White County public meetings in 2025

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit application submitted by Robert Bearden. The request seeks permission to operate a mini-storage rental facility on a 1.23-acre parcel at 0 Highway 115 East in Cleveland, currently zoned C-1 Community Commercial. The commission will review the application and decide whether to approve the land‑use change.

• Conditional use permit for a mini-storage facility on 1.23 acre parcel at 0 Highway 115 East (tax map 047D‑070A), currently zoned C‑1 Community Commercial

The commission held a public hearing on a conditional use permit for a mini‑storage facility at 0 Highway 115 East. No public comments were made, and no vote on the application occurred. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn approved unanimously (motion by Linda Dixon, seconded by John Yarbrough)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will consider three variance applications during its work session. Stacey Sullens seeks a variance from Section 601 for access and Section 602 for lot frontage at 15 Gove Road (parcel 059B-035, 1.91 acres). Doug and Patty Workman request a variance from Section 601 for access at 343 Pansy Drive (parcel 078-136, 10.25 acres). Metro RV Cleveland LLC requests variances from Section 14-133(g) for RV park setbacks and Section 14-134(1) for road construction at 3814 Westmoreland Road (parcel 050-030, 7.823 acres).

• Variance request by Stacey Sullens – Section 601 (access) and Section 602 (lot frontage) – 15 Gove Road, Sautee Nacoochee, parcel 059B-035, 1.91 acres
• Variance request by Doug and Patty Workman – Section 601 (access) – 343 Pansy Drive, Cleveland, parcel 078-136, 10.25 acres
• Variance request by Metro RV Cleveland LLC – Section 14-133(g) (RV park setbacks) and Section 14-134(1) (road construction) – 3814 Westmoreland Road, Cleveland, parcel 050-030, 7.823 acres

The commission discussed three variance applications but did not vote to approve or deny any. No formal decisions were recorded on the applications. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Development Authority

The White County Development Authority will meet to discuss the transfer of funds from a checking account into a certificate of deposit. The remainder of the meeting consists of procedural items.

• Consideration to move monies from Checking Account to Certificate of Deposit

The board voted unanimously to invest $120,000 of the authority’s checking account into two certificates of deposit—$60,000 in a 12‑month CD at United Bankshares and $60,000 in a 6‑month CD at APEX Bank—based on the rates presented. Chairman Yarbrough and John Ziemer will sign the required documents. The meeting then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved $60,000 12‑month CD at United Bankshares (unanimous)
• Approved $60,000 6‑month CD at APEX Bank (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration will consider several items at its regular monthly meeting on December 9, 2025. The board will vote to approve the Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters for 2026 and will approve the 2026 BOER regularly scheduled meetings. New business includes discussion of the GAVREO 2026 Legislative Priorities, the Open Meetings Act 50-14-1, and an update from the Procedures Committee.

• Vote to approve the 2026 Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters
• Approval of 2026 BOER regularly scheduled meetings
• Discussion of GAVREO 2026 Legislative Priorities
• Review of the Open Meetings Act 50-14-1
• Procedures Committee update

The White County Board of Elections & Registration adopted the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. It approved the production of a BOER meeting summary within two business days and the 2026 BOER regular meeting schedule. The Registrar's voter registration report was approved, and the meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

• Adopted minutes of the November 18, 2025 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved BOER meeting summary to be produced within 2 business days (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 BOER regular scheduled meetings (unanimous)
• Approved Registrar’s voter registration report (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment of the meeting (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration will consider and vote on the 2026 registrar’s report of registered voters. The meeting also includes approvals for the 2026 BOER regularly scheduled meetings and discussion of GAVREO 2026 legislative priorities, the Open Meetings Act 50-14-1, and a Procedures Committee update. Additional items are routine recognitions, public comments, and scheduling of future meetings.

• GAVREO 2026 Legislative Priorities
• The Open Meetings Act 50-14-1
• Procedures Committee Update
• 2026 BOER Regularly Scheduled Meetings Approval
• Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters – Vote to Approve

The Board adopted the minutes from the November 18, 2025 meeting. It approved that a summary of each BOER meeting be produced within two business days. The board also approved the regularly scheduled 2026 BOER meeting calendar and the registrar’s report of registered voters, each by unanimous consent.

• Adopted November 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous consent)
• Approved BOER meeting summaries to be produced within 2 business days (unanimous consent)
• Approved 2026 BOER regularly scheduled meetings (unanimous consent)
• Approved registrar’s report of registered voters (unanimous consent)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will review two variance applications, a county road acceptance request, and several land‑use recommendations. Items include a variance for Susan Smith’s 0.19‑acre lot on Taxiway Lane, a variance for RLF Enterprises’ 4.15‑acre site on Monroe Ridge Road, and a request to accept Boulder Lane for the Stoneview Homeowner’s Association. The commission will also decide on a conditional use permit for a telecommunications tower at 2154 Post Road and consider multiple redistricting proposals.

• Variance for Susan Smith – Section 802 Lot Size and Section 804 Building Lines, 0.19 acre on Taxiway Lane, Cleveland, GA
• Variance for RLF Enterprises LLC – Section 601 access, 4.15 acre on Monroe Ridge Road, Sautee Nacoochee, GA
• County Road Acceptance for Boulder Lane in Stoneview Subdivision, serving 16 lots
• Conditional use permit for TowerCo LLC – telecommunications tower at 2154 Post Road, 11.98 acre, currently A‑1 Agricultural Forestry District
• Redistricting request by Patrick Knight (North Georgia Powerstroke LLC) – 1.58 acre at 5284 Highway 129 South from R‑1 Residential to C‑2 Highway Business District

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will review two variance requests, a road acceptance request, and four land‑use applications. The variance requests involve a 0.19‑acre lot on Taxiway Lane and a 4.15‑acre site on Monroe Ridge Road. The road acceptance request seeks county acceptance of Boulder Lane serving 16 homes in the Stoneview Subdivision. The land‑use applications include a conditional use permit for a telecommunications tower at 2154 Post Road and three redistricting requests for properties on Highway 129 South, Claude Sims Road, and Stonewall Drive.

• Variance for Susan Smith, 0.19 acre on Taxiway Lane (Section 802 Lot Size, Section 804 Building Lines)
• Variance for RLF Enterprises LLC, 4.15 acre on Monroe Ridge Road (Section 601 access)
• County road acceptance for Boulder Lane in Stoneview Subdivision serving 16 lots (Stoneview Homeowner’s Association)
• Conditional use permit for telecommunications tower at 2154 Post Road (TowerCo LLC for Mossy Creek Methodist Church), 11.98 acre, currently A‑1 zoning
• Redistricting requests: 5284 Highway 129 South from R‑1 to C‑2; 709 Claude Sims Road from A‑1 to R‑1; 42 Stonewall Drive from A‑1 to C‑2

The commission denied Susan Smith’s variance request for lot size, setback, and easement by a 3‑2 vote. It approved a variance for RLF Enterprises LLC and a conditional use permit for a telecom tower, both unanimously. It also recommended road acceptance for Boulder Lane and approved three redistricting applications, while unanimously denying a redistricting request for Metro United 47 LLC.

• Denied Susan Smith variance (setback, easement, lot size) – vote 3‑2
• Approved RLF Enterprises LLC variance – unanimous 4‑0 (Larry Freeman recused)
• Recommended road acceptance for Boulder Lane to Board of Commissioners – unanimous 4‑0
• Recommended approval of TowerCo LLC conditional use permit for telecom tower, with condition to make tower look like a pine tree – unanimous 4‑0
• Recommended approval of redistricting for North Georgia Powerstroke LLC from R‑1 to C‑2 – unanimous 4‑0
• Recommended approval of redistricting for D&B Properties Cleveland LLC from A‑1 to R‑1 – unanimous 4‑0
• Recommended denial of redistricting for Metro United 47 LLC from A‑1 to C‑2 – unanimous 4‑0

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several year-end appointments to county boards and commissions. The meeting also includes a monthly financial report from the Finance Director.

• Board of Assessors appointment (3-year term)
• Building Authority appointments (three positions)
• Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities appointment (3-year term)
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board appointments (4 positions)
• Planning Commission appointments (2 positions)

The White County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the minutes from the November 3 and November 24 meetings. It reappointed Adrian Medley to the Board of Assessors and made several appointments and reappointments to the Building Authority, DBHDD Board, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Planning Commission. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Adopted minutes of Nov 3, 2025 regular meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted minutes of Nov 24, 2025 work session & called meeting (unanimous)
• Reappointed Adrian Medley to Board of Assessors (3‑year term, expires Dec 31 2028)
• Appointed Lyn Holcomb, Mully Ash, and Marc Greene to Building Authority (terms expiring 2026‑2027)
• Appointed Jennfier Thomas to DBHDD Board (3‑year term, expires Dec 31 2028)
• Reappointed Marshall Anderson, Mary Trigg, Candice Merck and newly appointed Carlos Santiago to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (3‑year terms)
• Reappointed Charlie Thomas and John Yarbrough to Planning Commission (unanimous, 3‑year terms)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on four land‑use applications. It will consider a conditional use permit for TowerCo LLC, on behalf of Mossy Creek Methodist Church, to build a telecommunications tower on 2154 Post Road (11.98 acres, currently A‑1 Agricultural Forestry District). It will also review three redistricting requests: North Georgia Powerstroke LLC to change 5284 Highway 129 South from R‑1 Residential Single Family to C‑2 Highway Business (1.58 acres); D&B Properties Cleveland LLC to change 709 Claude Sims Road from A‑1 Agricultural Forestry to R‑1 Residential Single Family (1.06 acres); and Metro United 47 LLC (Kirt Koch) to change 42 Stonewall Drive from A‑1 Agricultural Forestry to C‑2 Highway Business (3.00 acres).

• Conditional use permit for TowerCo LLC (Mossy Creek Methodist Church) – telecom tower at 2154 Post Road, 11.98 acres, current A‑1 Agricultural Forestry District
• Redistricting request by North Georgia Powerstroke LLC – 5284 Highway 129 South, 1.58 acres, from R‑1 Residential Single Family to C‑2 Highway Business
• Redistricting request by D&B Properties Cleveland LLC – 709 Claude Sims Road, 1.06 acres, from A‑1 Agricultural Forestry to R‑1 Residential Single Family
• Redistricting request by Metro United 47 LLC (Kirt Koch) – 42 Stonewall Drive, 3.00 acres, from A‑1 Agricultural Forestry to C‑2 Highway Business

The White County Planning Commission held a public hearing on four land‑use applications but did not vote on any of them. Staff recommended approval for each application and the commission will issue recommendations next week. The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Ms. Burke, seconded by Mr. Yarbrough, and the motion passed unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will meet to review variance applications for a campground, a residential lot, and a commercial property. The meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2025, at the Administration Building.

• Review variance for RV park square footage at 16 Creekview Drive
• Review variance for lot size and building lines on Taxiway Lane
• Review variance for property access on Monroe Ridge Road

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider four land use applications. The body will review requests for a telecommunications tower and three property redistricting changes in Cleveland.

• Conditional use permit for a telecommunications tower at 2154 Post Road
• Redistricting 5284 Highway 129 South from R-1 Residential to C-2 Highway Business
• Redistricting 709 Claude Sims Road from A-1 Agricultural Forestry to R-1 Residential
• Redistricting 42 Stonewall Drive from A-1 Agricultural Forestry to C-2 Highway Business

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will review three variance applications. The applications are from Linda Gail Thompson for an RV park at 16 Creekview Drive, from Susan Smith for lot size and building line changes on Taxiway Lane, and from RLF Enterprises LLC for access on Monroe Ridge Road in Sautee Nacoochee. No other agenda items are listed.

• Variance for Linda Gail Thompson – Section 14-133(k) RV Park square footage, 16 Creekview Drive, parcel 004E-001.
• Variance for Susan Smith – Sections 802 (Lot Size) and 804 (Building Lines), Taxiway Lane, 0.19 acres, parcel 063A-043.
• Variance for RLF Enterprises LLC – Section 601 access, Monroe Ridge Road, Sautee Nacoochee, 4.15 acres (Lots 1 and 2), parcel 069-118A.

The commission discussed three variance applications and a road‑acceptance request, but no votes or approvals were recorded. The variance for Linda Gail Thompson was withdrawn. No decision was made on the Susan Smith or RLF Enterprises variances. The meeting was adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn – approved unanimously

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration will adopt minutes from the October 14, 2025 meeting and the November 4‑10, 2025 canvassing and certification meeting. It will review and approve the certification results and official reports from the November 4, 2025 election. The board will vote to approve the schedule, dates, and times for the 2026 election cycle, including the BOER regular meetings. A vote will also be taken to approve the registrar’s report of registered voters.

• Adopt minutes of Regular Meeting held October 14, 2025
• Adopt minutes of Canvassing & Computation, Pre‑Certification, Certification Meeting held November 4‑10, 2025
• Approve 2026 Election Cycle Dates & Times
• Approve 2026 BOER Regularly Scheduled Meetings
• Approve Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters

The board unanimously adopted the minutes from the October 14 and November 4‑10, 2025 meetings. It also unanimously approved the 2026 election cycle dates and times. The board appointed a committee of Imogene Palmer, Russell Mobley and Elections Supervisor Amie Veater to review state election guidelines. A motion to approve the Registrar’s Report of registered voters was made and seconded; the vote outcome was not recorded.

• Adopted Oct 14 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted Nov 4‑10 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 election cycle dates & times (unanimous)
• Appointed committee (Imogene Palmer, Russell Mobley, Amie Veater) to review BOER meeting compliance
• Motion to approve Registrar’s Report of registered voters (motion made, seconded; outcome not recorded)

Alcohol Beverage Commission

The White County Alcohol Beverage Commission will review and adopt the minutes from its August 19, 2025 meeting. It will consider granting a Retail Consumption Alcohol License to The Watering Hole Bar and Grill LLLP at 5012 Helen Hwy, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571. The commission will also discuss upcoming meetings and applications.

• Adopt minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting
• Consider issuance of a Retail Consumption Alcohol License to The Watering Hole Bar and Grill LLLP, 5012 Helen Hwy, Sautee Nacoochee, GA 30571
• Discussion of upcoming meetings and applications

Development Authority

The White County Development Authority will review and vote on a funding request for the Talent Pipeline Management program. It will also approve minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting and financial statements for September and October, including a check for legal services. Additional items include a continuing‑education update and reports on economic development, the chamber of commerce, and the water authority.

• Approval of minutes from September 9, 2025
• Approval of financial statements for September and October, with check approval for Carl Free, Attorney at Law
• Consider funding request for Talent Pipeline Management program
• Continuing Education Requirement update pursuant to OCGA § 36-62A-21
• Old business updates: Economic Development/County (John Sell), Chamber (Beth Truelove), Water Authority (John Ziemer)

The White County Development Authority unanimously approved moving funds into a Certificate of Deposit, approved $600 funding for account alert protection, and approved two Chamber funding requests totaling $8,940. The board also approved the agenda, prior meeting minutes, September‑October financials, and a legal services check for Carl Free. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved September 9 minutes with amendment (unanimous)
• Approved moving funds to a Certificate of Deposit (unanimous)
• Approved $600 funding for Positive Pay and ACH Alert account protection (unanimous)
• Approved September and October financials (unanimous)
• Approved check for Carl Free, Attorney at Law (unanimous)
• Approved Chamber funding: $4,400 Talent Pipeline Management Program and $4,540 Inland Port contributions (unanimous)
• Approved adjournment (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit and land use variances for a church at 141 Elrod Road in Helen. The body will also consider variance requests for RV park square footage, access, and a church in Sautee Nacoochee, along with proposed amendments to the county's official code.

• Public hearing for church conditional use permit and variances at 141 Elrod Road, Helen
• Variance request for RV park square footage at 45 Fishtail Circle, Cleveland
• Variance request for access at 1756 Highway 129 North, Cleveland
• Variance request for church setbacks and height at 1371 Highway 17, Sautee Nacoochee
• Consideration of amendments to the White County Official Code

The commission approved a solar farm amendment that adds a 200‑foot buffer between farms and includes a 12‑month post‑operation cleanup requirement, passing unanimously. It also approved several land‑use variances—including those for Deborah Heffner, Marie Witherington, and a buffer with access removal for Timothy Nix—and recommended approval of a conditional use for Mark Turner’s church property. Additional amendments to the county code covering commercial setbacks, poultry farm definitions, and non‑conforming lots were also approved, most unanimously, with one commercial‑setback amendment passing 4‑1.

• Approved variance for Deborah Heffner (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Marie Witherington (unanimous)
• Approved buffer with access removal for Timothy Nix (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Mark Turner conditional use permit (unanimous)
• Approved solar farm amendment with 200‑foot buffer and 12‑month cleanup (unanimous)
• Approved commercial setback and buffer amendments (4-1)
• Approved poultry farm definition amendment (unanimous)
• Approved non‑conforming lots and uses amendment (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The Board of Elections & Registration is meeting to oversee the November 4, 2025, Special Election. The body will review advance in-person and absentee by mail voter turnout. The meeting remains open until the election is certified.

• Review of 11.04.2025 Special Election Advance In Person Voter Turnout
• Review of 11.04.2025 Special Election Absentee By Mail Update
• Adoption of October 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Pre-Certification Meeting scheduled for November 7, 2025
• Certification Meeting scheduled for November 10, 2025

The Board of Elections accepted one provisional ballot, approving it unanimously. At the certification meeting on November 10, the Board approved all state-required forms and certified the special election results as submitted. The Board also scheduled the next regular meeting for November 18, 2025.

• Accepted one provisional ballot – approved unanimously
• Certified special election results – approved as submitted
• Scheduled regular monthly meeting for November 18, 2025

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding land use regulations. The body will review a variance request for a church property and consider amendments to the Official Code of White County.

• Two land use variances for Nacoochee Methodist Church at 1371 Highway 17 regarding setback requirements and height limitations
• Proposed amendments to the Official Code of White County

The commission held a public hearing on a land‑use variance request for Nacoochee Methodist Church and on proposed amendments to the White County Official Code, but no votes were taken on those items. The applicant was advised that the variance request will be considered at the next meeting on November 4. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission meeting on October 28, 2025 will review three variance requests. Applications are from Deborah Heffner for an 11‑acre parcel on Mae White Road, Marie Witherington for 547 sq ft of RV park space at 45 Fishtail Circle, and Timothy Nix for 5.13 acres at 1756 Highway 129 North. Each request cites a specific code section for the variance. The commission will decide whether to grant the variances.

• Deborah Heffner – variance from Section 601 for access to 11.00 acres on Mae White Road (Tax Map 079-052F)
• Marie Witherington – variance from Section 14-133(k) for 547 sq ft RV park at 45 Fishtail Circle (Lot 254 Paradise Valley Campground, Tax Map 005E-254)
• Timothy Nix – variance from Section 601 for access to 5.13 acres on two tracts at 1756 Highway 129 North (Tax Map 032-119A)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a work session to review three applications for variances from zoning regulations. The body will consider requests for property access and reduced square footage for recreational vehicle parks.

• Review of Deborah Heffner's variance request for access on Mae White Road (11 acres)
• Review of Marie Witherington's variance request for RV park square footage on Fishtail Circle
• Review of Timothy Nix's variance request for access on Highway 129 North (5.13 acres)

The commission reviewed three variance applications (Heffner, Witherington, Nix) and staff provided summaries of each. No votes or actions were taken on any of the variance requests. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding land use regulations. The body will consider variance requests for a church property and potential amendments to the Official Code of White County.

• Variance request for Nacoochee Methodist Church at 1371 Highway 17 regarding setback requirements and height limitations
• Proposed amendments to the Official Code of White County

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration will discuss several items for the upcoming November 4, 2025 election, including advance in‑person voting, poll worker training, equipment testing, and the elections calendar. The board will also vote to approve the registrar’s report of registered voters. Routine business such as adopting prior meeting minutes and public comments will be addressed.

• Advance In Person Voting; Absentee By Mail – scheduled for 11/04/2025
• Poll Worker Training
• Poll Pad Printers & Encoder Stabilizing Brackets
• Logic & Accuracy Testing
• Election Equipment Delivery Trailer

The White County Board of Elections & Registration adopted the minutes from the September 9, 2025 meeting after a motion by Vice Chair Mike Mays and a second by Lorie Crumley, with a unanimous vote. The board also approved the Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters presented by Elections Supervisor Amie Veater, after a motion by Russell Mobley and a second by Imogene Palmer, again unanimously. The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 18, 2025.

• Adopted September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Registrar’s voter registration report (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on land use regulation. Commissioners will consider an application to change the zoning of 1622 Harkins Road. The request seeks to move the property from the R-1 Single Family Residential District to the A-1 Agricultural Forestry District.

• Rezone 1622 Harkins Road, parcel 003-013 (13.05 acres) from R-1 Single Family Residential to A-1 Agricultural Forestry

The commission discussed an application to rezone 1622 Harkins Road from R‑1 to A‑1, but no vote was taken on the request. Staff explained the applicant could request a new public hearing or withdraw the application. The meeting was then adjourned by a unanimous motion.

• Motion to adjourn – approved unanimously

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on an application to change the zoning of 1622 Harkins Road. The request seeks to move the parcel from the R-1 Single Family Residential District to the A-1 Agricultural Forestry District. The property is 13.05 acres and is identified on tax map 003-013. The commission will consider the rezoning request at this meeting.

• Application to rezone 1622 Harkins Road (13.05 acres, tax map 003-013) from R-1 Single Family Residential to A-1 Agricultural Forestry

Development Authority

The Development Authority will meet to approve financial statements from May through August. The body will also receive updates on economic development, the Chamber, and the Water Authority.

• Approval of financial statements for May through August
• Economic Development/County update from John Sell
• Chamber (WCCC) update from Beth Truelove
• Water Authority (WCWA) update from John Ziemer

The White County Development Authority board approved the meeting agenda, the minutes from March 19 and May 13, 2025, and the May and August financial statements, all by unanimous vote. The board also adjourned the meeting unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 19 and May 13 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved May and August financials (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration will consider adopting the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting. New business includes discussion of the November 4, 2025 municipal election cancellation and the elections calendar, as well as list maintenance, staff updates, and poll worker matters. The board will vote to approve the registrar’s report of registered voters. The meeting also sets the next regular meeting for October 14, 2025.

• Adopt minutes of the Regular Meeting held August 19, 2025
• Discuss 11.04.2025 Municipal Election Cancellation
• Review 11.04.2025 Elections Calendar
• Vote to approve Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters
• Poll Worker Recruitment, Engagement, and Appreciation Dinner

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will meet to review minutes from July and August 2025. The body will consider a variance request regarding setbacks in Mountain and Hillside Protection for a property on Grizzly Bear Trail.

• Variance request from Joseph Pykosz for 2.00 acres at Grizzly Bear Trail (parcel 056B-280)

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 28 and August 5, 2025 meetings. It also unanimously approved Joseph Pykosz's variance request for setbacks on his 2.00‑acre property on Grizzly Bear Trail. The meeting was then adjourned without further action.

• Approved minutes of July 28, 2025 and August 5, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Joseph Pykosz, 2.00 acres on Grizzly Bear Trail (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission will meet to review minutes from previous sessions and consider one variance application. The commission will evaluate a request regarding Mountain and Hillside Protection setbacks.

• Variance application from Joseph Pykosz for setbacks on Grizzly Bear Trail (Tax map 056B-280) covering 2.00 acres

Alcohol Beverage Commission

The White County Alcohol Beverage Commission will meet to adopt minutes from June 30, 2025, and consider a change in managing agent for Habersham Winery and Creekstone Winery.

• Adoption of June 30, 2025 meeting minutes
• Change of managing agent for Habersham Winery (7025 S. Main St., 295 Hardman Farm Road, Rivermist, and D’Normandy)
• Change of managing agent for Creekstone Winery (Bubble House)
• Meeting location: BOC Conference Room, 1235 Helen Highway, Cleveland, GA

Elections & Registration

The board adopted the minutes from the July 8 regular meeting and the July 15‑21 canvassing and certification meeting after a motion by Mike Mays and second by Lorie Crumley. The Registrar’s Report of registered voters through July 31, 2025 was approved after a motion by Russell Mobley and second by Mike Mays. Both actions passed unanimously. The board also set the next regular meeting for September 9, 2025.

• Adopted July 8 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted July 15‑21 canvassing & certification meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Registrar’s Report of registered voters through July 31, 2025 (unanimous)
• Scheduled next regular meeting for September 9, 2025

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved a variance for Webster Family Partnership LP on Webster Lake Road, adding rights‑of‑way, affidavit, and performance‑bond conditions. It also unanimously approved a small porch‑cover variance for Connie Black and approved a reduced‑size cul‑de‑sac variance for James Allison after a majority vote. Recommendations to rezone two properties (Jeff Cowart and Thomas Hogan) to single‑family residential were unanimously recommended to the Board of Commissioners.

• Approved Webster Family Partnership LP variance with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved Connie Black porch‑cover variance (unanimous)
• Rejected James Allison variance per larger cul‑de‑sac recommendation (failed due to lack of majority)
• Approved James Allison variance per smaller cul‑de‑sac recommendation (majority)
• Recommended approval of Jeff Cowart redistricting to R‑1 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of Thomas Hogan redistricting to R‑1 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 30 and July 7 meetings (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission heard two rezoning applications—Jeff Cowart's request to change 715 Tommy Cowart Road from C‑2 to R‑1 and Thomas Hogan's request to change 1594 Holiness Campground Road from Industrial to R‑1. No public comments were received and the commission did not vote on either application. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Jeff Cowart rezoning request – no decision taken
• Thomas Hogan rezoning request – no decision taken
• Meeting adjourned – unanimous motion

Elections & Registration

The board voted unanimously to place Resolution No. 2025‑14, calling for a county floating local option sales tax election, on the November 4, 2025 ballot. It also unanimously rejected a provisional ballot from a non‑resident voter. The official election summary report was approved and signed. Minutes from the July 8 meeting were deferred to the next regular meeting.

• Unanimously approved placing Resolution No. 2025‑14 on the November 4, 2025 election (unanimous)
• Unanimously rejected one provisional ballot because the voter did not reside in White County (unanimous)
• Unanimously approved the official election summary report and authorized signing (unanimous)
• Deferred the minutes of the July 8, 2025 meeting to the next regular meeting (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration adopted the minutes from the June 10 regular meeting and the June 15‑23 canvassing, certification, and certification meetings, each by unanimous vote. The board also unanimously approved the Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters. Future meeting dates were set for the July 15 runoff election day meeting and the August 19 regular meeting.

• Adopted June 10 regular meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted June 15‑23 canvassing & certification meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Registrar’s Report of Registered Voters (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The White County Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat for the Big Oak Subdivision and several access and RV‑storage variances, most unanimously. It also recommended to the Board of Commissioners the redistricting of four properties and a special‑use permit for an air‑curtain wood‑waste burner, with votes ranging from unanimous to 5‑1.

• Approved preliminary plat for Big Oak Subdivision (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Werkheiser Commercial One LLC Lots 6‑7 with road condition (5‑1)
• Approved variance for Tommy Hogan access, contingent on rezoning (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Rory Riff RV storage building (unanimous)
• Recommended approval to Board for Timothy Bryant redistricting to A‑1 (unanimous)
• Recommended approval to Board for Southern Legacy Wood Products redistricting and special‑use permit for air‑curtain burner (unanimous)
• Recommended approval to Board for Westmoreland Ventures redistricting to R‑1 (5‑1)
• Recommended approval to Board for Halle Baum redistricting to R‑3 (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration unanimously approved the unofficial election summary report, the absentee‑by‑mail results, and the advanced in‑person vote results, and accepted the tabulations to certify the June 17, 2025 primary election. The board also scheduled a risk‑limiting audit for June 27, 2025. All motions were passed unanimously.

• Approved Election Summary Report (unanimous)
• Approved Absentee‑by‑Mail results (unanimous)
• Approved Advanced In‑Person Vote results (unanimous)
• Accepted tabulations and certified the election (unanimous)
• Scheduled Risk Limiting Audit for June 27, 2025
• Approved motion to reconvene until June 23 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2025‑2026 Budget, the Capital Improvements Plan budget, and the fee schedule, each by a unanimous 4‑0 vote. It also approved three land‑use rezoning applications for properties on Highway 115 East, Thomas and Thomason Road, and Spencer Road, also unanimously. Additional unanimous approvals were given for the Joint Facilities Use Agreement with the Board of Education, the EMS contract with Northeast Georgia Physician’s Group, and a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant of $292,780 with a $35,596 local share.

• Approved FY 2025‑2026 Budget (Resolution 2025‑11) (4‑0)
• Approved FY 2025‑2026 Capital Improvements Plan budget (Resolution 2025‑12) (4‑0)
• Approved FY 2025‑2026 Fee Schedule (Resolution 2025‑13) (4‑0)
• Approved rezoning of 3038 Highway 115 East from C‑1 to C‑2 (Almand Family Trust) (4‑0)
• Approved rezoning of property on Thomas and Thomason Road from A‑1 to R‑1 (Joyce Ray) (4‑0)
• Approved rezoning of property on Spencer Road from A‑1 to R‑1 (Martin/Spencer) (4‑0)
• Approved Joint Facilities Use Agreement with White County Board of Education (4‑0)
• Approved EMS contract with Northeast Georgia Physician’s Group (4‑0)

Elections & Registration

The White County Board of Elections & Registration adopted the minutes from the May 20 meeting by unanimous vote. The board also approved the Public Service Commission equipment deployment plan for the June 17 election, again unanimously. Finally, the registrar’s report of registered voters was approved without dissent.

• Adopted May 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved PSC equipment deployment plan for June 17, 2025 election (unanimous)
• Approved registrar’s report of registered voters (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission granted square‑footage and lot‑width variances, denied a setback variance, and approved conditions to retain existing perimeter buffers and remove cul‑de‑sacs for Metro RV Cleveland LLC's RV park. It also unanimously recommended approval of several redistricting applications to the Board of Commissioners.

• Approved square‑footage variance for Metro RV Cleveland LLC (5-1, Ms. Burke opposed)
• Approved lot‑width variance (80‑ft to 34‑ft) for Metro RV Cleveland LLC (5-1, Ms. Burke opposed)
• Denied setback variance (15‑ft to 0‑ft) for Metro RV Cleveland LLC (4-2, Mr. Freeman and Mr. Ash opposed)
• Approved amendment adding condition to retain existing 10‑ft perimeter buffers for Metro RV Cleveland LLC (unanimous)
• Approved original motion as amended for perimeter screening variance for Metro RV Cleveland LLC (unanimous)
• Approved removal of cul‑de‑sac requirements for Metro RV Cleveland LLC (unanimous)
• Recommended approval to Board for Almand Family Trust redistricting to C-2 Business District (unanimous)
• Recommended approval to Board for Joyce Ray redistricting to R-1 Residential District (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The board adopted the minutes from the April 8, 2025 regular meeting with a unanimous vote. The registrar’s report of registered voters was also approved unanimously. No other motions were decided at this meeting.

• Adopted April 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved registrar’s report of registered voters (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Development Authority board approved the meeting agenda, the March 11 and April 3 minutes, and the March‑April financial statements, each by unanimous vote. The board also adjourned the meeting unanimously. No other substantive actions were decided.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from March 11 and April 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved March and April financials (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 31 and April 7 meetings. It unanimously approved a variance for a porch at 85 Holiday Loop in Cleveland. It unanimously denied a variance request for a 12‑home gated development on Sawmill Road in Murrayville, citing inter‑county legal issues. It also unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning from A‑1 to R‑1 for the Red Barn Finds parcel on Thomason Road.

• Approved March 31 and April 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved variance for porch at 85 Holiday Loop, Cleveland (unanimous)
• Denied variance for 12‑home gated development on Sawmill Road, Murrayville (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning to R‑1 for 035-042B parcel on Thomason Road (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board adopted the minutes from the April meetings unanimously. It approved switching the county's health insurance provider to Anthem. The Board also unanimously approved a change order for the LMIG road project and the FY2026 Enotah Judicial Circuit Budget. No vote was taken on the proposed FLOST sales tax measure.

• Adopted April 7, 14, and 28 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved switch to Anthem health plan (unanimous)
• Approved LMIG change order for Industrial Blvd and Cobb Vantress Rd (unanimous)
• Approved FY2026 Enotah Judicial Circuit Budget (unanimous)

Elections & Registration

The Board of Elections & Registration ratified its updated by‑laws as presented by the Board of Commissioners. It approved the proposed Blue Creek polling location at Zion Interdenominational Church and adopted a standard polling‑place agreement for use with non‑government facilities. Members also set a $200 compensation fee for using such facilities, approved attendance at the May 8 Business Block Party, and unanimously accepted the Registrar’s report of registered voters.

• Ratified White County Board of Elections & Registration by‑laws – unanimously approved
• Approved Blue Creek polling location at Zion Interdenominational Church – unanimously approved
• Adopted Polling Place Agreement as a model for non‑government facilities – unanimously approved
• Set compensation fee for use of non‑governmental facilities at $200 – unanimously approved
• Approved Board members' attendance at Business Block Party on May 8, 2025 – unanimously approved
• Approved Registrar’s report of registered voters – unanimously approved

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission approved the minutes from February 24 and March 3, 2025. It unanimously granted a variance for a 10 × 38 ft awning at 128 Tip Top Circle. The commission also unanimously approved a groundwater recharge plan request for Pilots Lodge. Finally, it unanimously recommended that the Board of Commissioners approve the rezoning of 0 Chimney Trace from A‑1 to R‑1.

• Approved minutes of Feb 24 and Mar 3, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Joseph Litle at 128 Tip Top Circle (6-0 unanimous)
• Approved Groundwater Recharge Plan request for Pilots Lodge (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of London Ventures LLC rezoning of 0 Chimney Trace from A‑1 to R‑1 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Development Authority

The Authority held a TEFRA hearing on the $30 million Woodlands Camp bond. Chairman Yarbrough summarized the bond and opened the floor for public comment. Residents voiced concerns about traffic, road safety, and noise, and Woodlands Camp’s CEO outlined mitigation plans. No decisions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

Board of Commissioners

The Board unanimously approved a $15,000 opioid settlement grant for Avita Community Partners. It also approved two land‑use rezoning applications—0 Sawmill Road (3‑2 vote) and 3814 Westmoreland Road (unanimous). Additional actions included approving a vehicle purchase, weather radios, outdoor warning sirens, and ratifying elections‑code amendments, while tabling a cemetery‑lot size change.

• Approved $15,000 opioid settlement funding for Avita Community Partners (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 0 Sawmill Road from A‑1 to R‑1 (3‑2 vote)
• Approved rezoning of 3814 Westmoreland Road from R‑2 to R‑3 (unanimous)
• Tabled amendment to reduce family cemetery lot size from 2 acres to 1 acre (unanimous)
• Approved resolution ratifying Board of Elections code amendments (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 2025 Ford F150 XL Super‑Cab 4x4 truck for $44,002.52 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of weather radios for $26,150.00 (90% grant, 10% $2,615 match) (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of three outdoor warning sirens with $8,698.56 local match (unanimous)