Habersham County commission moves on burning rules, fire alarms, energy audit LOI and HB 581 resolution; several appointments made

The Habersham County Board of Commissioners met Jan. 27 and took a series of formal actions including ordinance amendments, appointments, a contract letter of intent for an energy audit, and a resolution regarding the recent state constitutional amendment on property-assessment caps.

Votes at a glance

- Election of board officers: Jimmy Tinch elected chairman; Bruce Harkness elected vice chairman (recorded in the meeting as passing 5–0).

- Open-burning ordinance amendment (Chapter 30, Article 2) — second reading and adoption: Board accepted the revision intended to bring county code into conformity with state statute (OCGA § 12-6-90). The motion carried (voice vote recorded as “Motion carries” in the transcript).

- New fire-alarm ordinance (Chapter 30, proposed Article 3) — first reading accepted: The board voted to accept first reading. County staff said the draft establishes definitions, inspection and appeal processes, limits on excessive alarm responses and penalties. (First reading — motion passed; final wording, fee schedule and second reading were set for a…