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Toccoa commission adopts hazard‑mitigation update, backs LHOST ballot measure and approves gate replacement
Summary
At its June 8 meeting the City of Toccoa City Commission unanimously adopted an updated Stephens County Joint Hazard Mitigation Plan, agreed to participate in a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) proposal to appear on the November ballot, and approved a $12,090 contract to replace the Braswell Street security gate.
The City of Toccoa City Commission unanimously adopted an update to the Stephens County Joint Hazard Mitigation Plan, voted to participate in a local homestead‑option sales tax (LHOST) proposal to appear on the November ballot, and approved a $12,090 contract to replace the Braswell Street security gate at its June 8 regular meeting in the commission chamber.
Mayor Evan Hellenga called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and introduced City Attorney Greg Sowell, who told the commission he was honored to be associated with the city and praised elected officials for their public service, saying, "This is government at its finest; this is where government happens." Adam Hazell, planning director for the Georgia Mountains Commission, presented an overview of the updated Stephens County Joint Hazard Mitigation Plan, and the commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolution updating the county plan.
City Manager Fredda O. Wheeler reviewed the LHOST proposal, which would reduce the taxable value of owner‑occupied homestead property within the city and be funded by a local 1% sales tax. Vice‑Mayor Michelle Jamieson moved to have the city participate in the LHOST proposal; Commissioner Gail Fry seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. City Attorney Greg Sowell explained that the request for local legislation would be carried to a special session of the Georgia General Assembly next week, that a companion local measure by Stephens County will be considered at the county meeting, and that if both legislative and voter approvals occur the 1% sales tax collection would begin Jan. 1, 2028. After further discussion the commission agreed to amend the motion to direct staff to publish the legal notice in the Toccoa Record this week; the amendment, moved by Commissioner Terry Carter and seconded by Commissioner Fry, was approved unanimously.
On capital and property items, the commission accepted staff recommendation to award a contract to A & T Fence in the amount of $12,090 to replace the Braswell Street security gate; the motion, moved by Commissioner Terry Carter and seconded by Vice‑Mayor Jamieson, passed unanimously. The commission also approved a motion to declare several police vehicles surplus.
Commissioner Ron Matheson reported on a Georgia Mountains Regional Commission meeting in Dawsonville and a presentation from the Georgia Department of Economic Development on Northeast Georgia tourism. The commission approved a proclamation to honor Julie Paysen, president of the Toccoa‑Stephens County Chamber of Commerce, to be presented Thursday evening. Finance Director Becky Bohannon presented the monthly financial report.
The meeting opened recognition for visitors wishing to speak (three‑minute limit); no public comments are recorded in the minutes. Mayor Hellenga adjourned the meeting (adjournment time not specified in the minutes).
