Commission rescinds historical-structure ordinance to keep $2.1 million Prater’s Mill grant on track

The Whitfield County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 on June 9 to rescind Ordinance 2020-10-26, clearing an administrative hurdle so the county can continue work on a $2.1 million grant-funded renovation of the south side of the Prater’s Mill historic site.

County staff told the commission the grant-funded project — which must be completed by the end of 2026 — will provide restroom facilities, additional parking and a walking path on the south side of Highway 2, and will require removal of several nonessential structures that currently obstruct the site plan. County officials emphasized that the historic mill building and the old general store will not be removed or altered; both are being restored with grant funds.

The county administrator said the foundation that owns or manages some elements of the site had suggested possible legal action under the ordinance. The administrator told the board the primary concern is delay rather than litigation expense: “This has to be completed by the end of 2026… This has been delayed about a year, so far with these discussions, and I think we need to move forward,” the administrator said.

Commissioners agreed and voted to rescind the ordinance so work can proceed without returning the $2.1 million grant to the funder. Commissioner Jones moved to rescind Ordinance 2020-10-26; Commissioner Thomas seconded. The motion passed on a 4-0 vote.

County staff will continue with project engineering and construction scheduling; commissioners said they remain committed to preserving the mill and store and to using the grant funds for site improvements.