[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6160254,"mediaKeyId","5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77","parentId",5450838,"title","Commission approves four rezones and conditional-use permits including event spaces and small-lot conversions","audioSeconds",255,"startMs",1415000,"endMs",1670000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77&start=1415&end=1670","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77/thumbnail_1415000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6160254/Pickens-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-four-rezones-and-conditional-use-permits-including-event-spaces-and-small-lot-conversions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160254-dd943938805b2de7cd0fddd03397a09c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770579149&Signature=BmvE1g9Gsz2buGnBvOMx6RWxIzzwx7CFqdPAAqkctRd7WQoHFBqsUXKK49J0mbQj0ZcFhwL4JoNdy2kARbKbKup7dPzgZ3pPWaMD8gL4BLDFAz4mNkgCT5QHAOcJjwmpt8LFn6nCXf-VcB4g83f7Wzka3wiSjolJAPvhywyrocO3e6zH9vOJxNTTeyD50YRZFah9A9SIggx15X7nu33odrOS4o5mseVa4PHkgU6cqwHqTCQvx5QmZd5voFw4ZaTt1cO59BaDopQoO~y5sbLDNmUrdsRijkUxLmEjA~fl05Yqa7EdMAOOK~GiDUC8smmViGEJkSR4nvsZWQoCKgOBWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-23T11:52:58.597Z","article","Pickens County commissioners approved four planning items the board had received from the planning commission: two rezonings to create rural-residential/estate-residential lots and two conditional-use permits for event-related commercial activities.

Details: The board approved RZ190943, a request by Joyce Jones on behalf of Emerus Marble Incorporated to rezone 0.72 acres of a 39.46-acre tract on Highway 53 West from agricultural to rural-residential; the planning commission recommended approval 6–0 with the condition that the 0.72-acre tract be combined with Parcel 050B007 to create a complete parcel.

The board approved RZ190944, a request from Matthew and Diane Kinzer to rezone about 14.15 acres from agricultural to estate residential to allow creation of two estate residential lots; the planning commission recommended approval 6–0.

The board also approved CU190948, an application by Stan Fitts for a tasting room, small events, a farm store and cooking classes on a combined 247.96-acre agricultural tract on Kent Dobbs Road; the planning commission recommended approval 6–0 with conditions requiring cooperation with staff on safety, parking and compliance with applicable county regulations, and attendance limits determined by the fire marshal.

Finally, the board approved CU190949, a request by Richard Paulson for an event-space conditional use at 131 Rethis Road to extend hours of amplified sound for events; the planning commission recommendation (6–0) included conditions that the venue accommodate family reunions and similar events (excluding weddings), meet zoning and building code permitting, coordinate with the fire marshal on access and safety, ensure parking will not exceed capacity thresholds, and limit amplified sound to cease at 10 p.m.

The board voted to follow the planning commission recommendations in each case; conditions specified by the planning commission were retained as part of the approvals.

Why it matters: These approvals alter land-use permissions for the parcels in question and establish conditions the applicants must meet to operate event-related uses and to subdivide property.

Process notes: Each rezoning and conditional-use approval followed a prior public hearing before the planning commission on June 9; the board’s votes matched the planning commission’s unanimous recommendations, and the board explicitly preserved the conditions set by planning staff and the fire marshal.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pickens County Board of Commissioners | July 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board followed planning commission recommendations to approve two small residential rezones and two conditional-use permits for event/tasting-room uses, each with planning commission conditions attached.","taxTitle","Pickens County, Georgia","taxId",55054,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6160259,"Pickens County approves purchases to update fire and EMS vehicles and EMS inventory system",281,334000,615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77&start=334&end=615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77/thumbnail_334000.jpg","/articles/6160259/Pickens-County/Georgia/Pickens-County-approves-purchases-to-update-fire-and-EMS-vehicles-and-EMS-inventory-system","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160259-92a196e97e1593f409da7257fc7c482f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770579149&Signature=NBcCIISsvoVmfCdrEWyKNYdVrq74jvN3ScKlduiuCQcopJNfBwNs4sBqafSYkTxmjXpjuzmLss1imZsk72U-J9haFnvjJGQIYe210KWB76y-ZKD8c7npDxy3NL5UPsxFZn3ihKHjvVK2j0VlnA9SAWcMLNBM~AgJFxDwuDtxiTmlzQwkWMF8Rj9LG9nwklyNaTGu30KchboGXdgDKJHVYU-qSgRabIqtjdtV1bLx4gN8E0RLTVIe5zanq1KSGfhiWYXJUqAW4P-5LClR~eLzOTBtKXwaUUuC95oLrUEL6YE~JhtXLXWiZ2nHetQ17sRIbl~NnaLbnfyH4f~PC6u8~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pickens County commissioners on July ?, 2025, approved three public-safety purchases: a replacement commercial rescue pumper for Station 12, a frontline ambulance replacement, and a three-year contract for an OperativeIQ management platform to improve EMS medication oversight.

The county approved buying a commercial rescue pumper from Fireline Inc. for $431,621 to replace the pump truck at Station 12 on Cartland Road. Commissioners discussed the purchase during a prior work session and then voted to approve the expenditure from the SPLOST account.

The board also approved the purchase of a First Class emergency vehicle for Medics Ambulance, budgeted as a 2020 SPLOST project, at a cost described in the packet as $324,200. The chair said ambulance procurement is cyclical and noted lead times of about a year to a year and a half for delivery.

Separately, commissioners approved a three-year contract with Boundtree Medical for the OperativeIQ platform to provide oversight of medications and related inventory. The chairman described the contract as a three-year agreement with year-one costs of approximately $11,800, year two $8,000 and year three $8,000, with a total “just under $27,000” across three years. A county participant said if supplies are purchased through Boundtree, the net cost to the county for the platform would be small because the vendor rebates supply purchases back to the county.

Why it matters: The purchases update frontline emergency equipment and add a digital tracking system for medications and supplies. County staff said the investments are intended to keep the fleet safe, modern, and in regulatory compliance.

Votes and procedure: Each item was approved following motions and seconds reported by the chair; votes were recorded as “Aye” with no opposition. The ambulance and pumper purchases were funded from SPLOST project budgets; the Boundtree contract was presented because it is a three-year agreement and therefore before the board for authorization.

What remains to be done: No delivery dates or implementation timelines were presented beyond general lead-time expectations for vehicle manufacturing. The Boundtree contract will be signed by the chairman and implemented by EMS staff, who will coordinate configuration and vendor onboarding.","The county approved purchases of a fire pumper and an ambulance, and authorized a three-year contract for Boundtree Medical's OperativeIQ platform to track medications and supplies for emergency services.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6160264,"Residents press commissioners over large property-value increases; county explains state law and exemptions",1589,1733000,3322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77&start=1733&end=3322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77/thumbnail_1733000.jpg","/articles/6160264/Pickens-County/Georgia/Residents-press-commissioners-over-large-property-value-increases-county-explains-state-law-and-exemptions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160264-3965ecc3cccb25308238145c0ab36fdd/orig.mp4?Expires=1770579149&Signature=EuVUPpser-V0t5mByLLkZMNjdQ--kr3Xyz0~fTg4tUWvHG0JmuqbiQ7Hh14iEd7kq78lj-w1PW7MK-cNYwQ~Z79AZICIv6ZaZ2myVamCxdTdKx49jYmwIwMJgkAmpaDKFqVZyH42vRO-5ATBxKxx0NBTh7YpTkLMabgUGM6HEyBrqsy1jP3lZdGZ3SagWvOoLW6kmEcDfb0nFjTUpCV05jHbhoah8lr8zAVODU7EQWsAjZK0iEsLV~76TbJwGq6xtx~IwMoxfKsZydbNBUKW~70iOBI3EKVAYPSQsgq2MQXRBcO9XatHeEP4C2MxLWOCwSZJei7KFZWnB3cHnFBL0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of Pickens County residents used the public-comment portion of the county commission meeting to protest large increases in property valuations and ask what steps they could take.

Among speakers, Matt Warren said his personal property valuation increased sharply and described the notice as a “whoa moment.” Greg Hartley said his assessed value rose by more than $50,000 despite living on a dirt road without county amenities. Several other residents said increases threatened their ability to remain in their homes.

Why it matters: Property valuations determine the tax digest used to compute property tax bills; residents said sudden increases and unevenness across parcels are causing alarm. County officials responded with a step-by-step explanation of how assessments, appeals and millage rates interact and described a new statewide homestead exemption mechanism tied to House Bill 581.

First facts: The chairperson told the public that the board of commissioners appoints the board of assessors but does not control day-to-day appraisal operations. The appraisal office mails assessment notices, residents have a 45-day appeals window to challenge values, and after that the tax commissioner prepares the digest that county and school officials use to set millage rates. Board of education millage is set by the elected school board; the county sets only its portion of the millage rate.

County explanation and exemptions: The chairman described a state law change (referred to in the meeting as House Bill 581) that creates a floating homestead exemption tied to the year-to-year increase in a homesteaded property’s assessed value for parcels of a home plus up to five acres. Officials said the exemption can substantially reduce the tax bill for qualifying homesteaded properties that saw large assessed-value jumps. The chairman said the appraisal office is auditing and assessing properties in three geographic quadrants across the county on a multi-year cycle.

What residents asked and were told: Speakers asked for precise explanations of how their individual appraisals changed; the chairman and staff advised residents to make an appointment with the assessor’s office to see the calculations, to use the 45-day appeals process if needed, and to contact elected school-board members about school millage. The chairman said the county intends to roll back its county millage rate and that the school system indicated it intends to do so as well; he said that rollbacks can reduce tax bills even when assessed values rise.

Direct quotes (from meeting): Matt Warren, a resident, said, “I just got this past week, my property taxes... look like based off the millage it’s gonna be 91% higher than last year,” and asked whether others had similar experiences. Raymond (last name not provided), who said his valuation rose 61 percent, told the meeting his tax payment was “like 1.2% more than last year” after the exemption calculation. Several speakers asked what steps to take next; the chairman directed them to the assessor’s office and to the board of education for school-millage questions.

Unresolved facts: Residents asked which exact formula or sales the appraiser used for particular parcels; county staff said those parcel-specific calculations are available only through the assessor’s office and must be reviewed with appraisers. The chairman said the final millage rates will not be set until the digest is complete and that the tax-impact comparisons depend on whether the county and school board adopt rollbacks.

Next steps for residents: Make an appointment with the assessor’s office to review parcel calculations, use the 45-day appeal window if needed, and contact elected school-board members about school-millage decisions. The board said it plans to continue working to hold the county portion of the millage low.","Multiple residents told the Pickens County commissioners their property assessments jumped sharply this year; commissioners and staff explained appeals, homestead exemptions tied to House Bill 581, and the roles of the board of assessors, tax commissioner and school board.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6160269,"Pickens County authorizes pursuit of major water connection with Gilmer authority",228,1112000,1340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77&start=1112&end=1340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5450838-6e9a25fda8d4a8f747bfcbddc9feed77/thumbnail_1112000.jpg","/articles/6160269/Pickens-County/Georgia/Pickens-County-authorizes-pursuit-of-major-water-connection-with-Gilmer-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6160269-ddca707e245cf0515833615e119e1926/orig.mp4?Expires=1770579149&Signature=o4cyLK8NYzrVyy-KdZGwIHtGzk5wVRVOnuW2gnQ8B~yx5gXj7A3i9dg1d6TQwnfU8j3~ZhMkKeLQeDJ7TxceZnbqlOX5QKwjZYGCsifj-avnWD47TejUVr7DjGREwYpRrz5NAxB7SaJ-RlCMuH5Yjr4MZllrFSOmzFSbtN6YEBksfDOmf239-VYgVObKvKFjFC9L9NsL-P7U7r4K~5JfwF~9vWXnq8oOKxke68ZRY3x9juuBca6S8LveboAX90xk5iYK5EFmwlU6N93itIXz55MuRm9bJOfkWX6bp9MXEC52h6W2GRnxVJytoFQNDJuqWAGmAmwjVRnRmacuaO1kJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pickens County commissioners on July ?, 2025, unanimously authorized the chairman to take steps toward establishing a new, larger connection to the Gilmer County (Gilmore) water system and to prepare a contract to purchase additional water.

The move follows state environmental permitting that the chairman said authorized a withdrawal of 4,000,000 gallons per day from an underground mine source in Gilmer County. The chairman told commissioners the source is “extremely clean” and would require “very minimal treatment,” and that Pickens already has two connection points with Gilmer and this would be a third and much larger connection.

Why it matters: County officials said the connection could immediately yield up to 3 million gallons per day to Pickens and potentially grow to 8 million with additional approvals, offering a regional water source Pickens officials said the county lacks. The board authorized exploration and engineering steps now so preliminary work and negotiations can proceed; a final contract would return to the board for formal approval.

Most important facts first: The chairman said the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) granted the withdrawal for 4,000,000 gallons per day; staff described existing smaller connections on Jones Mountain and Round Top and identified a new, larger connection on Whitestone Road. Commissioners were unanimous in approving a motion to authorize the chairman to “undertake all necessary steps” to pursue the connection and to begin preparing contract terms for additional water purchases once infrastructure and engineering details are determined.

During discussion the chairman emphasized the infrastructure work remaining: engineering designs, points of connection, and negotiations over who pays for pipes and treatment. He told the board the arrangement would require follow-up meetings and could take months to reach a contract phase. He also noted the county must ensure any agreement “is not something that would be a burden or a difficulty on our county residents.”

Board procedure: The authorization was a preliminary, nonbinding step. Commissioners made clear that the board would only approve a binding contract after details and costs are completed; the chairman will return with any proposed contract for formal board action.

What remains unresolved: The chairman said the project will require engineering, additional meetings, and negotiating terms with Gilmer and with Jasper (which currently buys some water from Gilmer through Pickens). No contract price, schedule, or financing plan was presented at the meeting. The chairman said the timeline to reach contract negotiations could be months and emphasized that final approval would come to the board.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with engineering assessments, cost estimates and negotiations; the board received direction to monitor progress and expect formal contract review before any purchase commitments.

","The Pickens County Board of Commissioners unanimously authorized the chairman to pursue steps toward a large water connection with the Gilmer County water authority after staff described a state-approved groundwater withdrawal that could supply millions of gallons per day.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves four rezones and conditional-use permits including event spaces and small-lot conversions

Pickens County approves purchases to update fire and EMS vehicles and EMS inventory system

Residents press commissioners over large property-value increases; county explains state law and exemptions

Pickens County authorizes pursuit of major water connection with Gilmer authority