The Habersham County Commission convened for its winter retreat on Thursday, February 13, at the Clarkesville Community House. This all-day event, attended by department heads, consultants, and a select group of citizens, allowed the commission to receive crucial updates from various county departments.
Animal Shelter Update
One of the most awaited updates was on the construction of the new animal shelter. Public Works Director Jerry Baggett announced the completion of the value engineering plans, which included adjustments made a few months prior. The construction manager is now preparing to put the project out for bidding.
Baggett indicated that a groundbreaking ceremony for the shelter is set for this spring. The facility will be situated off Old Athens Highway, behind South Habersham Middle School in Cornelia. Currently, the site can accommodate approximately 25 vehicles; however, Baggett stated that the county is working to clear additional space for more parking for attendees.
The ceremony is anticipated to occur late in the afternoon or early evening once daylight saving time begins, which will be after March 9.
Financial Update
Interim Finance Director Kiani Holden delivered an update on the county’s financial situation. For the first half of the fiscal year 2025, the county has collected $28.6 million in revenue, amounting to 73.15% of the $39.1 million budgeted for the year. In terms of expenditures, the county has spent $16.6 million, or 42.41% of the allocated budget.
Holden also reported on grants the county has applied for and received. The county applied for $6.6 million in state grants and successfully secured $4.79 million by June 30, 2024. For federal grants, the county applied for $13.7 million and obtained $6.4 million by the same deadline.
Looking ahead, Holden noted that the budget process for fiscal year 2026 is already in progress. A Budget Committee meeting is scheduled for March 25-27, where departments, constitutional officers, and elected officials will evaluate and discuss budget proposals.
Interim County Manager Tim Sims also briefed the commission on discussions with the consultant for the Tax Assessor’s Office. According to Sims, the county anticipates receiving the final digest numbers by the end of May.
The commissioners are slated to adopt the fiscal year 2026 budget and establish the county millage rate by June 23, 2025.
