Development Authority elects new chairman; recreation board to draft fundraising rules
White County's Development Authority elected new officers and approved financial statements this week, while the Recreation Advisory Board agreed to develop written fundraising guidelines for football teams. The Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission also met but took no recorded votes.
Development Authority elects new officers
The White County Development Authority, meeting Aug. 11, unanimously approved financial statements for May, June, and July 2026, along with a CD balance sheet. The board also unanimously elected Don Allison as chairman, Joe Whelchel as vice chairman, and John Ziemer as secretary. The resignation of Virginia Roberts was noted and accepted. Minutes from the March 10, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously.
Recreation Advisory Board to draft fundraising rules
At its Aug. 10 meeting, the Recreation Advisory Board agreed to create written guidelines for football team fundraising and sponsorships, following concerns about consistency. The board also reinforced that only approved coaches may participate in practices and team activities, and considered resending the Zero-Tolerance Policy for coach and parent signatures. No formal votes were taken. Facility updates and the upcoming Turkey Trot were discussed.
Other meetings
The Board of Commissioners met Aug. 3 with an agenda that included a proposed annual contract with Verida, Inc. for reimbursement of federal and state grant funds for senior transportation services, adoption of minutes from four prior sessions, and a monthly financial report from Finance Director Jodi Ligon. No decisions were recorded.
The Planning Commission held a work session Aug. 4 to review a preliminary plat for Jimmy Mac Park Phase II, a 4.03-acre project (tax map 051-017) deemed "vested" since 1999. The applicant seeks to place five mobile homes on the lots. Environmental Health approval has been obtained. No vote was taken.
Coming up
The Board of Commissioners will hold a called meeting today, Aug. 17, to consider three moratoriums on new development in unincorporated areas:
- A moratorium on new convenience stores (Resolution 2026-16) until Feb. 15, 2027.
- A moratorium on new vape shops and CBD stores (Resolution 2026-17) until Feb. 8, 2027.
- A moratorium on new commercial development along Helen Highway/SR 75 from Hulsey Road to GA 17 (Resolution 2026-18) until Feb. 8, 2027.
The board will also enter an executive session to discuss personnel matters.