Habersham County Commissioners Hold Annual Planning Retreat

By: Nora Almazan

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday, February 24, for its annual planning retreat at the Piedmont University Commons Upstairs Conference Room in Demorest. The all-day session is scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

County leaders will use the retreat to review finances, discuss long-range projects, and set priorities for the coming year. The planning session provides commissioners and department heads an opportunity to evaluate current operations and outline future goals for county services and infrastructure.

The meeting will begin with a welcome and agenda review led by County Manager Tim Sims.

Financial Planning and Capital Projects

A major portion of the morning will focus on the county’s financial outlook. Interim Finance Director Kiani Holden will present a financial update, including discussion of the budget process and goals, as well as the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST).

Commissioners will also review capital projects funded or planned through SPLOST. Topics include improvements to the county radio system, a proposed Fire/EMA/E911 headquarters facility, and an animal control facility.

Additional discussion will cover a Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract, which is designed to identify energy-efficiency improvements to county facilities.

Taxes, Public Safety, and Development

Late morning presentations will address FLOST and pending property tax legislation, followed by an afternoon session focused on public safety. Emergency Services Director Jeff Adams is scheduled to present on potential fire service consolidation.

Planning Director Mike Beecham will lead an extended discussion on zoning matters and the county’s Unified Development Code, which guides land use and growth throughout Habersham County.

The retreat will conclude with miscellaneous discussion, wrap-up, and questions with County Manager Tim Sims.

County officials say the annual retreat allows commissioners to step back from regular business meetings and focus on long-term planning, infrastructure needs, and community growth priorities for the year ahead.