Residents urge action on delayed fire response and neighborhood safety; commissioners refer matters to staff

During the board’s public-comment period, Chief Jordan Messer of the Peachtree Volunteer Fire Department told commissioners that the Brasstown Fire Department is not responding to 911 calls in Cherokee County’s portion of Brasstown. Messer said Cherokee County Dispatch must contact Clay County Dispatch to page Brasstown units, which Messer described as creating about a 45-minute delay in response for Cherokee County residents. The minutes record the chief’s concern but do not include a departmental explanation or corrective action from county staff.

Also during public comment, resident Tony Chifolo described ongoing problems in his neighborhood — discharging of firearms, roadside and stream litter, and alleged drug activity — and said he was told by a realtor that the issues had harmed his ability to sell his home. The minutes state Chifolo said he contacted multiple departments and state agencies and found no resolution. The board suggested he meet with the county manager to pursue follow-up.

The minutes record these comments and the board’s referral for follow-up but do not record any formal action, investigation timeline or commitments by county departments in response to Chief Messer’s or Mr. Chifolo’s complaints. Those details were not specified and will require staff follow-up for verification and corrective steps.