Walker County public meetings in 2022
31 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved several funding allocations, including ARPA funds for the county detention center and a trail project. The board also approved pay increases for court officials and appointed members to the Planning and Alcoholic Beverage Commissions.
- Allocation of up to $1,000,000 in ARPA funds for Walker County Detention Center rehabilitation
- Allocation of $50,000 in ARPA funds for the Chickamauga Battlefield Multi-use Connector Trail
- $5,000 annual compensation supplement increases for the State Court Judge and Solicitor-General
- Purchase orders for landfill equipment: $7,670 for a hydraulic thumb and $24,710 for a manual wood shear
- Appointments to the Planning Commission (Daryl Brooks, Michael Haney, Gary Miller, Robert Walthour) and Alcoholic Beverage Commission (Tobey Hill)
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider a variance request and a final plat approval. The body will decide on these items during the new business portion of the meeting.
- Variance request for property at 0 North Marble Top Road, Chickamauga
- Plat approval for 116 lots in phase I of Hawks Ridge Development on Happy Valley Road, Rossville
The Planning Commission denied a variance request from Charles Creswell to divide a portion of his property. The commission recommended that the Board of Commissioners waive rezone fees and wait requirements should the applicant seek a rezone.
- Approved November 17, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Denied variance request for Charles Creswell to divide 2.5 acres from a 7-acre lot
Development Authority
The Board approved the FY 2023 budget with expected revenues of $1,976,541.00. Members approved the reappointment of two board members and authorized agreements for the Roper expansion and Audia rail project. A consulting contract for Robert Wardlaw was extended for six months.
- Approved FY 2023 Proposed Budget (5-0)
- Approved reappointment of Mark Chandler and Max Morrison to the Board (5-0)
- Approved 6-month consulting contract extension for Robert Wardlaw at $1,000 per month (5-0)
- Authorized Executive Director to draft documents for Audia's use of property for rail expansion (5-0)
- Authorized Chair and Executive Director to sign Utility Easement with City of LaFayette for Roper expansion (5-0)
- Approved October and November financial reports (5-0)
- Approved October 11 and November 22 special meeting minutes (5-0)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met on December 6 and December 20, 2022, to manage property tax exemptions and administrative updates. The body approved specific property exemptions and authorized the mailing of 2023 personal property reporting forms.
- Approved tax exemptions for Chattanooga Valley Lions Club (parcel 0049 061C) and Evans Memorial Camp INC (parcels 0296 015 & 0296 015B)
- Approved the use of 2023 Disabled Veterans values in WinGap
- Approved the breach of parcel 0316 001
- Authorized mailing of 4,693 personal property reporting forms for 2023
- Approved the 2023 homestead exemption list
Development Authority
The Walker County Development Authority approved a bond resolution for the issuance of taxable industrial development revenue bonds for the Roper Corporation Project. The board also approved an EDGE Inducement Resolution to apply for state funding assistance for the same project.
- Approved Bond Resolution for Walker County Development Authority Taxable Industrial Development Revenue Bond (Roper Corporation Project), Series 2022 (4-0)
- Approved EDGE Inducement Resolution for Roper Corporation Project (4-0)
- Approved the meeting agenda (4-0)
Walker County Historic Preservation Commission
The Commission voted to request authority from the Walker County Board of Commissioners to pursue a state grant for an updated Historic Resources Survey. The body also expressed support for relocating the 160th Anniversary Battle of Chickamauga Reenactment. The December meeting was cancelled.
- Approved minutes of October 17, 2022 meeting
- Approved meeting agenda
- Approved motion to request authority from Board of Commissioners to pursue state grant for Historic Resources Survey
- Cancelled December meeting
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission denied a rezone request for a planned unit development and several variance requests. The commission did approve a plat request for the Hawks Ridge subdivision. The October 20, 2022, meeting minutes were also approved.
- Approved October 20, 2022, meeting minutes
- Variance for Levi Worley failed for lack of second
- Variance for Mary Ann Word failed for lack of second
- Variance for Liberty Baptist Church denied (2-0 vote to approve, failed for lack of votes)
- Variance for Marcia Morris & William Fuquea denied (unanimous)
- Rezone from A-1 to PUD for HVF-Dry Valley LLC denied (6-3)
- Plat request for NGA Harrier Developers LLC/Hawks Ridge approved (unanimous)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to approve updated valuation data for 2023 and adjust the public utility equalization ratio. The body also ruled on specific property appeals and homestead exemption applications.
- Approved new equalization ratio increase from 33.02% to 35% for public utilities
- Approved downloading 2023 A808 and NADA values for use in 2023
- Lowered building values to zero for Crutchfield Archer LLC appeal (parcel 0276 021)
- Approved list of 2023 homestead applicants and a veterans exemption for 2021
- Denied homestead application for parcel 0263 0063
Alcoholic Beverage Board
The board approved the minutes from the August 25, 2022 meeting. No new applications were reviewed during this session.
- Approved August 25, 2022 minutes (Unanimous)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of four quick response vehicles and two land-use requests. The board also held the first of two public hearings regarding sewer use regulations in unincorporated areas.
- Approved purchase of 4 quick response vehicles from Ten-8 Fire & Safety, Inc. (2020 SPLOST funding)
- Approved conditional use variance for a storage lot at 5881 Hwy 193, Flintstone, GA
- Approved rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to C-1 (Commercial) at 10161 N. Hwy 27, Rock Spring, GA
- Public hearing on Ordinance 0-03-22 concerning Sewer Use Regulation in Unincorporated Areas
- Discussion of upcoming courthouse renovations starting December 1
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss land use requests. The body will review a request for a storage lot and two requests to change property zoning designations.
- Conditional use variance for a storage lot at 5881 Hwy 193, Flintstone
- Rezone from C-1 (Commercial) to R-2 (Residential) at East Reed Road & N. Hwy 27
- Rezone from A-1 (Agricultural) to Commercial at 10161 N. Hwy 27
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the administrative services agreement to add Tier 3 investment options to employee retirement plans. The board also reviewed September 2022 departmental statistics and discussed safety grant equipment updates.
- Approved amendment to ACCG Contribution and Deferred Compensation Plans to add Tier 3 Single Asset Class investment options
- Reviewed departmental statistics for September 2022
- Discussed safety grant purchases including the receipt of nine of ten thermal imagers
- Discussed potential mold testing in a courtroom following employee health concerns
- Reported that Windstream grant covers installation fees for some citizens with a target completion by 2024 or 2026
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors is meeting for a special called session. The agenda lists a discussion regarding a server and an executive session.
- Discussion of server
- Executive session
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the Fiscal 2023 General Fund, Enterprise, and Special Revenue budgets. The board also approved a fiber build agreement with Georgia Windstream, LLC to provide broadband to over 3,300 rural residents.
- Approved $107,688.90 in 2020 SPLOST funds for HVAC improvements at LaFayette-Walker County Public Library
- Approved a conditional use variance for a tiny home at 1213 N. Cedar Lane
- Approved a rezone from C-1 (commercial) to R-2 (residential) for 5285 N. Highway 27
- Approved a contract with Big Woody's Tree Service, LLC to chip 2,500 tons of brush at the county landfill
- Adopted Resolution R-035-22 for a Joint Service Delivery Strategy
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission will hold public hearings regarding two property requests. The body will discuss a conditional use variance for a tiny home and a request to rezone a property from commercial to residential.
- Conditional use variance for a tiny home at 1213 N. Cedar Lane, Flintstone
- Rezone request from C-l (Commercial) to (Residential) at 5285 N. Hwy 27, LaFayette
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors reviewed and decided on various property tax exemptions, including conservation and homestead requests. The body also discussed server security issues and a potential new fly-over quote from EagleView.
- Approved conservation requests for parcels 0356 004, 0538 018A, and 0565 012
- Approved homestead applicant lists for 2022 and 2023
- Denied homestead request for parcel 0470 011A due to age requirements
- Approved waiver and release forms for parcels 0473 034, 0158 132, 0158 045, and 0176 183
- Accepted 6 late appeals from Delta Program Tax Advisers for Circle K gas stations
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners met to determine the property tax millage rates for the year. After one failed motion, the Board voted to set the rates for both unincorporated and incorporated areas.
- Set unincorporated area millage rate at 6.8283
- Set incorporated area millage rate at 9.9213
- Rejected a proposal to set rates at 6.9 (unincorporated) and 9.993 (incorporated)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss proposed millage rates of 7.200 mills for unincorporated areas and 10.293 mills for incorporated areas. The Board is scheduled to vote on the adoption of these rates on September 1, 2022.
- Proposed millage rate of 7.200 mills for Unincorporated Areas
- Proposed millage rate of 10.293 mills for Incorporated Areas
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the adoption of 2022 millage rates. The proposed rates are 7.200 mills for unincorporated areas and 10.293 mills for incorporated areas.
- Proposed millage rate of 7.200 mills in Unincorporated Areas
- Proposed millage rate of 10.293 mills in incorporated Areas
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners submitted the proposed FY-2023 General Fund, Enterprise Funds, and Special Revenue budgets, which include an 80-cent per hour pay increase for all county employees. The Board also approved several grants and a vehicle purchase for Fire Rescue.
- Approval of $47,441.76 purchase order to Prater Ford for one 2023 Ford F-150 for Walker County Fire Rescue
- Approval of $172,541.00 Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant from the Office of the Governor
- Approval of $19,064.00 JAG Grant for technology and equipment for the Sheriff's Office
- Approval of variance request for property at 527 Antigone's Dream Drive
- Removal of rezone request from BLH Enterprises LLC for 1183 Arnold Road
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to approve the 2022 exempt digest and digest submission forms. The body decided to revalue 22 AT&T accounts to remove obsolete equipment and forwarded real and personal property appeals to the BOE.
- Approved revaluing 22 AT&T accounts and disposing of obsolete assets
- Approved the 2022 exempt digest and all digest submission forms
- Forwarded real property and personal property appeals to the BOE
- Tabled conservation requests for parcels 0565 012 and 0538 018A & 0538 018
- Approved waiver and release forms for parcels 0569 010A, 0347 016, 0346 036, 0273 002C, 0021 002K, 0458 004, and 0500 009A
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved several equipment purchases for fire and sheriff services and decided on multiple zoning requests. The body also appointed code officials and approved a GDOT Rural Transit Grant.
- Purchase Order 2022-00001840: $34,985.00 for fire rescue extrication equipment
- Purchase Order 2022-00001850: $49,002.00 for fire rescue breathing equipment
- Purchase Order 2022-00001909: $56,345.99 for 14 thermal imaging cameras
- Purchase Order 2022-00001953: $53,405.60 for two 2022 Ford Escapes for the Assessors Office
- Approved rezone of 4.33 acres to C-1 at 126 Black Circle Spur, LaFayette
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to consider five different rezoning requests. The commission will discuss these requests under new business following the public hearing period.
- Rezone request for 4.33 acres at 126 Black Circle Spur from R-2/C-1
- Rezone request for 1890 Kensington Road from A-1 to R-2
- Rezone request for 136 Chalet Drive from Residential to A-1
- Rezone request for 833 McIntire Road from A-1 to Residential
- Rezone request for 1183 Arnold Road from R-2 to Agricultural
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a joint and reciprocal easement agreement for a retention pond. The County will perform maintenance on the pond and be reimbursed by the property owners. The board also reviewed June 2022 departmental statistics.
- Approved Declaration of Joint and Reciprocal Easements with Ten Foot Properties, LLC for a retention pond
- Discussion of using SPLOST funds for courthouse renovations
- Review of June 2022 Monthly Department Stats
- Discussion of ACCG Group Self insurance Workers Compensation Fund grant spending for imagers and bender lifts
- Report that Daugherty Gap and West Cove Road are fully open
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to approve the 2022-2023 budget and transfer the 2022 Digest Data File to the Tax Commissioner. The board also voted on personal property appeals and various homestead and conservation applications.
- Approval of the 2022-2023 Budget
- Acceptance of returned values for Sprint dba T-Mobile
- Forwarding of ADT appeals to the BOE
- Approval of conservation requests for parcels 0371-0028 and 00220130
- Approval of the 2022 Digest Data File for the Tax Commissioner
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners decided on several zoning requests, approved two criminal justice subgrant awards, and authorized a purchase for equipment. The board also established a timetable for publishing meeting agendas.
- Approved partial rezone from A-1 to R-1 for 456 McIntire Road
- Denied conditional use variances for three tiny homes at 2137 Dunwoody Road
- Approved Purchase Order 2022-00001613 for an open top trailer costing $69,500.00
- Approved Governor Criminal Justice Coordinating Council subgrants for Adult Felony Drug Courts and Mental Health Court
- Approved intergovernmental agreement with City of Lookout Mountain regarding local issuing authority for stormwater issues
Planning Commission
The Walker County Planning Commission will hold public hearings to discuss several land-use requests. The body will consider a partial rezone and multiple variances regarding tiny homes, acreage requirements, and restaurant parking.
- Partial rezone request for 456 Mclntire Road
- Three conditional use variances for tiny homes at 2137 Dunwoody Road
- Three variances for distance between tiny homes at 2137 Dunwoody Road
- Acreage variance request for 3976 Kensington Road
- Parking space variance for a restaurant at 1117 LaFayette Road
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a special referendum election for November 8, 2022, to decide if the county can issue licenses for the package sale of distilled spirits in unincorporated areas. The board also approved library board appointments and a property lease.
- Resolution R-025-22: Special referendum election on November 8, 2022, for distilled spirits package sales
- Lease agreement with Valley Mechanical, Inc. for storage at the old Coats American operations
- Appointment of Lorie Connell to the Rossville Public Library Board (term July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025)
- Appointment of Kaye Thurman to the LaFayette-Walker County Library Board (term July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2025)
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors met to review property tax exemptions, personal property accounts, and vendor contracts. The body decided to rescind a contract with RTC for server and data storage based on a recommendation from the County IT Department.
- Rescinded contract with RTC for server and data storage
- Approved list of conservation applicants
- Approved homestead exemption request for 0342 016
- Approved appeal waiver and release for 0409-007
- Reviewed personal property accounts for Curbs Plus and Sprint DBA T-Mobile
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners heard a presentation on the legal and administrative process of hiring a County Manager to improve government efficiency. The Board also decided on several zoning requests and the adoption of private roads into the county system.
- Accepted private roads in the Heritage Row subdivision as county roads
- Approved rezone from A-1 to R-2 for 9391 W. Hwy 136, Chickamauga
- Approved partial rezone from R-2 to C-1 for 126 Black Circle Spur @ Hwy 27, LaFayette
- Approved variance for property at 41 Lee School Road, LaFayette, with a six-month progress review
- Appointed Pepper Stanfield and Ann Goodson to the DFCS Local Advisory Board
Board of Assessors
The Board of Assessors decided on a new off-site server provider and reviewed various tax-related applications. The board approved lists of conservation and homestead applicants and addressed specific property covenant breaches.
- Approved Freeport application for Western Electric
- Approved list of Conservation Applicants
- Breached conservation covenants for parcels 0514 003 & 0514 003C
- Approved list of Homestead applicants; denied homestead for 0557 002A
- Signed contract with Ringgold Telephone Company for an off-site server