Kathryn Massey

The meeting included the issuance of a proclamation recognizing the Tuga New Year and the approval of several items on the consent agenda, including funding reallocations for a fire truck, updates to county speed zones, and a local share commitment. The Board conducted public hearings regarding revisions to the county's purchasing policy, focusing on financial thresholds and procurement process improvements, and discussed proposed text amendments to the county code of ordinances covering alcohol licenses, business licenses, and land use, with a specific focus on capping the number of alcohol licenses permitted. Additionally, the Board reviewed a zoning application for a proposed self-storage facility, discussing requirements for building design, sidewalks, and cemetery setbacks.

The Dawson County Greenway and Trail Master Plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for developing a network of trails within Dawson County. It outlines the creation of approximately 19.6 miles of trails in southern Dawson County, connecting key points of interest such as schools, parks, Lake Lanier, Dawson Forest, residential areas, employment centers, and Highway 400 retail destinations across six main segments. The plan aims to "Protect and Connect" the County by enhancing transportation infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and addressing various community needs, emphasizing the long-term benefits of these trails as a community investment.

Key discussions during the meeting included forwarding the committee's updated bylaws to the Board of County Commissioners (BOC) for approval, pending legal counsel advice. Updates to county codes regarding Alcohol, Streets/Roads, and In Home Businesses are scheduled for presentation in February and March 2026. Further updates concerning Tree/Landscape/Buffer/floodplain regulations are targeted for late Summer to Fall 2026, aiming to use Chapter 109 as a base and discourage clear-cutting by incorporating elements from the 2024 Arborists Tree Ordinance report. New business covered the BOC's plan to announce that Data Center developments will only be permitted as Special Use applications in Industrial zones. Discussions also addressed the planned $2M investment for the Outlet Mall facelift and the lack of a substitute revenue generator plan should the mall decline. The committee suggested updating the Countywide Parks and Recreation Masterplan (last revised in 2005) instead of funding individual park updates. Concerns were raised regarding the need for a new active park near GA 400 and confusion over which governmental body (USACE/DNR/County) is responsible for deer population control in lake park areas leased from the USACE.

This document outlines the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for Dawson County, Georgia, serving as a comprehensive financial plan and operations guide. The strategic direction is built upon five core goals: maintaining smart growth standards, preserving the rural character of the county, attracting and retaining a skilled workforce, adhering to fiscally conservative practices, and enhancing infrastructure through sales tax funds including TSPLOST. The plan focuses on balancing community growth with fiscal responsibility to ensure a high quality of life for its citizens.

The meeting commenced with the approval to exit executive session, with all five commissioners present. Key discussions and approvals during the work session included the agenda modification to add the Georgia Department of Transportation FY 2026 transit trust fund program application under new business. The consent agenda was approved, covering items such as the FY2027 treatment services grant application ($415,695), the family connection 2027 physical agent request, Georgia Forestry Commission Volunteer Fire Assistance 50/50 grant acceptance ($10,000 total), and the FY2026 trauma equipment grant acceptance ($9,275). A new alcohol license for retail package sales of malt beverages and wine for Shell 41, Inc. (Shell Food Mart) was presented and approved after discussion regarding potential accessory use parking. A zoning matter (ZA 25-11) was addressed, involving the rezoning of 5.25 acres from RA (residential agricultural) to CRB (rural business) and a request for a special use permit for additional outdoor parking to support their existing landscaping business operations and potential rental of a few spots. New business included the approval of an $11,543 budget amendment for elections and registration equipment, approval of the final plat for 'The Peaks of Dawsonville,' acceptance of the dedication of streets in 'The Peaks of Dawsonville,' and approval of the Georgia Department of Transportation FY 2026 Transit Trust Fund Program Application for a new bus ($118,996).