Kristi Finley

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).

The meeting included the approval of the January minutes. Key discussions focused on new business items involving variances for property development. Application VA25-28 sought a 15-foot reduction from the required 20-foot rear setback for pool construction, which was approved. Application VA25-29 sought an 8-foot reduction from the required 15-foot side setback for new home construction, which was also approved. The commission recommended approval for application ZA25-12, a request for land use amendment to rezone acreage from RA to CRB to allow for a self-storage facility, including a special use permit for mini warehousing. A public hearing addressed proposed text amendments to the Dawson County Code of Ordinances, covering proposed changes in chapters related to alcohol sales (including package store limits and rooftop dining), business licenses (modifying home occupation standards and addressing vape shops), roads and streets (driveway standards, culverts, and addressing), and land use (stream buffer standards and building setback reductions). The staff noted that data centers would require zoning/special use approval only in the industrial CIR district, and solar farms were not currently seeing development pressure in the county.