Walker County public meetings in 2025

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners will approve the meeting agenda and minutes, and hold a public hearing on two zoning requests: a variance for 610 Townsend Road and a rezoning for 29 Poteet Drive. The consent agenda includes a $75,000 grant for the District Hill Historic Cemetery project, property conveyance, and several appointments and agreements. New business items cover contracts for mowing, park trail resurfacing, a digital message board, traffic light replacement, a 911 UPS system upgrade, and the $505,000 excavator purchase.

• Public hearing on Martin variance request for 610 Townsend Road (A-1 zone)
• Public hearing on Poteet rezoning request for 29 Poteet Drive (A-1 to RA)
• Resolution R-077-25 to accept $75,000 District Hill Historic Cemetery Project grant
• Purchase Order 2026-00000593 for $505,000 to TEC Tractor & Equipment for a 2025 Gradall excavator
• Purchase Order 2026-00000573 for $99,116 to NABCO Electric for traffic light replacement at McFarland Avenue and N. Jenkins Road

The Commissioners approved Resolution R-081-25 to award a contract for mowing, litter pick‑up and weed control with a 4‑0 vote. They also approved Resolution R-082-25 to award the Walker Rocks Park trail resurfacing contract, also 4‑0. A purchase order for a $505,000 excavator was denied by a 4‑0 vote. Additionally, a variance for Ronnie Martin to build a second house was approved with conditions by a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved Resolution R-081-25 mowing, litter pick‑up, weed control contract (4 Ayes, 0 Nays)
• Approved Resolution R-082-25 Walker Rocks Park trail resurfacing contract (4 Ayes, 0 Nays)
• Denied Purchase Order 2026-00000593 for $505,000 excavator (4 Ayes, 0 Nays)
• Approved Ronnie Martin variance request with conditions (4 Ayes, 0 Nays)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners will consider several items, including a $57,500 purchase order for heat and air units for the Road Department, a ratification of a road maintenance contribution agreement with Walker County Stone, LLC, and two zoning variance requests. The Board will also adopt resolutions on electronic meeting minutes, a deputy clerk appointment, FY2026 budget amendments for public works, and a human resources policy. Public hearings will be held for the variance requests, and the Planning Commission has recommended approval of both variances.

• Purchase Order 2026-00000303 for $57,500 to Jake Marshall for Heat & Air Units and Duct Work for the Road Department and Fleet Management
• Resolution R-076-25 to ratify County Road Maintenance Contribution Agreement with Walker County Stone, LLC
• Joseph Lloyd's setback variance request for 957 Durham Road, Rising Fawn (Planning Commission recommends approval)
• Thomas Guthrie's variance request to divide less than five acres in an A-1 zone at 3017 W. Cove Road, Chickamauga (Planning Commission recommends approval with conditions)
• Resolution R-073-25 to amend FY2026 budget line items for Public Works Projects and the Highway and Streets Division

Development Authority

The Development Authority Board approved the agenda, minutes, and financial report unanimously. It then authorized the Inducement Resolution for the South Rossville Village housing project and approved a bond resolution for the Pride Corporation project. The FY2026 proposed budget was adopted with a 4‑0 vote. The Board also agreed to install new signage at county business parks and to offer a haycutter a second cut for parcel mowing.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved financial report (4-0)
• Authorized Inducement Resolution for South Rossville Village Project (4-0)
• Approved Bond Resolution for Pride Corporation Project (4-0)
• Approved FY2026 Proposed Budget (4-0)
• Agreed to post new signage at Northwest Georgia Business & Industrial Park and Walker County Business Park (no vote recorded)
• Agreed to offer haycutter a second cut for parcel mowing (no vote recorded)

Development Authority

The board approved the meeting agenda unanimously. They entered and later exited an executive session to discuss real estate matters, each motion passing 5-0. The authority approved the memorandum of understanding and the Right of Early Entry & Interim Lease Agreement for Project Gizmo, also by a 5-0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 12:33 p.m.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate (5-0)
• Exited executive session and returned to regular meeting (5-0)
• Approved MOU and Right of Early Entry & Interim Lease Agreement for Project Gizmo (5-0)

Development Authority

The board approved the agenda, minutes, and financial report unanimously. It authorized Chairman Andy Arnold to execute a QuitClaim Deed for Labrie and reappointed Max Morrison to the board for a two‑year term. The board also approved a $13,000 agreement with CTI Engineers for water and sewer engineering services at the Walker County Business Park. All motions passed with the recorded vote counts.

• Approved agenda with QuitClaim Deed amendment (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved June 10, 2025 minutes (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved financial report (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Authorized Chairman Andy Arnold to execute QuitClaim Deed for Labrie (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Reappointed Max Morrison to board for two years (4 ayes, 0 nays; Morrison abstained)
• Entered executive session (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Exited executive session and resumed regular meeting (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Authorized agreement with CTI Engineers for water and sewer services up to $13,000 (5 ayes, 0 nays)

Development Authority

The Development Authority approved the meeting agenda, the May 13 minutes, the financial report, and the executive report, each by a 4‑aye vote. The board entered and later exited executive session unanimously. It also agreed to proceed with the Kimley‑Hom proposal to engineer a road to the new 100‑acre parcel in the Walker County Business Park.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved May 13 minutes (4-0)
• Approved financial report (4-0)
• Approved executive report (4-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate and potential litigation (4-0)
• Exited executive session and re‑entered regular meeting (4-0)
• Agreed to move forward with Kimley‑Hom road engineering proposal (no vote recorded)

Development Authority

The Development Authority approved its agenda, minutes, and financial reports unanimously. It authorized the Executive Director to execute the exercise option and assign the purchase option for Newport Hill, LLC to Enviroquip Parts, LLC. The board also authorized the Executive Director to apply for 100% USDA grant funding for a responders facility serving Lookout Mountain.

• Approved agenda (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved April 8, 2025 minutes (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Approved financial reports as of March 31 and April 30, 2025 (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Authorized execution of Newport Hill lease option and assignment to Enviroquip Parts, LLC (5 ayes, 0 nays)
• Authorized application for 100% USDA grant for Lookout Mountain responders facility (5 ayes, 0 nays)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss five rezoning applications. These include requests to convert agricultural land to industrial use and commercial land to residential use.

• Rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to I (Industrial) at 157 Glass Road (Walker County Development Authority)
• Rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to I (Industrial) at 0 Glass Road (Walker County Development Authority)
• Rezone from C-1 (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential) at 0 Kay Conley Road (Robert & Carlene Pruett)
• Rezone from C-1 (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential) at 0 Kay Conley Road, parcel 0-326-3-055 (Robert & Carlene Pruett)
• Rezone from C-1 (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential) at 0 Kay Conley Road, parcel 0-326-3-056 (Robert & Carlene Pruett)

Development Authority

The board voted 4‑0 to approve the agenda after removing the Financial Report item. It also approved the March 11, 2025 minutes by a 4‑0 vote. A motion to enter an executive session on real estate and potential litigation passed 4‑0, and a subsequent motion to return to the regular meeting also passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda amendment removing Financial Report (4-0)
• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved entry into Executive Session to discuss real estate and potential litigation (4-0)
• Approved exit from Executive Session back to Regular Meeting (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission meeting will hear three separate variance applications. One request is from Raymond Keith Murdock to subdivide less than five acres of an A‑1 agricultural parcel at 643 Kensington Road. A second request is from Michael Letson for a similar subdivision of less than five acres on an A‑1 parcel at 1307 Lee Mason Road. The third request is from Safe Future Real Estate Investments, LLC for three lot‑size variances on the R‑2 residential parcel at 20, 36 & 86 Braxton Lane, seeking 10,890‑square‑foot lots.

• Variance request for <5 acres in A‑1 zone at 643 Kensington Road, Chickamauga (parcel 0‑282‑009)
• Variance request for <5 acres in A‑1 zone at 1307 Lee Mason Road, LaFayette (parcel 0‑514‑011)
• Three lot‑size variances for 20, 36 & 86 Braxton Lane, Rossville (R‑2 zone, parcels 0‑205‑097 & 119A)
• Safe Future Real Estate Investments, LLC variance application fee of $450
• Public hearing to discuss the variance applications

The commission approved the February 20 minutes and opened and closed the public hearing and new business sessions by unanimous votes. It denied Raymond Keith Murdock's variance request and Michael Leston's one‑acre subdivision request (6‑2 vote). The public hearing was reopened, and the commission unanimously denied Safe Future Real Estate's subdivision request.

• Approved February 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Opened public hearing (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing (unanimous)
• Opened new business (unanimous)
• Denied Murdock variance request (unanimous)
• Denied Leston one‑acre subdivision request (6-2)
• Reopened public hearing (unanimous)
• Denied Safe Future Real Estate subdivision request (unanimous)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission met on March 18, 2025, and approved the agenda and February minutes. They discussed ongoing projects including wayside markers, the Coulter School/Oakhill Academy stabilization (with a $15,300 proposal), and the historic resources survey. No formal votes were taken on these items; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved February 18, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed $15,300 restoration design proposal for Coulter School/Oakhill Academy (no vote)
• Noted $3,381.74 ending balance, with $484 restricted for Oakhill School Project

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority approved a motion to authorize Executive Director Stephanie Watkins to apply for Rural Site Development funding, with a maximum request of $2,000,000 and a 25% match from the Authority. The board also granted Comcast utility access within the right of way of Walker County Industrial Drive, subject to attorney review, and authorized a rezone application for two parcels in the Walker County Business Park. Additionally, the board reappointed Mark Chandler and reconveyed the Agricultural Center and Mountain Cove Farms properties to Walker County Government.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved February 11, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Approved financial report as of February 28, 2025 (5-0)
• Authorized application for Rural Site Development funding up to $2,000,000 (5-0)
• Granted Comcast utility access in right of way of Walker County Industrial Drive, subject to attorney review (5-0)
• Authorized rezone application for parcels 0320 036 and 0320 037 in Walker County Business Park (5-0)
• Reappointed Mark Chandler to board (4-0, Chandler abstained)
• Reconveyed Agricultural Center and Mountain Cove Farms properties to Walker County Government (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review several purchase orders for the Sheriff's Office and Public Works. The meeting includes decisions on road maintenance and the appointment of a committee member.

• Purchase Order 2025-00001115 for $293,326.00 to Jenkins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Inc. for seven Durango Pursuit vehicles
• Purchase Order 2025-00001116 for $31,000.00 to Paul Thigpen Chevrolet GMC for a 2021 Dodge Ram
• Purchase Order 2025-00000923 for $99,998.00 to Estes Equipment Company for a fuel system upgrade
• Resolution R-019-25 to approve a list of roads for resurfacing in 2025-26
• Resolution R-021-25 to accept roads in the Hawk’s Ridge Subdivision for County Maintenance

The Board approved a two-year road resurfacing list (Resolution R-019-25), appointed Joanne Leach to the Alcoholic Beverage Committee (R-020-25 and R-021-25), accepted roads in the Ridge Subdivision for county maintenance, and approved purchase orders for seven Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles ($293,326) and a used crime scene investigation vehicle. All votes were 4-0. The fuel system upgrade purchase order was tabled to April 6, 2025.

• Approved 2025-2026 road resurfacing list (4-0)
• Appointed Joanne Leach to Alcoholic Beverage Committee (4-0)
• Accepted Ridge Subdivision roads for county maintenance (4-0)
• Approved $293,326 for seven Dodge Durango pursuit vehicles (4-0)
• Approved purchase of used crime scene investigation vehicle (4-0)
• Tabled fuel system upgrade purchase order to April 6, 2025 (4-0)

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board unanimously approved the January 23, 2025 minutes and denied the retail package beer and wine license application from LaFayette 23617 Inc d/b/a Uncle Jed's at 23617 Hwy 193 LaFayette, citing Section 4-17(c)(1). No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved January 23, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Denied Uncle Jed's beer/wine license application (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Walker County Planning Commission met to approve minutes, elect officers, and hold a public hearing. In new business, the commission reviewed a rezoning petition by William & Christy White and several variance applications. The commission approved the rezoning and some variances while denying others based on the Comprehensive Plan.

• Rezone request by William & Christy White from C-1 (Commercial) to A-1 (Agricultural) for 0 S. Hwy 27, Trion (parcel 0-486-026A)
• Variance request by Susan Carroll to divide five acres approved
• Variance request by Justin Keener to divide one acre denied
• Variance request by Joseph Bales to split 7.3 acres denied
• Conditional use variance request by Amber Doty to divide two-plus acres approved

The Walker County Planning Commission met on February 20, 2025, but took no substantive action. The only agenda item had been withdrawn before the meeting, so no public hearing was held. The commission unanimously approved the January 16, 2025 meeting minutes and then adjourned.

• Approved January 16, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• No public hearing held — sole agenda item withdrawn
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved a motion to formally support the proposed 2026 Civil War reenactment at the Walker County Industrial Park. The commission also approved the agenda and minutes, and received updates on various projects, including the historic resources survey and marker installations. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved motion to support proposed 2026 Civil War reenactment (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 21, 2025 meeting (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority met on February 11, 2025, and approved the agenda, the January 14, 2025 minutes, and the financial report as of January 31, 2025. The board entered executive session to discuss real estate but took no action on that matter. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no substantive decisions made.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved January 14, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved financial report as of January 31, 2025 (4-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss real estate (5-0)
• Exited executive session with no action on real estate (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners will adopt the meeting agenda and approve minutes from prior meetings. Commissioners will hear public variance and rezoning requests for several agricultural parcels. The board will also consider resolutions appointing officials and will approve a series of SPLOST‑funded purchase orders for radios, vehicles, and equipment.

• Variance requests for less than five acres in A‑1 zones at 1967 Kemp Rd (parcel 0-508-010) and 219 Furnace Creek Rd (parcel 0-589-006D)
• Conditional use variance request at 368 McIntire Rd (parcel 0-356-002) and variance request at 1178 Camp Rd (parcel 0-293-004)
• Rezone request from A‑1 to R‑2 for 222 Allgood Rd (parcel 0-049-067A)
• Purchase Order 2025-00000913 for $107,406.37 to Sunny Communications for 45 mobile radios for the Sheriff’s Office
• Purchase Order 2025-00000923 for $99,998.00 to Estes Equipment Company for a fuel system upgrade for the Public Works Department

The Walker County Board of Commissioners approved a series of resolutions and purchase orders, including seven vehicles funded by 2020 SPLOST, a wireless communications facility permit, and several zoning variances. The board also approved appointments to various boards and a grant for behavioral health services. One purchase order for a fuel system upgrade was tabled for further review.

• Approved Resolution R-005-25 appointing Jarred & Davis, LLP as Legal Counsel (4-0)
• Approved Resolution R-013-25 setting 2025 meeting calendar (4-0)
• Approved Resolution R-018-25 to expend 2020 SPLOST funds for 3 vehicles (4-0)
• Approved Behavioral Health Deflection Grant (B75-8-009) at no cost to county (4-0)
• Approved Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement (4-0)
• Approved wireless communications facility permit on Herman Buck Road (4-0)
• Approved purchase orders for radios, vehicles, and equipment totaling over $500,000 (4-0 each)
• Tabled fuel system upgrade purchase order for Public Works (4-0)

Alcoholic Beverage Board

The Walker County Alcoholic Beverage Control Board unanimously approved a retail package beer and wine license for Blue Moon Campground at 2035 Old Mineral Springs Road, reversing a prior denial after finding the ordinance permits campground retail stores set back from the road. The board also elected Chad Bomar as Vice Chairman and approved the October 3, 2024 minutes. In open discussion, Happy Valley Farms representatives discussed future alcohol sales plans, but the board said distance requirements prevent approval and suggested they propose an ordinance change.

• Approved retail beer/wine package license for Blue Moon Campground (unanimous)
• Elected Chad Bomar as Vice Chairman (unanimous)
• Approved October 3, 2024 minutes (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners will meet to vote on a resolution authorizing the Historic Preservation Commission to apply for a grant to fund Phase Two of a historic resources survey.

• Resolution R-012-25 to authorize grant application for historic resources survey
• Meeting at 101 S. Duke Street, LaFayette, GA
• Special called meeting on January 23, 2025

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting solely to consider a request from the Historic Preservation Committee. The board approved a resolution authorizing the Historic Preservation Commission to file a grant application for $25,000 to the State of Georgia for Phase Two of a Historic Resources Survey. The motion passed unanimously with 4 ayes and 0 nays.

• Approved resolution authorizing Historic Preservation Commission to file $25,000 grant application for Phase Two of Historic Resources Survey (4-0)

Walker County Historic Preservation Commission

The Walker County Historic Preservation Commission approved a $250 allocation for the Chieftains Trail project, contingent on need. They also discussed several ongoing projects, including wayside marker installations, the Coulter School/Oakhill Academy stabilization, and a grant application for a historic resources survey. No other formal votes were taken.

• Approved $250 from WCHPC funds for Chieftains Trail project, if needed (motion carried)
• Accepted agenda (motion carried)
• Approved minutes of November 19, 2024, as presented (motion carried)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider several land‑use applications. A request from Rock City seeks to change a property at 0 Hwy 157 Lookout Mountain from R‑1 (Residential) to C‑1 (Commercial). Four variance applications are on the agenda for agricultural parcels at 1967 Kemp Road, 219 Furnace Creek Road, 1178 Camp Road, and a conditional use variance at 368 McIntire Road. Additionally, a rezoning request will move a parcel at 222 Allgood Road from A‑1 (Agricultural) to R‑2 (Residential). No decisions have been made yet; the items will be discussed and voted on during the meeting.

• Rezoning: 0 Hwy 157 Lookout Mountain – R‑1 to C‑1
• Variance: 1967 Kemp Road, LaFayette – A‑1 zone
• Variance: 219 Furnace Creek Road, LaFayette – A‑1 zone
• Conditional use variance: 368 McIntire Road, Rock Spring – A‑1 zone
• Rezoning: 222 Allgood Road, Flintstone – A‑1 to R‑2

The Walker County Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted on six variance and rezone requests. Four requests were approved (Susan Carroll, Amber Doty, Trevor Taylor, and one withdrawn by See Rock City), while two were denied (Justin Keener and Joseph Bales) for not following the Comprehensive Plan. The commission also elected officers for 2025 and approved the November 21, 2024 meeting minutes.

• Elected Kristy Parker as secretary and Randy Pittman as vice chairman (unanimous)
• Approved November 21, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Susan Carroll variance request (6-2)
• Denied Justin Keener variance request (unanimous)
• Denied Joseph Bales variance request (unanimous)
• Approved Amber Doty conditional use variance (7-1)
• Approved Trevor Taylor rezone request (7-1)
• Withdrawn: See Rock City rezone request

Development Authority

The Walker County Development Authority held a routine meeting, approving the agenda, minutes, and financial reports. They voted to hire the David Gottlieb Law Firm at $150 per hour and re-elected the same officers for 2025. No major projects or policy changes were decided.

• Approved hiring David Gottlieb Law Firm at $150/hour (4-0)
• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved minutes for Nov 19 and Dec 27, 2024 (4-0)
• Approved financial reports for Nov and Dec 2024 (4-0)
• Re-elected Andy Arnold as Chair, Max Morrison as Vice Chair, Jim Cole as Secretary/Treasurer for 2025 (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Ordinance O-01-25, which would amend Chapter 34 (Utilities) of the county code to adopt Broadband Ready Community Standards. The board will also consider several resolutions, including amendments to the Enabling Act, election of a Vice Chair, and setting the 2025 meeting calendar. Additional items include appointments to various county commissions and a contract award for a historical resources survey.

• Public Hearing – Ordinance O-01-25 to amend Chapter 34 (Utilities) to adopt Broadband Ready Community Standards
• Resolution R-045-24 / R-001-25 to amend the Enabling Act of Walker County
• Resolution R-002-25 to elect a Vice Chair
• Resolution R-003-25 to establish a meeting calendar for 2025
• Resolution R-010-25 to award a contract for a Historical Resources Survey

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to amend the Enabling Act to hold one regular meeting per month, and set the 2025 calendar to the 1st Thursday at 6:00 PM. They also approved a broadband-ready ordinance, appointed several officials, and tabled the county attorney appointment pending a contract.

• Approved resolution R-045-24/R-001-25 to amend Enabling Act for one monthly meeting (3-1)
• Approved 2025 meeting calendar: 1st Thursday at 6:00 PM (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 0-01-25 adopting Broadband Ready Community Standards (4-0)
• Elected Commissioner Askew as Vice Chair (4-0)
• Appointed Lisa Richardson as County Clerk (4-0)
• Tabled Resolution R-005-25 for County Attorney until contract in place (4-0)
• Added Juneteenth (June 19, 2025) to county holiday schedule (4-0)
• Reappointed Scott Abston and appointed Courtney Johnson to Water and Sewage Authority (4-0)