White County Development Authority elects new chairman; county proposes tax rate cut
The White County Development Authority elected Don Allison as its new chairman on Aug. 11, unanimously approving financial statements and new officers. In other recent business, the Recreation Advisory Board agreed to draft fundraising guidelines for football teams, and the Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed property tax rate decrease.
Development Authority
At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Development Authority unanimously approved minutes from March 10, 2026, and financial statements for May, June, and July 2026, along with a CD balance sheet. The board elected Don Allison as chairman, Joe Whelchel as vice chairman, and John Ziemer as secretary, all unanimously. The board also accepted the resignation of Virginia Roberts. Discussions covered economic development, the water authority, and chamber activities.
Recreation Advisory Board
The Recreation Advisory Board met Aug. 10 and agreed to develop written guidelines for football fundraising and sponsorships. The board also reinforced that only approved coaches may participate in practices and team activities, and considered resending a zero-tolerance policy for coach and parent signatures. No formal votes were taken.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners held a called meeting Aug. 17 to consider three moratoriums on new development in unincorporated areas: on convenience stores (Resolution 2026-16) until Feb. 15, 2027; on vape shops and CBD stores (Resolution 2026-17) until Feb. 8, 2027; and on commercial development along Helen Highway/SR 75 from Hulsey Road to GA 17 (Resolution 2026-18) until Feb. 8, 2027. The board also entered an executive session for personnel matters. Minutes have not yet been published.
On Aug. 20, the board held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate of 8.555 mills, down from 8.842 in 2025. The rate would generate $14,064,692 in property tax revenue for the FY2027 general fund budget of $34,458,311. The budget includes six new firefighter positions ($434,182), a health insurance increase ($525,296), an employee COLA ($690,000), and an EMS contract increase ($120,090). For an average $300,000 home, the county tax would drop from $1,043.36 to $855.50. The hearing included a presentation by Finance Director Jodi Ligon and an opportunity for public comment.
Coming up
The Planning Commission will hold a work session and public hearing on Aug. 25 to consider two variance requests and one rezoning. The first variance, by Bryan English for 7482 Duncan Bridge Rd (Map/Parcel 076 091F, 10.00 acres, A1), seeks access to an easement without upgrading a road to county standards. The second, by Donald Savage for 0 Runway Circle (Map/Parcel 063A 053, 0.145 acres, A1), seeks to reduce front setback to 0 ft and side setbacks to 2.5 ft. The rezoning request by Benjamin and Jordan Turner for 0 Webb West Rd (Map/Parcel 078 084, 5.89 acres) would change the zoning from A1 Agricultural to R1 Residential.