[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6427648,"mediaKeyId","5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69","parentId",5906946,"title","Cherokee County commissioners adopt $438.6 million budget, sign off on zoning and procurement items","audioSeconds",113,"startMs",113000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69&start=113&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69/thumbnail_113000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6427648/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Cherokee-County-commissioners-adopt-4386-million-budget-sign-off-on-zoning-and-procurement-items","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427648-1bbedd2bd452cfdccf33322569429bae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176580&Signature=Dl~zgsFqsDzDeABFqz7S~tVbFZOxxw4GIezB8aSN3cR~h~-MxB4l954D6AEdZlN49OO1mVFGxymvmT~4tQ8ReEMJM8h2CmiCsoNLcCbhtMhZxzBETkAeUkSnfatJlgieRiYVXyJDEzQ7r3RUP1~ypKUZyVuaFz6ONGbQC929ebGpXc-JOtnR5tXMX2NU4b4DmtnJdfzkwT0kKn2PmC8OZ0QKRxV0t~j1bXZ-OhEoX2O9McClkiNzenMissze5RcsjUkP227wBttqvOFfZEdQD0eIKgfYuesdf9S-4XsDvkNihTNzj~xOt9KAfrA4KFOE8PZ1GzvhG2fxjiaDw37fKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cherokee ","date","2025-10-07T18:03:00Z","article","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 adopted a $438,576,565 fiscal year 2026 consolidated budget, approved county contracts and grants and acted on a string of planning and zoning requests at a regularly scheduled meeting in Cherokee Hall.

The budget adoption and a series of unanimous procurement approvals were the most consequential administrative votes of the evening. Commissioners also split 3–2 to deny a freestanding sign variance and voted 4–1 to approve a special-use permit and exceptional variance for a package-liquor store at Bells Ferry Road.

Why it matters: The adopted budget includes a 3% employee cost-of-living adjustment and increases for health insurance and other benefits but did not raise county tax rates for maintenance-and-operations or fire district taxes. The package-store approval implements a county ordinance that created six alcohol districts after a voter referendum earlier this year. Several zoning items will return to the board for further review or were postponed for additional work with applicants.

Most important actions (selected)

- Budget adoption: Approved unanimously. FY2026 consolidated budget: $438,576,565. Board discussion noted the budget includes a 3% COLA, $5 million for employee COLA, $5.3 million for health insurance increases, and that it does not change the county tax rates. Chairman Harry Johnston said, \"For all $438,000,000 seems like a lot of money. It is a lean budget.\" The motion to adopt passed unanimously.

- Planning & Zoning highlights: A variance requested by Dr. Amy Crowder for a non‑monument freestanding sign at 7946 Highway 92 was denied 3–2. The board unanimously adopted updated conditions for a 13.24‑acre industrial parcel owned by Osborne Enterprise LLC. A request by Robert and Mary Stone to rezone 11 acres for RV and commercial storage was postponed to Jan. 20, 2026. The board accepted an appeal to rehear a variance for shared access serving five lots and granted a withdrawal without prejudice in another zoning case. The rezoning requested by Abbas Al Sayedee at Chattan Drive was denied unanimously. The planning commission recommendation and board action details are below.

- Package liquor store at Bells Ferry Road: The board approved a special use permit and an exceptional variance for a 10,000‑square‑foot package‑liquor store at 6220 Bells Ferry Road by 4–1 votes (chair dissenting). The board attached conditions including restricted hours of package‑sale operations, additional screening and prohibiting direct access from the Bells Ferry multi‑use trail; the motions and conditions are recorded below.

- Contracts and capital: The board approved a construction agreement for a new CATS/Katz administration building ($5,144,473 contract; approximately 80% federally funded), awarded technology and design consulting agreements (including an update to the county’s impact‑fee methodology with TischlerBise), renewed cybersecurity and email protection services, and approved resurfacing and maintenance contracts for parks and fleet services.

Votes at a glance (selected items)

- Motion to adopt FY2026 budget, mover: Commissioner Ragsdale, second: Commissioner Carter — vote: 5–0, outcome: approved.
- Motion to deny sign variance (Dr. Amy Crowder, 7946 Highway 92), mover: Commissioner Ragsdale, second: Commissioner Reiszle — vote: 3–2, outcome: denied.
- Motion to adopt updated conditions for Case 7831 (Osborne Enterprise LLC), mover: Commissioner Wetherbee, second: Commissioner Cagle — vote: 5–0, outcome: approved (conditions amended).
- Motion to postpone rezoning (Robert & Mary Stone) to Jan. 20, 2026, mover: Commissioner Carter, second: Commissioner Wetherbee — vote: 5–0, outcome: postponed to 2026-01-20.
- Motion to accept appeal for variance (shared easement serving 5 lots), mover: Commissioner Cagle, second: Commissioner Wetherby — vote: 5–0, outcome: rehearing to be scheduled.
- Motion to approve special use permit (6220 Bells Ferry Road), mover: Commissioner Ragsdale, second: Commissioner Carter — vote: 4–1, outcome: approved (conditions attached).
- Motion to approve exceptional variance (6220 Bells Ferry Road), mover: Commissioner Ragsdale, second: Commissioner Carter — vote: 4–1, outcome: approved (same conditions attached).
- Motion to deny rezoning for 650/750 Chattan Drive (Al Sayedee), mover: Commissioner Cagle, second: Commissioner Wetherbee — vote: 5–0, outcome: denied.
- Consent agenda (5 items including two Victims of Crime Act grants and a tire grant application): motion by Commissioner Carter, second Commissioner Wetherbee — vote: 5–0, outcome: approved.
- Multiple procurement and contract actions (workers’ compensation excess insurance; IT vulnerability and email protection renewals; tennis‑court resurfacing; Technology Ridge Parkway design amendment; impact‑fee update contract; uniform rental; fleet asset management software; Katz administration building construction): motioned and seconded in individual items — all approved unanimously. See meeting minutes for itemized dollar amounts and contract terms.

Context and next steps: Several items will return to staff and to the planning commission for ordinance updates or more refined plans. Commissioners discussed a short targeted revision to the county sign ordinance to address monument masonry requirements within a few months, while a full rewrite could take about a year. The Robert and Mary Stone rezoning was postponed to allow staff and the applicant time to work on screening and conditions before a final decision.

Ending: The board adjourned the meeting after routine business and scheduled follow‑up hearings and work‑session items as noted in the minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","At their Oct. 7 meeting the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners adopted a $438,576,565 fiscal 2026 budget, approved multiple procurement and construction contracts and decided several planning and zoning matters, including approval of a packaged-liquor store permit and denial of a sign variance.","taxTitle","Cherokee County, Georgia","taxId",12793,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427644,"Commissioners deny variance for freestanding sign at Highway 92 property, 3–2",345,1428000,1773000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69&start=1428&end=1773","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69/thumbnail_1428000.jpg","/articles/6427644/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Commissioners-deny-variance-for-freestanding-sign-at-Highway-92-property-32","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427644-6e2d003bf6b8074e63167767470dc9b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176580&Signature=IspnNdNYtp56Imzr1JkTQbp5RqJdcZ6twe7c791nkRqQgQ1jGB-snyiUYzCUFd8fsgrnXf~SeQq3OdC2GtXSy~0CYeygyI0QjoOI7n61EUrNNEVxVZWZI9eipFRgk2tfHLNkVgio1bJo~8QY9xtgMb9z2FmOnT1RS7FiAGmuwVwqAw~6QcYWr-nZPCyiGbCqtXx6o4xb9t6Xy2mm9Ov~pvEwWXfNbSxPkZYFLVAl38W0wKQek0OQEc6NoWuPQgUCD3NEVkHhoU34qJ-65kLYJuQITvm7wegRezUjGxq5bUlV07P8AJyyK42X-ShZppZ4DjWTLnRO-CdsRN9qrFLoQA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted 3–2 on Oct. 7 to deny a variance request that would have allowed a freestanding sign that does not meet the Highway 92 Overlay District’s monument‑sign masonry enclosure requirement.

The sign variance application was filed by ALC Veterinary Properties, represented to the board by Adam Rosen on behalf of Dr. Amy Crowder for property at 7946 Highway 92. Planning staff said the request sought relief from Article 16 of the county overlay district that requires the copy area of freestanding signs to be fully enclosed by masonry.

Commissioner Ragsdale moved to deny the variance, saying the application did not meet the ordinance as written: \"I’m still of the opinion that this should be denied simply based on the fact that it doesn't meet the ordinance,\" he said. Chairman Harry Johnston, who dissented, praised the applicant’s design: \"I think the sign is beautiful. It actually looks better than what it would look otherwise,\" he said during the debate.

Board action and next steps

- Vote: Motion to deny variance carried 3–2 (yes: Commissioners Ragsdale, Wetherbee, Cagle; no: Chairman Harry Johnston, Commissioner Carter). The denial was based on noncompliance with the current sign ordinance.
- Commissioners discussed a two‑track approach to the problem: a targeted sign‑ordinance amendment to address monument‑sign masonry requirements that could be prepared in as little as one to two months, and a full sign‑ordinance rewrite that could take up to a year.

Why it matters: The decision enforces the county’s existing design standards while flagging the ordinance as a recurring source of variance requests. Planning staff was directed to prepare a short, narrowly focused ordinance amendment for board consideration to allow limited flexibility for monument signs while a comprehensive rewrite is developed.

Ending: The denial closes this variance application in its present form; staff will return with recommended ordinance language if the board requests it for fast‑track consideration.","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners denied a request by ALC Veterinary Properties to allow a non‑monument freestanding sign at 7946 Highway 92, citing current sign‑ordinance requirements. The board discussed a targeted ordinance revision to address masonry enclosure requirements for monument signs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427635,"Board approves packaged‑liquor store at Bells Ferry Road with conditions, 4–1",1128,3388000,4516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69&start=3388&end=4516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69/thumbnail_3388000.jpg","/articles/6427635/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Board-approves-packagedliquor-store-at-Bells-Ferry-Road-with-conditions-41","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427635-28b78a42ca9b9a5a2e673a30454277ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176580&Signature=KO-ntRqhQzmthN1y9d0DLofX13kbEO3Y8y3RQuDCcmvhz4m8cZZyHXixs5a3q71FBiaQkmyVzZV5dwQYejZ0M70pX08231DnUoKH7jbqHELaRbpZnh8XYF~lu-NMchGWjMrMotz66jWk3jf1A7vodM~VXIOx1VB0wMCvrmYtI3Rmj1~ETiMbWU6d4UG08JQNG~1Ltr~F74uDSeJmwSGYlxqcgako~Z3-x0utILDQ9u2COTXmrQsqzjdUEIvaexD31sDpI0pj2z~bPCx--V37NUMB0YXTrIzJMEy6x6ScfDJW5QboidITLvp-8gkRyNZB8Py1mJHEwmz8Xu0vi0xaqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted 4–1 on Oct. 7 to approve both a special‑use permit and an exceptional variance allowing a package‑liquor store at 6220 Bells Ferry Road.

The application, filed for property at the intersection of Bice Lake Parkway and Bells Ferry Road, requested approval to operate a packaged‑liquor store in the county’s Bells Ferry neighborhood center overlay. Planning staff told the board the applicant met the county’s recently adopted alcohol‑district ordinance requirements and that the Planning Commission had recommended approval.

Several residents and some commissioners said they were concerned about proximity to an apartment complex and a nearby bus stop and multi‑use trail. In response the board attached several conditions before voting to approve the special use and the exceptional variance.

Board‑adopted conditions (summary)

- No direct access from the Bells Ferry multi‑use trail to the package‑store property; pedestrian access must funnel through the store’s parking lot and main entrance.
- Hours for package‑sale operations limited to Monday–Thursday 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; Friday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sunday package sales per county alcohol ordinance timing (effectively 12:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m. given state/local restrictions).
- Additional evergreen plantings and a fence along the Bells Ferry multi‑use trail and Bice Lake Parkway to screen the site from the trail and adjacent apartments.
- Parking‑island placement and additional landscaping to avoid parking directly adjacent to the apartment complex; specific islands were added to the plan.

Commissioner Ragsdale, who presented the motion, said the application met the county's ordinance and that the conditions would reduce impacts on nearby residents. During the debate Chairman Harry Johnston said he recognized the referendum result that created the six alcohol districts but opposed this location, noting the site’s proximity to the apartment complex; he voted against both motions.

Vote and next steps

- Special‑use permit: Approved 4–1 (yes: Commissioners Ragsdale, Carter, Wetherbee, Cagle; no: Chairman Harry Johnston). Conditions attached as described above.
- Exceptional variance: Approved 4–1 with the same conditions attached.

Why it matters: The county adopted an ordinance earlier this year that established six alcohol districts where package liquor sales are permitted in unincorporated Cherokee County. Finding sites that meet legal requirements while addressing neighborhood concerns has proved difficult; the board’s conditions are intended to reduce pedestrian access from the trail and lessen visibility and noise impacts on nearby apartments.

Ending: Planning staff will incorporate the conditions into the permit and variance records and enforce them during site‑plan and building‑permit review and inspections.","After public opposition and staff discussion, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a special‑use permit and an exceptional variance for a package‑liquor store at 6220 Bells Ferry Road. Approval includes hours limits, additional screening and no direct access from the adjacent multi‑use trail; the chairman voted against both motions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6427630,"Cherokee County adopts $438.6 million FY2026 budget with 3% COLA; no tax‑rate increase",359,2891000,3250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69&start=2891&end=3250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5906946-afce219b6b7080014800363940799d69/thumbnail_2891000.jpg","/articles/6427630/Cherokee-County/Georgia/Cherokee-County-adopts-4386-million-FY2026-budget-with-3-COLA-no-taxrate-increase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6427630-d95511778cbf6e7d34e8878fed5122a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771176580&Signature=NesLVdEd3V48R3U4-rQ1EDHH9jr-JAbuc5VbOJNCa~~naaEAby4bfBr6grKzRS4vE2e0dgOMfKHxdX-FZQnMStlZ~Uuq9qXPJgTni75jaa5X~4N3K-ny-~cUrjrl9DAF9eYMKmnX2qioHJdqc-7qSizSkeNdR77b1GWZifF95MIpsE9GkD1KYs5PCMYZ1xNvG4AKAHMUKL65grebPv~c1EzKnlorNlPoi5it9rpvz9o~0~0KzG0cE0iO1XTRcX5DwAAKQ38lD1YoI-EAWI-RSP-yJDXvdNt4npvtITVsid~wUbDQwZdahCsXqEFwNiVNfAnZVHguVp8lAXO8MPNzFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 7 to adopt the fiscal year 2026 consolidated budget totaling $438,576,565.

County staff summarized the major components: the consolidated budget is approximately 4.9% higher than FY2025 (about $20.3 million). Key drivers include a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees ($5.0 million), an estimated $5.3 million increase in health‑insurance costs, other benefit changes of roughly $2.1 million, operating cost increases near $4.2 million, and non‑departmental increases of $0.5 million. Capital funds rose by about $0.7 million; the county manager noted timing differences in capital projects.

The adopted budget also makes several interfund transfers, including a $700,000 transfer from the general fund to the EMS fund and $500,000 in transfers to other county funds. The Katz/CATS building project is funded largely by Federal Transit Administration grants; the local share was noted in a separate contract approval.

Chairman Harry Johnston summarized board sentiment about the size and prudence of the plan: \"For all $438,000,000 seems like a lot of money. It is a lean budget,\" he said, noting that the plan did not add ongoing personnel beyond the current year and did not change tax rates. The board also approved a small salary‑incentive program for the sheriff's office intended to retain deputies.

Why it matters: The budget funds county operations and capital programs for the coming fiscal year and sets spending priorities while avoiding a tax‑rate increase. Implementation will begin immediately; departmental budgets and capital projects will proceed per the approved appropriations.

Ending: The county manager and finance staff will publish the adopted budget and update the county website and public records. Any capital projects and grants approved require additional administrative actions noted in meeting minutes.","The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 adopted a $438,576,565 fiscal year 2026 consolidated budget that includes a 3% employee cost‑of‑living adjustment, increased health‑insurance costs and no change to county tax rates for maintenance and operations or fire districts.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cherokee County commissioners adopt $438.6 million budget, sign off on zoning and procurement items

Commissioners deny variance for freestanding sign at Highway 92 property, 3–2

Board approves packaged‑liquor store at Bells Ferry Road with conditions, 4–1

Cherokee County adopts $438.6 million FY2026 budget with 3% COLA; no tax‑rate increase