mental Health Court subgrant award
- Conditional use variance for 8264 Highway 157, Rising Fawn
- Tabled intergovernmental agreement with the City of Rossville for recreational services
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a conditional use variance request for property located at 8264 Hwy 157 in Rising Fawn. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes from the May 16, 2024 meeting.
- Conditional use variance request for 8264 Hwy 157, Rising Fawn
- Approval of May 16, 2024 meeting minutes
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment to settle outstanding economic development bonds, which is expected to reduce interest by up to $1.9 million. The board also authorized building repairs for the new elections building and made several committee appointments. Public comments addressed county management structure and local athletic association finances.
- Budget amendment to settle Walker County Development economic development bonds
- $58,950.00 purchase order to JBM Repairs LLC for building improvements
- Appointment of Teresa Guffey to the Chickamauga Public Library Board
- Appointment of Susan Tankersley to the Rossville Public Library Board
- Appointment of Debra Parrish to the DFACS Local Advisory Board
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners heard budget requests from various county departments for the 2025 fiscal year. Presentations focused on salary increases, cost-of-living adjustments, and requests for additional personnel and equipment.
- Coroner requesting salary increase from $34,000 to $60,000
- Landfill requesting 14% budget increase and projecting a 6% MSW rate increase to $56.50
- Public Works requesting 24% increase to cover five additional employees and snow/ice equipment
- EMA/911 requesting $80,000 for interior center improvements
- Public Defender's Office requesting a budget increase of approximately $23,000
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners awarded a contract for courthouse renovations and approved three property rezone requests. The body also granted a variance for a land division in LaFayette and tabled previous meeting minutes for revisions.
- Awarded courthouse renovation contract to Masonry Specialist Corporation
- Approved rezone from R-2 to C-1 for 7001 N. Hwy 27, Rock Spring
- Approved rezone from I to C-1 for 0 Happy Valley Road, Rossville
- Approved rezone from C-1 to R-2 for 3450 N. Hwy 27, LaFayette
- Approved variance to divide less than five acres at 255 Windy Meadow Drive, LaFayette
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss three requests to change the zoning designations of specific properties. The commission will determine if these parcels should be transitioned between residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
- Rezone request from R-2 (Residential) to C-1 (Commercial) for 7001 N. Hwy 27 Rock Spring
- Rezone request from I (Industrial) to C-1 (Commercial) for 0 Happy Valley Road Rossville
- Rezone request from C-1 (Commercial) to Residential for 3450 N. Hwy 27 LaFayette
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium on solar farms and several other agreements. The board also tabled a land variance request for property on Windy Meadow Drive pending a Planning Commission recommendation.
- Resolution R-018-24: 180-day moratorium on solar farms
- Agreement between Walker County and Healthy MD Clinical, LLC
- Purchase Order 2024-00001593: $63,240.29 to Southern Emergency Products LLC for vehicle equipment
- Variance request: 255 Windy Meadow Drive (tabled for Planning Commission review)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will consider a variance request from Roy and Kimberly Ballard regarding property at 255 Windy Meadow Drive in LaFayette. The request involves dividing off less than the required acreage in an A-l zone.
- Variance request: 255 Windy Meadow Drive, LaFayette, GA (Tax map & parcel number 0-515-1-020C)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a 2024 road paving contract and a grant application to renovate the walking trail at the Civic Center. The board also authorized several equipment purchases for the 911 center and roadside maintenance.
- Resolution R-013-24 to award a road paving contract for 2024
- Grant application for Georgia Recreational Trails Program ($200,000 grant / $60,000 match)
- Purchase order for $78,583.00 to StowersCAT for a 911 center diesel generator
- Purchase order for $51,530.25 to Loughridge Equipment for mowing equipment
- Purchase order for $41,765.00 to Jake Marshall Service for a heat pump at Rossville Community Center
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to review and approve multiple appeal waiver and release forms. The board also decided on a conservation request and approved forwarding appeal letters to the Board of Equalization (BOE).
- Approval of appeal waiver and release forms for 15 identified parcels
- Approval of conservation request for parcel 0243 022D
- Approval of letters to forward appeals to the BOE
- Executive session held to discuss server and computer systems
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting to review and vote on several land-use requests. The body approved six rezoning requests and two variances for parking and building setbacks.
- Approved rezones to R-1 (Residential) for 430 Old LaFayette Road, 88 Glass Mill Road, and 454 Old LaFayette Road
- Approved rezone to A-1 (Agricultural) for 1640 Hwy 95
- Approved rezone from C-1 (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential) for 3464 N. Hwy 27
- Approved rezone from R-2 (Residential) to RA (Residential Agricultural) for 348 Middle Road
- Approved parking space variance for a new Dollar General Store at 126 Black Circle Spur
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss land use changes and zoning variances. The body will consider requests to change property designations between agricultural, residential, and commercial zones. Two variance requests regarding parking and setbacks are also on the agenda.
- Rezone request for 430 Old LaFayette Road from Agricultural to Residential
- Rezone request for 88 Glass Mill Road from Agricultural to Residential
- Rezone request for 454 Old LaFayette Road from Agricultural to Residential
- Rezone request for 1640 Hwy 95 from Residential to Agricultural
- Parking space variance for a new Dollar General Store at 126 Black Circle Spur
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors reviewed and approved several conservation requests for parcels under 10 acres and a contract with Harris for 2024 printing and mailing. The board also approved a list of homestead applicants and an appeal waiver for parcel 1031 082.
- Approved Harris contract for 2024 printing and mailing
- Approved conservation requests for parcels 0262 037, 0271 001, 0345 033, 0348 029, 0348 029A, 0385 007A, and 0385 011
- Approved list of homestead applications
- Approved appeal waiver and release form for parcel 1031 082
- Tabled conservation request for parcel 0243 022D
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners accepted the Fiscal 2023 audit and approved budget amendments to ensure state law compliance. The body also authorized several purchase orders for Sheriff's Office equipment funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
- Approved purchase orders for Sheriff's Office equipment: $211,890.00, $141,564.00, $39,399.57, $38,970.20, and $16,028.88
- Accepted the Fiscal 2023 audit presented by Rushton LLC
- Approved Resolution R-011-24 granting authority to execute automatic aid agreements for fire services
- Approved Resolution R-012-24 to declare Walker County Fire Rescue property as surplus
- Authorized a quitclaim deed for 1977 Johnson Road, Chickamauga, GA to allow a right of way shift
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors reviewed a hearing officer's decision regarding a property valuation and approved several appeal waiver and release forms. The board also discussed ongoing technical issues with their computer servers.
- Hearing officer decision for 0224 040 set at $664,136
- Approval of appeal waiver and release form for 0562 002
- Approval of appeal waiver and release form for 0562 003
- Approval of appeal waiver and release form for 3022 080
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a list of roads for resurfacing in 2024 and a rental agreement with a purchase option for a tractor. The board also recognized FFA Week 2024 and reviewed January departmental statistics.
- Approved 2024 Road Resurfacing List including roads in Chickamauga, Fairview, High Point, LaFayette, Lookout Mt., Rock Spring, and Villanow
- Approved rental agreement with purchase option from Yancey Bros. Co. for a D4 track-type tractor for the Walker County Landfill
- D4 tractor base option purchase price listed as $280,647
- Proclamation designating FFA Week 2024
- Discussion of automatic aid agreements between Fire Chief Blake Hodge, the City of LaFayette, and Chattooga County
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to review tax-related applications and appeals. The board approved a list of homestead applicants and authorized the forwarding of appeal letters to the Board of Equalization (BOE).
- Approval of appeal waiver and release forms for 0259 074, 2016 054, and 0290 008
- Approval of the list of homestead applicants
- Decision to forward appeal letters to the BOE
- Report on server issues including 5 terabytes of space and intermittent system downtime
Board of Commissioners
The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved a purchase for a new landfill truck and a conditional use variance for RV rentals. The board also authorized a grant agent for courtroom audio-visual updates and approved an environmental services contract.
- Approved purchase order 2024-00000989 for $136,670.00 to LiftOne LLC for a Kalmar Ottawa T2 landfill truck
- Approved conditional use variance for three RV slips at 40 Blessed Way, Rock Spring, GA
- Approved Resolution R-007-24 to serve as fiduciary agent for a Judicial Council of Georgia ARPA grant for courtroom audio-visual updates
- Approved contract with Atlantic Coast Consultants, Inc. (ACC) for environmental services
- Discussed 2020 SPLOST allocation of approximately $1.2 million for agriculture
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider five variance and conditional use requests. The commission will also elect its 2024 officers.
- Variance request for 2164 Corinth Road (Billy & Sheila West)
- Variance request for 102 Pinson Lane (Susan W. Bertroch)
- Variance request for 24595 Hwy 193 (John Watson)
- Variance request for 216 Browhaven Lane (Will Garrett)
- Conditional use variance request for 40 Blessed Way (Jennifer Testa)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors reviewed and approved specific appeal waiver and release forms. The board also approved a list of homestead applicants and discussed technical issues with their server and Wi-Fi.
- Approval of appeal waiver and release forms for 0358 046, 0486 029, and 1038 095
- Approval of the list for homestead applicants
- Discussion of server updates and connectivity issues involving MBH/Arknet and Dell
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the 2024 meeting calendar and elected Commissioner Askew as Vice Chair. The body also approved election qualifying fees and legal agreements regarding indigent defense and judicial circuits.
- Resolution R-003-24 to set qualifying fees for 2024 elections
- Approval of Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement
- Memorandum of Understanding between Walker, Chattooga, Catoosa, and Dade Counties and the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit
- Establishment of 2024 meeting calendar: second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm
- Discussion of $300,000 SPLOST allotment for Hinkle fire station renovations
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to approve the 2024 prebill values and the corresponding data file for the Tax Commissioner. The board also updated policies regarding conservation acreage exclusions and personal property audits.
- Approval of 2024 prebill values and data file for the Tax Commissioner
- Approval of a one-acre across-the-board conservation acreage exclusion policy
- Approval of conservation requests for parcels 0023 005 and 0039 011
- Approval of policies, procedures, and letters for the Personal Property Audits Program
- Approval of an open records request to the City of Lafayette for the Lafayette Airport