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Board hears building‑permit numbers, SPLOST increase and tourism update
Summary
Union County Development Authority heard that March had 21 residential permits and April had 12; SPLOST collections were $42,000 higher in April 2026 than April 2025; county unemployment fell to 3.8% from 4.1% in March. The chamber reported mixed event attendance but stronger vendor sales at the Spring Downtown Market.
Ivan Walker presented monthly building‑permit figures: March included 21 residential permits, five spec homes, six mobile homes and four commercial permits; April included 12 residential permits, three spec homes, one mobile home and three commercial permits. Walker said April’s totals were down modestly from March.
Ralson Drake, representing the Blairsville/Union County Chamber of Commerce, summarized recent tourism activity: three local festivals had mixed results — the Spring Downtown Market saw fewer visitors but vendors reported higher sales compared with last year; the Blairsville Seafood Festival had higher attendance despite rain; and the Hot Rod Reunion at Meeks Park drew more attendees than last year. Drake listed upcoming events and said higher gas prices may push travelers toward closer, same‑region trips.
Drake also reported that SPLOST collections increased by $42,000 in April 2026 compared with April 2025 and that Union County unemployment fell to 3.8% from 4.1% in March. The updates were presented for board awareness; no policy action was taken on the economic indicators at the meeting.
