Oconee County public meetings in 2024

Board of Tax Assessors

The Board of Tax Assessors will meet to approve minutes from two previous meetings and receive an update on Superior Court appeals. The agenda includes a scheduled executive session.

• Approve minutes from November 12 & 20 meetings
• Superior Court Appeals Update
• Executive Session

Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs Meeting

The Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs and membership will meet to discuss fleet and facility maintenance. The body will review training hours, potential volunteer recruits, and standard operating guideline revisions.

• Work orders for fleet and facilities
• Review of potential volunteer recruit list
• Discussion of SOG revisions
• Discussion of Pension Fund regarding fire call response
• Review of CAD reports and times

Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee County Planning Commission will discuss three land‑use proposals at its December 9 meeting. First, a rezoning of the Townley Family Partnership (299.94 acres) from AG to AR. Second, a special‑use request by the Dixon Family Trust for overnight camp cabins on 356.05 acres. Third, a special‑use request by Prince Avenue Baptist Church to expand its church and school campus on 74.41 acres.

• Rezone #P24-0217 Townley Family Partnership; 299.94 acres; from AG to AR; located at Hog Mountain Road, Hodges Mill Road, & Rocky Branch Road; vacant
• Special Use #P24-0210 Dixon Family Trust of 2012; recreational overnight camps with rental cabins; 356.05 acres; 6011 Hog Mountain Road & 1170 Lane Creek Road; residential/agricultural
• Special Use #P24-0216 Prince Avenue Baptist Church; expansion of church and school campus; 74.41 acres; 2201 Ruth Jackson Road; church and school campus

Board of Elections Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Elections will approve the November 8, 2024 minutes and hear public comments. New business includes considering a revision to the residency affirmation form, discussing the feasibility of consolidating precincts, and reviewing 228 voter challenges from October. The Director will report voter registration totals, and an executive session may address personnel or litigation matters.

• Approve November 8, 2024 Board of Elections minutes
• Consider revision to the residency affirmation form
• Discuss feasibility of precinct consolidation
• Review 228 voter challenges from October
• Executive session for personnel matters or potential litigation

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed updates to the Alcohol Ordinance and consider a new license for Catch 22 Garage. The meeting includes several zoning and variance requests for residential properties and the presentation of the FY24 Audit Report.

• Public hearing for proposed updates to the Alcohol Ordinance
• Rezone #P24-0115: 10 acres at Plaza Parkway & Jennings Mill Rd from R-3 to B-2
• Rezone #P24-0187: 0.68 acres at 1001 Ruth Jackson Rd from AG to OIP
• Variance #P24-0144: 56.10 acres at 3470 Greensboro Highway
• Approval of the 2025 Employee Health Insurance Plan Renewal

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will conduct the first reading and public hearing of proposed updates to the county’s alcohol ordinance. Commissioners will also discuss a protective netting project for the BSC Quad, the 2025 employee health‑insurance plan renewal, and several applications for new alcohol licenses. Additional agenda items include reviews of 2025 alcohol license renewals, the annual Flyover agreement, and various service and transportation agreements.

• First reading and public hearing of proposed updates to the Alcohol Ordinance
• Discuss BSC Quad Protective Netting Project
• Discuss 2025 Employee Health Insurance Plan Renewal
• Discuss and consider new alcohol licenses for PGPM RCH, LLC (Jennings Mill Country Club and Lane Creek Golf Club) and Maxwell MC Dinings & Hospitality, LLC
• Discuss 2025 Alcohol License Renewal Applications

Board of Tax Assessors

The Board will hold a regular meeting, begin with a call to order, and enter an executive session. It will also set the date for the next meeting on December 10, 2024.

Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority

The Authority will meet to approve the FY25 budget and finalize terms for the Series 2024 Revenue Bonds. Members will also discuss the investment of bond funds and receive an update on the water treatment plant expansion.

• Approval of FY25 Budget
• Approval of Supplemental Bond Resolution for Revenue Bonds, Series 2024
• Extension of audit services with Rushton
• 2025 Chemical Bid Tabulation
• Election of 2025 Officers

Hard Labor Creek Reservoir Management Board

The Hard Labor Creek Reservoir Management Board and Walton County Water & Sewerage Authority will review the FY 2024‑25 construction budget and funding sources totaling $176,275,840. They will consider approving the final guaranteed maximum price of up to $122,026,840 for the new water treatment facility. Additional engineering proposals for the Apalachee River Intake, dam monitoring, and habitat surveys will also be considered.

• Review funding sources totaling $176,275,840, including ARPA Grant $46.2M and Walton Revenue Bond $69M
• Consider approval of final GMP for Hard Labor Creek Water Treatment Facility up to $122,026,840
• Consider approval of Jacobs Engineering services for Apalachee River Intake up to $209,539
• Consider approval of Schnabel Engineering services for post‑construction dam monitoring up to $136,000
• Consider approval of Nelson Environmental habitat survey up to $35,332.19

Recreation Advisory Committee

The Recreation Advisory Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and receive updates on park projects. The meeting includes a period for public comments.

• Park Projects updates

Tourism and Visitors Bureau

The Oconee County Tourism & Visitors Bureau Board will meet to approve September minutes, receive a treasurer update, and hear an executive director report. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Administrative Building in North High Shoals.

• Approval of September minutes
• Treasurer update
• Visitors Bureau Executive Director update

Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee County Planning Commission will convene to approve minutes from a previous meeting and consider two rezoning proposals for residential properties.

• Approval of October 21, 2024 minutes
• Rezone #P24-0115: St. Mary's Highland Hills, INC. (R-3 to B-2)
• Rezone #P24-0187: Brenda H. Dupre (AG to OIP)

Board of Health

The Oconee County Board of Health will meet at 3:30 p.m. on November 13, 2024. The agenda calls for reviewing minutes from the prior meeting, hearing district updates, receiving reports, and accepting public input. No specific actions or decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Call to Order
• Minutes from the last meeting
• District Updates
• Reports
• Public Input

Board of Tax Assessors

The Board of Tax Assessors is meeting to conduct business, including an executive session. No specific substantive items are listed on the agenda.

Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs Meeting

The Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs met to review maintenance work orders for fleet and facilities. They examined November training activities, volunteer recruitment, and training hour compliance. The meeting also covered revisions to the Standard Operating Guidelines and planning for the station’s Christmas dinner. An executive session may be held to discuss personnel matters.

• Review work orders for fleet and facilities maintenance
• Review November training schedule and volunteer recruit list
• Discuss revisions to Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG)
• Plan dates for station Christmas dinner
• Executive session to discuss personnel matters (closed)

Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission Meeting

The Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission will approve the previous meeting minutes, receive a budget report, and discuss new and old business items. The meeting will also include current program updates and a report from the Executive Director. The session concludes with committee breakout reports before adjourning.

• Approval of minutes
• Budget report
• New Business discussion
• Old Business discussion
• Current Program updates & Executive Director report

Board of Elections Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Elections will reconvene to certify the results of the November 5, 2024, General Special Election. The meeting includes a pre-certification session at 3:00 p.m. and a recess until 5:30 p.m. for the formal certification.

• Pre-certification of Election Results (3:00 p.m.)
• Certification of November 5, 2024, General Special Election (5:30 p.m.)
• Approval of October 1, 2024 Minutes

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will discuss and vote on several items, including a resolution to approve a contract with the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority and updates to the county's alcohol ordinance. They will also review multiple zoning and special‑use requests, consider budget amendments for FY24, and evaluate bid awards for county projects. Additional topics include sewer policy amendments, law‑enforcement vehicle funding, and a cybersecurity grant acceptance.

• Resolution to approve the contract with Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority
• Discussion of updates to the Alcohol Ordinance
• Rezone request for 2880 Monroe Hwy (17.387 acres) from AG to R‑1
• Approval of FY24 Year End Budget Amendments
• Approval of the ACTS Building Electrical Renovation Bid Award

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss budget amendments for the current fiscal year, including a request for utility relocation costs for a Georgia Department of Transportation project. The agenda also includes items regarding court collection services, cybersecurity grants, and updates to the alcohol ordinance.

• Discuss FY24 Year End Budget Amendments
• Discuss Budget Amendment for Utility Relocation for GDOT Project 0017185
• Discuss Agreement for Court Collection Services between i3 Verticles and Oconee County Probate Court
• Discuss Updates to the Alcohol Ordinance
• Discuss Acceptance of the GEMA/Homeland Security Cybersecurity Grant

Oconee County Industrial Development Authority Meeting

The Oconee County Industrial Development Authority will consider several items at its October 28 meeting. The board will discuss and consider the transfer of the Gateway Owners Association for Gateway Park. It will also review the FY25 insurance renewal and FY24 year‑end budget amendments. Additional agenda items include setting a regular annual meeting and a possible executive session.

• Transfer of Gateway Owners Association for Gateway Park
• Ratification of FY25 insurance renewal
• FY24 year‑end budget amendments
• Set a regular annual meeting
• Executive session, if needed

Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee County Planning Commission will meet to approve minutes and consider two special use permit requests for residential properties.

• Approval of September 16, 2024 minutes
• Modify conditions for Special Use #P24-0155 (1600 Black Ike Rd)
• Special Use #P24-0166 for Accessory Modular Farm Tenant Dwelling (2791 Oliver Bridge Rd)

Board of Tax Assessors

The Board of Tax Assessors will meet to discuss Current Use Value (CUV) continuations for nine properties and a CUV discussion for Curtis Dawson. The board will also review non-disclosure applications and a veteran exemption homestead approval.

• CUV continuations for properties including Felker Investment Properties, Ryan Tenney, and James & Pamela Willis
• CUV discussion for Curtis Dawson
• Non-disclosure applications
• Veteran Exemption homestead approval for A-05A-007

Library Advisory Board

The Oconee County Library Board will meet to approve previous minutes, receive reports from branches and the Friends of the Library, and select officers for 2025. The board will also discuss art for the new Wire Park location.

• Approval of July 8, 2024, Board meeting minutes
• Reports from Bogart and Watkinsville branches
• Friends of the Library reports for Bogart and Watkinsville
• Discussion on art for the new Wire Park location
• Selection of officers for 2025

Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs Meeting

The Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs and membership will meet to discuss fleet and facility work orders. The body will review October training, volunteer recruit lists, and the status of the Fall EMR Course.

• Work orders for fleet and facilities
• Review of potential volunteer recruit list
• Status of Fall EMR Course
• Recruitment trailer signs and can trailers
• Review of members lacking training hours

Animal Services Meeting

The Oconee County Animal Services Advisory Board will consider approval of the July 10, 2024 meeting minutes. Board members will hear a brief update from Manager Crystal Berisko on budget, projects, ordinances, statistics, events, and other items. The agenda also includes public comment time, scheduling of future meeting dates, and any new business raised by members.

• Approval of July 10, 2024 minutes
• Public comments – limit of 5 minutes each
• Manager Crystal Berisko provides updates on budget, projects, ordinances, stats, events, and other items
• Discussion of future meeting dates
• Consideration of new business items

Board of Elections Meeting

The Board of Elections will discuss revisions to voter challenge procedures and hold hearings regarding specific voter challenges. The meeting also includes a Director's report on election preparations and a review of upcoming general election deadlines.

• Revision of voter challenge procedure
• Voter Challenge 21-2-230 Hearing
• Probable cause determinations for 11 voter challenges issued between 9-8-24 and 9-19-24
• Logic and Accuracy Testing report
• Review of State Election Board Rules

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will hold hearings on five zoning and variance requests. The board will also consider budget amendments for the Bear Creek Water Treatment Plant and a scale replacement on 441.

• Rezone #P24-0116: 17.387 acres at 2880 Monroe Hwy from AG to R-1
• Rezone #P23-0287 and Variances #P23-0288, #P23-0289: 2.48 acres at 1030 Garrett Rd
• Variance #P24-0135: Guest house in front yard at 2480 Barnett Shoals Rd
• Change order and budget amendments for Bear Creek Water Treatment Plant Expansion Design Services
• Budget amendment for 441 Scale Replacement

Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority

The Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority will hear reports on its finances, finance committee, engineering committee, and operations and management. An update on the water treatment plant expansion will be presented. The meeting includes a public comment period and may hold an executive session if needed.

• Financial Report
• Finance Committee Report
• Water Treatment Plant Expansion Update
• Engineering Committee Report
• Operations and Management Report

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a change order for the Bear Creek Water Treatment Plant Expansion Design Services and a budget amendment for the 441 Scale Replacement. The agenda also includes a resolution for alternate courthouses and the acceptance of right-of-way deeds.

• Discuss Resolution for Alternate Courthouses
• Discuss Change Order for Bear Creek Water Treatment Plant Expansion Design Services
• Discuss Budget Amendment for 441 Scale Replacement
• Discuss Acceptance of Right-of-Way Deeds to Oconee County

Recreation Advisory Committee

The Recreation Advisory Committee will meet to discuss park updates and recommendations for park trees provided by Dr. Dirr. The body will also review and approve minutes from the July 16 meeting.

• Dr. Dirr's improvements and recommendations for park trees
• General park updates

Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee County Planning Commission will consider two rezoning applications for residential properties. The body will also elect officers and approve minutes from the August 19, 2024 meeting.

• Rezone #P23-0287: Request to modify conditions for 2.48 acres at 1030 Garrett Rd
• Rezone #P24-0116: Request to rezone 17.387 acres from AG to R-1 at 2880 Monroe Hwy
• Election of Officers

Board of Tax Assessors

The Oconee County Board of Tax Assessors will approve the minutes from its August 13 meeting and discuss continuation of several CUV items. It will review a Department of Audit ratio study, consider a non‑disclosure application, and receive an update on appeals. The next meeting is scheduled for October 8, 2024.

• Approve minutes from the August 13, 2024 meeting
• Continue CUV items D-01-005D Carter, W (19.05) and C-04-065 Light Blue Shark (12.00) and C-04-065G Light Blue Shark (59.19)
• Review Department of Audit ratio study
• Consider non‑disclosure application
• Provide update on appeals

Tourism and Visitors Bureau

The board will meet to approve previous minutes and receive updates from the Treasurer and Executive Director. The session includes a review of Google, Facebook, and Instagram statistics and a discussion on new marketing options.

• Review of Google statistics
• Review of Facebook and Instagram statistics
• Discussion of new marketing options

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will consider routine agenda items, citizen and commissioner remarks, and approve minutes from prior meetings. They will hear three zoning matters: a rezoning of 13.06 acres at 1195 Old Barnett Shoals Rd, a variance request for a private drive on 21.56 acres at 1241 Elder Road, and an appeal of a variance decision for 0.5 acres at 2362 Gober Road. The board will also consider appointments to the Recreation Advisory Board and Planning Commission, and vote on four consent items including a culvert replacement bid, farmland preservation recommendation, a Viper upgrade for the sheriff’s office, and a new alcohol license for The Village Market.

• Rezone #P24-0099: 13.06 acres at 1195 Old Barnett Shoals Rd, change from AR to AG
• Variance #P24-0101: 21.56 acres at 1241 Elder Road, modify private access drive dimensions
• Appeal #P24-0124: 0.5 acres at 2362 Gober Road, eligibility for variance on antenna towers
• Approval of Millers Lake Drive Culvert Replacement Bid Award
• Approval of Viper Upgrade for the Sheriff's Office

Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs Meeting

The Station Chiefs will approve the August meeting minutes, review maintenance work orders for fleet and facilities, and examine training topics including September training, volunteer recruitment, training hours, and the fall EMR course. They will also discuss competition results, recruitment trailer signs and can trailers, and members lacking training hours. An executive session may be held to discuss personnel matters if needed.

• Approval of August minutes
• Review of work orders for fleet and facilities
• Review of September training, volunteer recruit list, and training hours
• Discussion of recruitment trailer signs and can trailers
• Executive session on personnel matters (if needed)

Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission Meeting

The commission will meet to review budget reports and receive updates from the Executive Director. The agenda consists of standard procedural items and committee reports.

• Budget report
• Executive Director report on current programs

Board of Elections Meeting

The Board of Elections will discuss revisions to voter challenge procedures and a specific voter challenge. The meeting also includes reports on Secretary of State training and voter registration totals.

• Revision of voter challenge procedure
• Voter Challenge 230
• Logic and Accuracy testing starting September 9, 2024
• UOCAVA ballot issuance starting September 17, 2024
• Poll Worker Training from September 17 through October 3, 2024

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several infrastructure and licensing matters. The agenda includes reviews of a culvert replacement bid and a new alcohol license application.

• Millers Lake Drive Culvert Replacement Bid Award
• New alcohol license for The Village Market
• Farmland Preservation Committee Recommendation for FY25
• Viper Upgrade for the Sheriff's Office
• Parcel 2 Modification to the Oconee County Sewer Line Easement

Farmland Preservation

The Farmland Preservation Committee will visit the Rollins farm and review a ranking sheet for the one ACEP-ALE application received by August 9, 2024. The committee will determine eligibility and prepare to present the highest ranked farm to the Oconee Board of Commissioners.

• Visit to the Rollins farm
• Review of ACEP-ALE application ranking sheet
• Determination of eligibility for the single applicant

Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee County Planning Commission will review a request to rezone 13.06 acres of vacant land. The body will also vote on changing its meeting start time and appoint a nominating committee for officers.

• Rezone #P24-0099: Request to change 13.06 acres at 1195 Old Barnett Shoals Rd from AR to AG
• Vote to move meeting time from 7:00 PM to 6:00 PM
• Appointment of Nominating Committee for Officers

Board of Elections Meeting

The Board of Elections is convening for a special called meeting. The primary purpose of the session is to conduct a voter challenge hearing.

• Voter challenge hearing

Board of Health

The Oconee County Board of Health will review minutes from its last meeting and discuss a previously tabled variance for 1591 Lane Creek Drive. It will consider adopting Body Art Rules presented by Keli Hinson. The meeting will also include district updates, other reports, and a period for public input.

• Review minutes from the previous meeting
• Discussion of the tabling of variance for 1591 Lane Creek Drive
• Consideration of adoption of Body Art Rules (Keli Hinson)
• District updates
• Public input session

Board of Tax Assessors

The Board will approve the minutes from its July 9 meeting. It will review and act on multiple Common Unvalued Value (CUV) applications and continuation requests, each listed with the applicant name and dollar amount. The agenda also includes a homestead exemption approval for B-03B-002, a non‑disclosure application, appraisal denial letters, an appeal update, and scheduling the next meeting.

• Approve minutes from the July 9 meeting
• Approve CUV applications (e.g., Bagley, Joseph & Margaret $6.00; Simonton, Fred III $127.34, $15.17, $100.19)
• Approve CUV continuation items (e.g., Sailors, Peggy $14.53, $121.00; Triple C Family LP $304.05, $5.05, $10.06)
• Approve homestead exemption for property B-03B-002
• Consider non‑disclosure application and appraisal denial letters

Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs Meeting

The Oconee Fire Rescue Station Chiefs meeting on August 12, 2024, focused on operational logistics including fleet maintenance, training schedules, and volunteer recruitment. The agenda also included a review of membership appeals and a potential executive session for personnel matters.

• Approval of July meeting minutes
• Review of truck and station maintenance work orders
• Review of potential volunteer recruit list
• Review of appeal for membership
• Executive session for personnel matters (if needed)

Board of Elections Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Elections will discuss a voter challenge in new business. The Director will report on a petition verification for Kalki Yalamanchili and present voter registration totals. Upcoming election-related dates, including absentee ballot application deadlines and poll worker training, will be reviewed. An executive session may be held to address personnel matters or potential litigation.

• Voter challenge discussion (new business)
• Petition verification for Kalki Yalamanchili (Director’s Report)
• Voter registration totals (Director’s Report)
• First day to accept civilian absentee ballot applications – August 19, 2024
• Executive session to discuss personnel matters and/or potential litigation

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a zoning condition modification for property on Jennings Mill Road and the abandonment of rights-of-way for Hodges Mill Road. The agenda includes several consent items regarding infrastructure, public safety equipment, and a new alcohol license.

• Rezone #P24-0100: Request to modify B-2 zoning conditions for 23.92 acres at 1181 Jennings Mill Rd.
• Public hearing for the abandonment of rights-of-way of Hodges Mill Road
• Approval of Hog Mountain Road Multi-Use Path Bid Award
• Budget amendments for Fire Department thermal imagers and Courthouse fire pump system
• New alcohol license for La Laguna Express, LLC

Board of Commissioners Meeting

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners will review several contract and budget items, including design services for Dawson Park Phase 1 and a bid award for the Hog Mountain Road multi‑use path. They will consider budget amendments for fire department thermal imagers and a courthouse fire pump replacement. County‑wide matters include a FEMA matching grant for traffic message boards, a new alcohol license for La Laguna Express, LLC, and infrastructure projects such as road resurfacing and a water‑treatment plant loan modification.

• Discuss the Dawson Park Phase 1 Design Services Recommendation
• Discuss Hog Mountain Road Multi‑Use Path Bid Award
• Budget amendment for Thermal Imagers for the Fire Department
• Budget amendment to replace the Courthouse Fire Pump System
• Discuss a FEMA Matching Grant Opportunity for Traffic Message Boards

Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority

The Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority will receive a financial report, an update on the water‑treatment plant expansion, and reports from the engineering committee and operations manager. It will also consider a USGS Streamflow Gaging Stations Agreement listed under other business. A 10‑minute public comment period is scheduled at the end of the meeting.

• Financial Report – Sophia Primer
• Water Treatment Plant Expansion Update – Tom Kelley
• Engineering Committee Report – Joey Leslie
• Operations and Management Report – Brad Lanning
• USGS Streamflow Gaging Stations Agreement – Chip Ferguson

Planning Commission Meeting

The Oconee County Planning Commission is meeting to review a request to modify zoning conditions for a property on Jennings Mill Rd. The commission will also consider the adoption of the City of Bogart Unified Development Code and citywide zoning map.

• Rezone #P24-0100: Request to modify B-2 zoning conditions for 23.92 acres at 1181 Jennings Mill Rd.
• Adoption of City of Bogart Unified Development Code (Text Amendment)
• Adoption of City of Bogart Citywide Zoning Map

Animal Services Meeting

The Oconee County Animal Services Advisory Board will meet to approve May 1, 2024 minutes and introduce new board members. Manager Crystal Berisko will provide updates regarding budget, projects, ordinances, statistics, and events.

• Vote on positions for new Advisory Board Members
• Updates from the Animal Services Manager regarding budget, projects, and ordinances
• Review of animal services statistics and events