[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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",6139534,"mediaKeyId","5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1","parentId",5580756,"title","Local farmer asks county to clarify conservation-use rules after assessor warns agritourism could breach CUVA","audioSeconds",88,"startMs",2956000,"endMs",3044000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1&start=2956&end=3044","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1/thumbnail_2956000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6139534/Hart-County/Georgia/Local-farmer-asks-county-to-clarify-conservation-use-rules-after-assessor-warns-agritourism-could-breach-CUVA","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139534-48643d9d3b44b8bad746383bd5eab959/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218232&Signature=gIyJRWzRUvh9QumpajflxcUJH1Zdvd589gKr8EjNIU8zBhzTvezTDg2zqx0WbJgeD3R960~uknMNCbrTYCBu-Tkm~WiYibBvIeJvXpOAUrueMRSOVhxW1XGlUP5y~q7yDEO2Cc64uYpru2ou2EzReSm76WZ5lbq-9bYOj33bVPzpcPM4UnQVGI~IrsRDh-cQomS7ZmF~wq~PHXhBQmW22IPDqDZUPTvJ8Be40Rfp45lWM6wtPspfBJu6Ixy2FVb2uQEziLrNferWjKrkOTAgO2qanm99ZvfQ7bVT5kfRYPxj~p3Qbv93dstlJ01Dm5dfz9sN-OEzLzNqT478fX6NCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-08-13T11:05:17Z","article","Mary Jackson, who does business as Big Heart Farm in Hart County, told the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 that a written interpretation from the chief tax appraiser would prevent farms participating in the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) program from selling items not produced entirely on the property and from allowing outside vendors at agritourism events.

“That interpretation would eliminate not just our butterfly release and our upcoming fall harvest festival, but many similar events across several farms in the county,” Jackson said, explaining that agritourism events have generated visitors and sales that support farm income and local vendors.

Jackson told commissioners that state law — cited in the assessor’s notice as OCGA 48-5-7.4 — requires conservation parcels be used for bona fide agricultural production while allowing incidental uses that are not detrimental to that primary use. She also cited OCGA 51-3-31, which recognizes agritourism activities tied to farm production.

Jackson said her summer butterfly-release event drew about 1,500 visitors from neighboring states and that roughly 95% of profits came from farm-produced goods; most of her 20 vendors that day were local farms or makers. She said she has sought legal counsel and asked the board and the board of assessors to review and correct the assessor’s interpretation so it aligns with state law and does not curtail agritourism.

County officials told Jackson that the issue requires clarity from the Georgia Department of Revenue and that the board of assessors would review the assessor’s written interpretation. Commissioners said they would research the matter and get back to her; no formal decision was made at the meeting.

Jackson said she remains uncertain how to proceed with scheduled events, including a pollinator-census event planned in collaboration with the county extension office, and asked for a quick clarification to avoid potential loss of revenue or retroactive tax liability.

Board members noted that the appellate process for CUVA determinations can involve the board of equalization and the superior court, and that some CUVA interpretations and related Department of Revenue regulations allow incidental and occasional events when they do not replace farming as the primary use. The board directed staff to follow up so constituents receive clear guidance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hart County Board of Commissioners Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","A Hart County flower-and-pumpkin farm owner told commissioners Aug. 12 that a written interpretation from the chief tax appraiser would bar outside vendors and some sales on conservation (CUVA) parcels, and asked the county to correct the interpretation or seek guidance from the Georgia Department of Revenue.","taxTitle","Hart County, Georgia","taxId",28535,"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},6139538,"Commissioners pause contract with Northeast Georgia Bridal Shelter pending multi-county funding agreement",376,1436000,1812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1&start=1436&end=1812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1/thumbnail_1436000.jpg","/articles/6139538/Hart-County/Georgia/Commissioners-pause-contract-with-Northeast-Georgia-Bridal-Shelter-pending-multi-county-funding-agreement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139538-ba4f6ef2b79e656de2aab32243508cec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218232&Signature=VEyEaAUWfSTndL7d7tSQJmiCqU3rn9Y-1Tl241xZ-r-ce7DN8CcuqMilzdqSJpd-eiwUfNM6To1WmzewqLumO2fX6DQztc9EAWZhkmoFPaKlyiI5QxMX6E~yOTKGViakexrPNUSAB~GB4nvzMgl94MnxKSOQ~K6FfsBwrs0tgf6u2z5iDtBpHz-nn2RtXV2xoaMjewFDhFMyI4S1dIXSiU5Ognw-lA5CPhM49awSOVNUzMIic1sCSW5hoqa5ZUzjg8xvDiqL71CYcmzGYRT6vLAWHcFosmtodq8x48zY8FWIheaNdfDOZqUVicY22nu-pi6RsKUMYr5GFP7MUi-ytQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hart County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 paused approval of an updated contract with the Northeast Georgia Bridal Shelter and asked staff to pursue an intergovernmental agreement that would bind other participating jurisdictions to a shared funding formula.

The move came after several commissioners said Hart County should not be the only entity legally bound to pay for shelter services without clear commitments and representation from neighboring counties and municipalities.

Commissioners said they want a single contract or an intergovernmental agreement that would include signature pages for all participating jurisdictions and clarify a common funding formula before Hart County signs. They also said Hart County should have formal representation on the shelter’s board of directors if the county will be a major funder.

County staff advised that the draft contract had been updated and was included in the meeting packet. Commissioners expressed concern that some jurisdictions named in the draft—Bowersville, for example—do not currently contribute funding. One commissioner noted the county had previously funded construction of a new shelter building that, to the commissioner’s understanding, is still not open.

County staff said they could prepare a contract structure with a signature page for each participating entity and would research whether Franklin County and other named entities currently appoint board members or contribute funds. No contract signature or vote was taken; commissioners said they would not take action at the Aug. 12 meeting and asked staff to return with clarifying information.

Discussion points included whether the shelter should be the lead agency for coordinating funding, whether the entity is organized as a nonprofit (5-0-1c was mentioned), and how board seats should be allocated if Hart and Franklin counties are the largest funders. Several commissioners suggested a seven-member board with three members from each county and an additional rotating commissioner seat.

The board directed staff to check participation and representation for the shelter, verify legal status and bylaws, and return with options rather than approving the draft contract that night.

No motion to execute the contract was made; commissioners said they would revisit the matter after the requested information was provided.","The Hart County Board of Commissioners declined to sign an updated contract with the Northeast Georgia Bridal Shelter on Aug. 12, 2025, and asked staff to pursue an intergovernmental agreement and clarify board representation and funding formulas before any county signature.",{"_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},6139520,"Commissioners ask recreation advisory board to review uniform bid specs after local-vendor concerns",228,1853000,2081000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1&start=1853&end=2081","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","/articles/6139520/Hart-County/Georgia/Commissioners-ask-recreation-advisory-board-to-review-uniform-bid-specs-after-local-vendor-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139520-3a13e5e16e72868a39b3a0de8ee79b71/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218232&Signature=ZQssr7-IG8TqJIGPV6hN1rnIg6QO0DQ3K0k49T-V4hSjomMxC1xF~5tORZbpvBUMxqsiagIMGT9KdXcCBPs8yA5EEjyOrPo-YYL4eu-9raC98hoqnzYM7TtVU-4Oz30fhfPlyPUep-47T~fyQSGNV280pfGyef0TWfgtsrqBoXm2DBj~b4yFzKdieKeJgxYLn1~tPV1oH47IQkbBxqLDULbtR7J9Jg15uzPGwB~y3SpPzMzsC9EAcYWCMhM6JdNpqN6KutC-Lk1KpVk6RUCQ3xq6MoWblid85qnEbZuGbiuHuf0i4MB5LqFAhITTTWXXcw6IqeRXYrplySdUDEkS-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hart County commissioners on Aug. 12 asked that the recreation basketball uniform bid packet be reviewed by the county’s Recreation Advisory Board before the county issues the solicitation, after a commissioner said local businesses were sometimes disadvantaged by \"or-equal\" bid language and proprietary supply arrangements.

One commissioner asked for a specific-brand option or a set of widely available brands to be listed so local retailers could compete, saying some suppliers are locked into manufacturing agreements and substitutes are not truly equivalent. He asked the board to review brand specifications and to confirm that local vendors would have fair access to bid items.

Staff and commissioners discussed that the Recreation Advisory Board has historically reviewed seasonal bid documents and that the current packet is the standard template with only date changes. Commissioners asked for the advisory board to examine the specific bid specifications and for county staff to circulate the spec packet to commissioners before the solicitation goes out.

No formal vote was taken to change procurement rules; the board agreed to have the Recreation Advisory Board review the bid and to have staff return with the finalized bid packet for the board’s approval prior to solicitation.","Hart County commissioners asked staff to route the recreational basketball uniform bid to the Recreation Advisory Board and to provide the board and commissioners the bid specifications after a commissioner raised concerns that \"or-equal\" language can disadvantage local suppliers.",{"_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},6139525,"County administrator says fee increase aimed at stopping out-of-county trash dumping",76,748000,824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1&start=748&end=824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1/thumbnail_748000.jpg","/articles/6139525/Hart-County/Georgia/County-administrator-says-fee-increase-aimed-at-stopping-out-of-county-trash-dumping","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139525-cbbdcfcce66e244b33bf425039333579/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218232&Signature=FIWVvVjImS345OgZXMN5anjHYBHn~tyi8rz~FRPFhTbBlwPBaHNSL3VEIt4aOtLtrGMLr9t04niROyevga3Z-Y4jLM1XiMuynszk5Ky7OvjWFp3LusGrWrMwD8SZftpOS9glNEsUSMamrx~7MbSEdbwoMHjvUDXakBIMNBx6euwK2PT3Ej1oKuhrCDk64a0PeTA-pjCTf7JKlSRQoDs1-xmc4oUk-xJfDuYI5fxv6c6NCR47RvdCZNZathJXPm40fpmtp3W24-u9lMHvjtw5J0PrcYUhzZaQCC~GAGZzfQh~zPAyXJ-R~qFmLiUI4I~amuSxFVcpgQEq19el9l3GSQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County officials told the Hart County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 that the county raised fees for certain types of trash so that out-of-county users would no longer be subsidized by Hart County taxpayers.

The county administrator said the change was prompted by complaints that people from neighboring counties were bringing trash to Hart County facilities and effectively shifting disposal costs onto local taxpayers. The administrator said the fee increase targeted those out-of-county customers while protecting Hart County residents from higher charges.

“As of late we found Hart County taxpayers were subsidizing people from out of the county bringing trash in here and dumping it,” the County Administrator said during the reports portion of the meeting, explaining the rationale for the fee increase.

Commissioners discussed that Hart County had been one of two counties within about a 50-mile radius accepting certain construction and demolition (C&D) materials and that aligning fees with neighboring counties would help keep the county’s solid-waste operation financially balanced.

No ordinance or formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; the administrator reported the fee adjustments had already been implemented for out-of-county customers and the board discussed the operational effects and community reaction.","Hart County officials said a recent fee increase for certain types of trash disposal was intended to prevent nonresidents from bringing commercial or C&D waste to county facilities, after complaints about out-of-county dumping and cost-shifting to county taxpayers.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6139530,"Hart County approves multiple procurement items: jail health contract, road paving award and command vehicle purchase",84,1360000,1444000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1&start=1360&end=1444","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5580756-ac605ff51af7d11a532121ecc7d4cba1/thumbnail_1360000.jpg","/articles/6139530/Hart-County/Georgia/Hart-County-approves-multiple-procurement-items-jail-health-contract-road-paving-award-and-command-vehicle-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6139530-56ad5cca559daf2b2cc6d60187b8c9fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218232&Signature=ExXumcD0orQwFLfyDZVUkUoxSWpGBumaLNqAEW0uqCQabjqoKbrOlVhtJARpFjFT9BgmmNdfuTkrg-FcWtn1Y01H-mhvzd~8PUzjRsy5apqmyY~hKtxKriXA9Rlm3dptTVF88gQfb-CnLYmigqJdiDwkSFSNKBB9ogQcpuamkC7NCFdi2STMYa~mPv6-xLnECoH6GzZAdZoPqdQxTpfBnjGnhEPCdkXzH-PmRgr-weyofg0P7crB0qwQUlEoT6bGoXDYEPJAxJqfCWk0s7nv75VxGnxfFNiTTDnE-qKKRHdHDaJ9I1IwShPzov2BNl-3nS2QYp2U0oMDN3vZYhHPGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hart County Board of Commissioners approved several procurement items on Aug. 12, including awarding the county’s jail inmate health services contract to Core Care, accepting a road paving bid recommendation, and authorizing purchase of a command vehicle.

The jail health-services award to Core Care was made on the sheriff’s and county administrator’s recommendation and passed on a recorded 5–0 vote.

The board approved the county road paving bid for 2025 to Stratton Sons on a recorded vote that resulted in four votes in favor and one abstention. A commissioner declared a conflict of interest before the vote; the board noted the abstention on the record. The motion to accept the county administrator’s recommendation was made and seconded prior to the abstention being announced.

The board also approved the purchase of a command vehicle for law enforcement operations. The motion and second were recorded and passed by a 5–0 vote.

Other procurement-related items considered at the meeting included authorization to solicit bids for fiscal-year GDOT safety grant work and the sheriff’s office credit-for-experience pay changes; the board approved solicitation to bid on the GDOT safety grant roads and approved the sheriff’s credit-for-experience pay change retroactively on recorded votes.

No contract details such as dollar amounts, contract terms or vendor pricing were discussed in the meeting record provided; county staff were given direction to proceed with the awarded contracts and solicitations.","At the Aug. 12 meeting the Hart County Board of Commissioners awarded the jail inmate health contract to Core Care, approved a road paving bid to Stratton Sons (4–1 with one abstention), and authorized purchase of a command vehicle; several motions passed unanimously and one vote recorded an abstention.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local farmer asks county to clarify conservation-use rules after assessor warns agritourism could breach CUVA

Commissioners pause contract with Northeast Georgia Bridal Shelter pending multi-county funding agreement

Commissioners ask recreation advisory board to review uniform bid specs after local-vendor concerns

County administrator says fee increase aimed at stopping out-of-county trash dumping

Hart County approves multiple procurement items: jail health contract, road paving award and command vehicle purchase