Habersham Commissioners to Consider UDO, Zoning Map and Property Tax Relief Sales Tax

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will consider several significant measures Monday evening, including the county's proposed Unified Development Ordinance and zoning map and agreements necessary to move forward with a proposed one-percent sales tax aimed at reducing property taxes.

The commission will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, July 20, in the Jury Assembly Room of the Habersham County Courthouse at 295 Llewellyn Street in Clarkesville.

Under old business, commissioners are scheduled to consider and vote on the proposed Unified Development Ordinance, commonly referred to as the UDO, as well as the county's proposed zoning map. The measures represent a major update to the regulations governing development and land use throughout unincorporated Habersham County.

Commissioners also will consider an intergovernmental agreement between Habersham County and the municipalities of Alto, Baldwin, Clarkesville, Cornelia, Demorest, Mt. Airy and Tallulah Falls related to the proposed Floating Homestead Local Option Sales Tax, or FLOST, also referred to as the Property Tax Reduction Local Option Sales Tax, or PTRLOST.

A separate resolution on the agenda would call for an election to determine whether voters will approve a special one-percent sales tax for five years to reduce ad valorem property taxes throughout Habersham County. The resolution also would authorize the commission chairman to execute the intergovernmental agreement governing implementation of the tax.

Commissioners also are scheduled to discuss a rezoning request connected to an annexation petition submitted by Cook Construction and Real Estate to the City of Baldwin.

The request involves approximately 65.92 acres, including 45 acres currently located in unincorporated Habersham County and 20.92 acres within the City of Baldwin. According to the agenda, the property is proposed to be rezoned from Habersham County's LI-Low Intensity designation to the City of Baldwin's HB-Highway Business classification.

The meeting also will include recognition of the Honorable William "Bill" Dover and an announcement recognizing National Purple Heart Appreciation Day on Aug. 7.

The commission's consent agenda includes approval of minutes from previous meetings, proposed amendments to the Habersham County Airport's minimum standards for commercial aeronautical services and a professional services agreement with Leftover Pets Inc. to provide comprehensive veterinary services to the Habersham County Animal Shelter.

Commissioners also are expected to address a vacancy on the Recreation Advisory Board following the resignation of Joe Elam.

County Manager Tim Sims will provide the county manager's report.

The meeting is open to the public. Members of the public who sign up to speak on eligible agenda items are generally allotted three minutes, while individuals specifically listed on the agenda are given five minutes. Comments concerning matters subject to an advertised public hearing must be made during the appropriate public hearing portion of the meeting.