Qualifying for Hiawassee City Council to take place in August
News, Politics July 13, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Qualifying for seats on Hiawassee City Council will take place next month at Hiawassee City Hall from Wednesday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 23, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The qualifying fee is $45.00. Candidates must reside within Hiawassee city limits for a minimum of one-year prior to election day, and be over the age of 21. The election will be held Tuesday, Nov.5, with polling at the Towns County Board of Elections Office, adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse.
Posts currently filled by Anne Mitchell, Kris Berrong, and Nancy Noblet could potentially face challengers, should the three council members choose to run for re-election. Noblet was elected to Post 5 in 2017, occupying the council seat left vacant by Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, a former council member.
Posts filled by council members Amy Barrett and Patsy Owens, in addition to the mayor’s seat, will open for election in 2021.
Council members are empowered to make policy decisions and approve ordinances, resolutions, and other local legislation to govern the health, welfare, comfort, and safety of the city’s residents. City council sets policy guidelines for the administrative and fiscal operations of the city.
Hiawassee City Council meets for a monthly work session on the last Monday of each month at 6 pm. Citizens are invited to voice their views at the work sessions. A regular session, at which voting occurs, takes place the following week on the first Tuesday of the month at 6 pm. All meetings, with the exception of executive sessions, are held at Hiawassee City Hall and open to the public.
Feature Image: (L-R) Council members Patsy Owens, Nany Noblet, Amy Barrett, Kris Berrong, Anne Mitchell, Mayor Liz Ordiales, City Clerk Bonnie Kendrick
Hiawassee Work Session Agenda – April 29th
News, Politics April 25, 2019
HIAWASSEE WORK SESSION AGENDA
April 29th, 2019
The April Work Session Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Upstairs Training Room
1. Call to order
1.1 Invocation – Anne Mitchell
1.2 Pledge of Allegiance
1.3 Mayor’s Introductions of Guests and Announcements
1.3.1 Samantha Church
1.3.2 If I were Mayor Essay winner – Jaden Taylor
1.4 Motion to Adopt Final Agenda as Distributed
2. Old Business
2.1 Mayor’s Report
2.2 Terry Poteete – Visual Outdoor Advertising
2.3 Water Rates – Resolution on May 7th for changes on June 2019 bill
2.4 Budget – Adoption and 2nd Reading May 7th
2.5 Defined Benefit Plan – 2nd Reading May 7th
2.6 Defined Benefit Plan Adoption – 2nd Reading – May 7th
3. New Business
3.1 Mural Project Plan
3.2 Personnel Policy handling
3.3 Police Department ATV
3.4 Surplus Sale of:
3.4.1 Old Chairs
3.4.2 Vehicles
3.4.3 Dining Table – Conference Room\
3.4.4 Old Computers
3.4.5 Old Furniture
3.5 January and February Financials
3.6 Consent Agenda for May 7th
3.6.1 January & February Financials
3.6.2 April 2nd City Council Meeting minutes
3.6.3 Budget Public Hearing minutes
3.6.4 April 29th Work Session Minutes
4. Police Report
5. Economic Development Report
6. Adjournment
Barrett rejects Mitchell’s term limit proposal for Hiawassee City Council
News, Politics August 28, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – A proposal to pursue a maximum of two term limits, amounting to eight years, for elected council members was raised Monday, Aug. 26, by Councilwoman Anne Mitchell at Hiawassee City Hall. The agenda item was quickly rejected by Councilwoman Amy Barrett, preventing the measure from advancing to state legislature.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales explained during the work session that in order for the proposal to proceed, the council must be in unanimous agreement on the issue. The matter was broached in previous years, Ordiales reminded, with term limits solely rejected by returning-former Councilman Jay Chastain Jr.
“I like term limits,” Mitchell said. “I really do. It’s kind of like draining the lake every year or flushing your toilet. You get something new, and people don’t get stale, and they do get stale in this job. We know that from the last 20 years.”
Barrett objected to Mitchell’s position, “Just because there’s change doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. I think the people should have a choice…I understand there have been bad experiences, but we as a public who vote, we as the voters are responsible for electing these people, and we could have voted them out. They did have people run against them. It is what it is.” Barrett countered, later including, “If you don’t like the job we’re doing, people can stand up and run against us or vote us out. Or if they like the job we’re doing, hey, vote us in.”
Mitchell interjected during the forum that voter apathy is a problem in the area, and that increased voter activity, along with a greater amount of council candidates, is needed.
Hiawassee Councilwoman Anne Mitchell
Councilwoman Nancy Noblet entered the discussion. “The big question is why. Why will the people not run for office? If you want to see your city do good things, if you want to see the county do good things, why do you not run? There were three seats up,” Noblet asked, later adding, “We’ve got a lot people that have a lot of opinions, ‘Well, I would do this or I would do that or I would do this,’ but guess what, when it comes time to step your foot down, to do it or not to do it, where are they at?” Noblet ended by stating that her stance on eight year term limits was “up in the air.”
Councilwoman Patsy Owens briefly weighed in, favoring term limits, stating that long-term incumbents discourage candidates from entering the race, based on a presumption that the effort is a losing battle. Councilman Kris Berrong remained silent on the issue.
Citizens in attendance voiced a desire to see a younger generation become involved in city politics.
“The term limit situation, unless it is unanimous it won’t pass, so let’s drop that, and we can certainly talk about it again in a couple of months if you guys want, and when the new council member is in, we can discuss it again,” Mayor Ordiales concluded. “(Jay Chastain Jr.) was the only one who did not vote last time for it so I doubt seriously that he will vote this time for it.”
Chastain automatically secured Councilman Berrong’s seat last Friday, Aug. 23, due to uncontested candidate qualification for Post 3. Chastain will return to city office January 2020.
Feature Image: Hiawassee Councilwoman Amy Barrett
Mayor Ordiales: Not a tax increase, an increase in city revenue
News, Politics September 4, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee City Council held the first of three mandatory public hearings this morning in order to lawfully reject a property tax rollback rate of 2.170 mills. A second hearing is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales, and Council members Anne Mitchell, Kris Berrong, Amy Barrett, and Nancy Noblet attended the hearing. Councilwoman Patsy Owens is expected to attend the afternoon forum.
While public turn-out was extremely scarce, the two citizens in attendance objected to the rollback denial. Both residents noted the BRMEMC Franchise Fee which was adopted by the city of Hiawassee earlier this year, as a reason why they oppose what will result in a tax increase for local property owners. Concern for those on fixed incomes was cited, as well as the fact that Hiawassee would be the only entity in Towns County to reject a lower rollback rate.
Mayor Ordiales stood solid ground in her push for maintaining the current rate of 2.258 mills, stating that the cost of city operations warrant rejection of the rollback. Ordiales noted $4.5 million in debt that the city “inheritited” from past administrations, in which $390,000 is due in annual repayment, and added that there has been no rate increase to water or sewer charges in five years. The cost of utilities that the city requires, the funding of the police department, and general expenses were mentioned, in addition to three-percent cost of living raise increases for city staff. Maintaining the current tax rate will draw approximately $7,000 in additional revenue. Ordiales stated that the 52 city property owners which had flown under the tax radar increased the digest by $5.3 million in assessed value.
“It’s not a tax increase,” Mayor Ordiales claimed, “It’s an increase of revenue to the city.”
Council members Amy Barrett, Nancy Noblet, and Kris Berrong voiced that they have received public objection to the rollback rejection, and challenged Ordiales’ position. Barrett and Noblet suggested other ways of raising the city’s revenue, such as requiring a fee for non-residents to partake in newly-constructed Mayors’ Park.
Councilwoman Anne Mitchell favored the mayor’s proposal, stating, “2.258 is a painless way to increase a little bit.”
“This is not a tax increase. We’re leaving it the same, and clearly no one has a problem with it or else there would be 500 people here, jumping up and down,” Ordiales reasoned.
Due to the fact that property value assestments have risen, maintaining the current rate of 2.258 mills will result in higher property taxes for Hiawassee property owners, a point that was raised by those questioning Ordiales’s proposal. When a citizen reminded that the rejection of the rollback rate must be advertised, per law, as a property tax increase due to the fact that it amounts to such, Ordiales replied, “It’s a terrible law. It was written in 1980.”
If the millage rollback is indeed rejected by Hiawassee City Council, it will mark the first year in approximately two decades that it has been denied.
The final public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. The millage rate will be set at 6:30 p.m.
FYN will report on today’s second hearing once it has taken place.
A previous article on the Hiawassee millage rate is available.
Community concerned as Hiawassee Council maintains silence on questionable Ethics Board
News, Politics August 8, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Public comments were not offered from elected city officials at the Hiawassee Council regular session, held on Tuesday, Aug. 7, concerning the recent proposal of a citywide plastic bag ban-fee by Councilwoman Anne Mitchell, nor an alleged ethics ordinance breach by Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales. Information on both controversial subjects can be found by clicking on the highlighted links.
Community concerns abound due to the mayor’s overriding action to solely appoint Board of Ethics members to serve as the city’s moral monitors, without directly seeking council input as prescribed by the city mandate, nor taking the matter to vote.
Remarks made by minutes-old appointee Leslie McPeak, comparing a recent Republican event to that of the Nazi Party, during the July 30 work session, is drawing shocked critique from local leaders, and countless conservative residents of Towns County.
McPeak did not attend Tuesday’s session.
The ordinance specifically states that of the three Ethics Board members, one individual is to be appointed by the mayor, one member by the city council, and the third in joint conjunction. Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), the entity whom awarded the recognition of city of ethics to Hiawassee, cites three alternative processes that may be taken in the induction of board appointees, all of which stipulate council approval.
In a recorded conversation with FYN, following the appointment of the board members, Ordiales defended her decision by stating that council members do not have an issue with the selection. This has proven to not be the case. Two of the five council members confided that they were never presented with an option.
In attendence at Tuesday’s council meeting were members of the local organization Mountain Movers and Shakers, and the Towns County GOP, along with other new faces. Prior to the commencement of the session, an attendee asked Mayor Ordiales if questions would be received, to which Ordiales replied, “Nope, not today.”
Ordiales explained at the opening of the meeting, proceeding a climate change tax motion, that work sessions are the proper place for the council and public to present inquiries and concerns, as those forums are “informal.” Ordiales went on to state that items listed on the agenda are not necessarily issues that the council hopes to enforce, nor support, rather that the listed items present an opportunity for the council to openly discuss the matter.
The climate change resolution, proposed by local environmentalist Vernon Dixon on July 30, was rejected by council members at the Aug. 7 session.
“I have no vote,” Ordiales reminded the council, “Even if I wanted to vote on something, I can’t.” Ordiales spoke in favor of the climate fee and dividend resolution during the conversation with FYN the previous week, although the mayor said she did not have the time nor the resources to personally pursue the matter.
It is unknown at the time of publication whether the bag ban-fee, or the ethics concern, will appear on the Aug. 27 work session agenda, but the latter is expected to be addressed as two sitting council members state that they were never given ample opportunity to approve nor veto the mayor’s ethics board appointees.
Despite Ordiales’ insistence that the matter had been previously decided, former city officials attest that a formal review of Board of Ethics applicants had never taken place during their administration, and in turn, that a decision had not been reached as to which applicants should serve on the board, once the original 2016 decree was adopted. Records showing that an approval had occurred could not be produced by City Hall.
Count on FYN to follow developments as the August work session approaches.
Information on the newly-rejected Climate Change Tax resolution is available.
Historical Society presents 1929 tax digest to city of Hiawassee
Community, News March 28, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The Towns County Historical Society presented the city of Hiawassee with an artifact Monday, March 26, at the council’s monthly work session: the original 1929 tax digest for the city.
“This is very appropriate since you were just talking about your budget,” Towns County Historian Sandra Green told Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales. “This is the 1929 tax digest for the city of Hiawassee. This is the original and we’re presenting it to the city. You’ll love some of these numbers. The Bank of Hiawassee, their city tax was $21.70, but they only paid $20.30, and we aren’t sure why.”
The crowd erupted in laughter.
Penciled beside the typewritten taxes due from the Bank of Hiawassee, the amount paid is scribbled.
Hiawassee tax digest from 1929
The aged list contains the names of citizens and businesses that operated in Hiawassee nearly nine decades ago.
The tax calculations were based on 40 cents per $100 worth of property.
The total amount of taxed property amounted to $46,977, with $187.60 due to Hiawassee.
The highest amount in taxes owed by a citizen was $16.40.
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales expressed appreciation to the Towns County Historical Society for the framed document.
The Towns County Historical Society reminded that restoration of the Old Rock Jail will soon be completed with the museum scheduled to open May 19.
Hiawassee Mayoral Candidates Appeal to the Voters before Tuesday’s Election
News, Politics November 5, 2017
HIAWASSEE, GA – Fetch Your News contacted the Mayoral candidates in the City of Hiawassee race and offered a final opportunity to appeal to the voters before Election Day arrives on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017.
Neither candidate was permitted to review their opponent’s response prior to publication.
Candidate Liz Ordiales responded as follows:
My platform for this campaign has remained unchanged. As my card states: Better financial management, create infrastructure to support controlled growth and continue my efforts to make Hiawassee a better place to live. There are still many efficiencies that can be implemented in every department to create financial savings.
Correcting our existing infrastructure is critical to Hiawassee. Sewer and water system upgrades are essential to allow residential as well as commercial growth. We are in the process of upgrading our sewer plant and will look to expand the water plant in the future.
Citizen safety is also a top priority. Ensuring that fire hydrants are maintained, flushed and tested are critical for public safety. We have developed Standard Operating Procedures that will be followed. Our police department will continue to attend training sessions and ensure they have the equipment needed to perform their jobs. I will continue to enhance our sidewalks, streets, lighting, etc. in order to allow for more walk-ability in our city.
Attracting and providing more events in our town is also critical to keep our businesses vibrant and engaged. I would continue to support events on the square as we have done with Moonshine Cruiz-in block party, Light up Hiawassee for Christmas, pickleball events during larger tournaments, etc.
Liz Ordiales
I am NOT an advocate for higher taxes. I have never voted to raise taxes in my two years with the City as a City Council member and interim Mayor. I believe with financial efficiencies and controlled economic development we will be able to maintain low taxes.
In closing, I will put Hiawassee first as a FULL TIME Mayor without the expense of a City Administrator or City Manager.
Thanks –
Liz Ordiales
Candidate Barry Keith Dearing responded as follows:
If elected as Mayor of Hiawassee, my number one priority is to rescind the Franchise Fee Tax. This tax was proposed incorrectly and was presented to the public incorrectly. My opponent has stated on record that this fee will only cost the city residents approximately $20,000 which is incorrect. This will cost the city residents and businesses in the City, including the churches and hospital over $124,000 a year.
At the last city workshop, there was discussion of doing away with the current retirement plan and going with a “cheaper” plan for the city and less retirement for the employees. I disagree with the proposed plan that my opponent requested the GMA to propose. I will stand up for our city employees and fight for what’s right and what is in their best interest. I will not take away their retirement that they deserve.
I will work hand in hand with our current businesses to make sure they have the resources they need to grow and stay within our city. I will also encourage and work with new businesses that want to open in our City.
I will work to get the grants needed to repair failing infrastructure and make sure that all of our infrastructure is prepared for our growth that will come.
As Mayor, I will complete the Mayor’s Park so it is beneficial for our tourism and for our local citizens.
I will work with Chamber of Commerce directly to promote tourism for our city. I will make our square an eventful place for more activities and walk-ability. I will work hard to capitalize on growth utilizing our natural resources and beautiful mountains and Lake Chatuge.
Remember, I have children in this community that work, go to school and plan on raising families here just as we are doing. As Mayor, I would like to see more youth activities that encourage our young adults to be more involved and have a part in our City activities and our City government. After all, they are our future.
I will work closely with our City Police Department and make sure they have what is needed to protect themselves, our citizens and families in the city.
For the record, I have never mentioned doing away with the City of Hiawassee Police Department. Also, I have heard this multiple times and to clarify, I have not ever mentioned hiring a City Manager.
I will be transparent and will make sure the citizens of our community know exactly what the city is doing at all times. I will work closely with our county to make a strong relationship.
As I mentioned in the Candidate forum, I understand that the Mayor of Hiawassee is a full-time position. I stated “it is more than a 40 hour week job and I am committed to the task at hand.”
Barry Keith Dearing
Thank you to all the citizens and business owners within the entire community that have shown such great support and positive energy during this campaign. Please encourage your neighbor, family and friends within the city to VOTE on Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Board of Elections.
God Bless you all,
Barry Keith Dearing, Mayoral Candidate
Fetch Your News has followed the 2017 Hiawassee City Council race since its inception. Additional articles can be found on our site. Count on Fetch Your News to provide the election results on the evening of Nov. 7.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Councilman Jay Chastain Jr. Endorses Barry Keith Dearing in Hiawassee Election
News, Politics October 27, 2017
HIAWASSEE, GA – Hiawassee Councilman Jay Chastain, Jr. has publicly stepped forth to announce his endorsement of Hiawassee Mayoral candidate Barry Keith Dearing less than two weeks prior to election day.
The 12-year incumbent tells Fetch Your News that Mr. Dearing has his full support.
“I’ve known Barry for ages. He’s a fine man. There’s no doubt he entered the race because he wants what’s best for the City’s future,” the Councilman says.
Councilman Chastain, a lifelong resident and Paramedic of 31-years, met with candidate Dearing on the morning of Thursday, October 26, at McConnell Baptist Church during a newly initiated prayer breakfast to offer his blessing.
Barry Keith Dearing, a fourth generation local and the longtime CEO of VanKeith Insurance, says he appreciates Jay Chastain Jr.’s approval.
“He’s a good man and he’s committed to not only the Council, but to the community as a First Responder. I’m honored,” Dearing confided.
When pressed, both conservative candidates affirmed it’s neither the mayoral opposition’s lifestyle nor the fact she isn’t a “local” – the admitted concern Liz Ordiales raised at the Council forum – but the core issues that matter.
Of concern is the controversial imposition of the newly adopted BRMEMC Franchise Tax, confirmed to adversely affect the future budgets of Hiawassee citizens.
The recently passed planning-expansion ordinance, opposed by Councilman Chastain during a Special Called Meeting shortly after Pro-Tem Liz Ordiales announced her candidacy, is also an issue of debate.
Questionable decisions the former council member made while serving as President of the Towns County Fire Corps, including allegations of the alteration of Meeting minutes and the mismanagement of funds, and an initial attempt to reject the now-popular Mayors’ Park, have also put Ordiales in the hot seat.
Chastain’s decision to outwardly support mayoral candidate Dearing emerged unexpectedly during a community prayer meeting hosted at McConnell Church. The breakfast, sponsored in partnership with the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, is an initiative of Sheriff Chris Clinton to unite residents with local law enforcement and first responders.
Councilman Jay Chastain, Jr., the son of a slain Towns County Sheriff whose life ended while serving the community in 1974, expressed his heartfelt approval of Barry Dearing as Hiawassee’s next Mayor.
“I want to see Hiawassee thrive economically and I believe it will. I want the residents to know where I stand, local or move-in. It’s beside them,” Chastain parted before rushing off to arrive on-time for his role as a veteran Medic.
Fetch Your News has followed the 2017 Hiawassee City Council race since its inception.
Follow Fetch Your News for additional coverage of the November 7 election.
*UPDATE* Feature Image has been replaced.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee to expedite future ordinance adoptions, limiting time for citizen involvement
News, Politics January 29, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales proposed the dismissal of requiring the first and second readings of city ordinances to be spaced a month apart, listing the item as new business on the city council’s Jan. 28 work session agenda.
Mayor Ordiales explained that the change would “speed things up” by allowing both the first and second readings to take place at a single meeting – thus enabling an ordinance to become finalized during the solitary session – should the five council members vote unanimously.
While the process of ordinance adoption would indeed turn expedited, the change would drastically reduce the amount of time for citizen input to a mere week rather than the full month currently prescribed by the city charter.
Given the fact that citizens are prohibited from imparting comments, concerns, or complaints during regular council sessions, the new structure would prevent citizens from publicly speaking if they were absent from the work session when an ordinance was introduced and discussed.
Hiawassee City Council is scheduled to vote on the consolidation of ordinance readings on Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet, attracting more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties, as well as Clay and Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week, reaching between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Hiawassee on track to reject rollback tax rate, maintain current millage
News, Politics August 17, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Despite higher property assessments, Hiawassee seems to be on track to reject a 2018 rollback millage of 2.170, in favor of retaining the current rate of 2.258.
Hiawassee City Council held a called-meeting on the evening of Aug. 16, to discuss the matter.
In compliance with state law, three public hearings are scheduled to take place; two on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and a third at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, at Hiawassee City Hall.
CORRECTION: The dates have been changed to Tuesday, Sept. 4, with one held at 10 am, and a second at 2 pm.
The third meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11, at 6 pm, with the tax rate set at 6:30 pm.
According to presented calculations, retaining the current 2.258 rate would supply the city of Hiawassee with an additional $7,080 in revenue. While the amount is a drop in the bucket compared to the city’s $4.1 million budget, Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales explained to council members at Thursday’s meeting that the increased revenue could, for example, be applied to the continuing construction taking place at Mayors’ Park.
Click to enlarge
In addition, Ordiales reminded the council of the 52 parcel owners who had previously slipped below the city’s radar, and have since been billed for delinquent property taxes.
Councilwoman Amy Barrett was the most vocal of the elected officials on Aug. 16, however, raising a valid point that should the current millage rate remain fixed, taxes will, in fact, increase due to heightened property values.
Barrett firmly stated a desire to delay decision until taxpayers are afforded an ample opportunity to offer input.
Councilwoman Anne Mitchell contributed to the dialogue, claiming that as councilmembers, the duty is to act as policymakers, adding, “(The millage rate) is not the citizens decision to make.”
During the meeting, Mayor Ordiales displayed a PowerPoint chart, comparing the millage of Hiawassee to that of surrounding cities. According to the graphic, only Blairsville was listed as lower, at 1.945 mills. The fact that Blairsville boasts an airport was reasoned for the lesser tax rate.
Hiawassee City Council (L- R) – Patsy Owens, Nancy Noblet, Amy Barrett, Kris Berrong, Anne Mitchell
Councilmembers Patsy Owens and Kris Berrong did not offer clear insight into their positions, although Owens chimed in that maintaining the current rate shouldn’t be considered an increase. Councilwoman Nancy Noblet seemingly shared agreement with Barrett’s opposing stance, occasionally nodding in approval as Barrett spoke.
Of note, Towns County Commission and Towns County Board of Education recently announced a decision to accept their millage rollbacks, with both divisions citing increased property values as the logic behind the drop. The departments have scheduled special called-meetings for next week to finalize the matter.
Public turnout was low at the city’s budget meeting in comparison to monthly work sessions, although several in attendance voiced rejection to the rollback, favoring the current tax rate.
An outspoken newcomer, who was publicly noted as such by Barrett and Noblet, announced that he “does this as a living,” and asserted that he felt it would be “absolutely reckless to even think about rolling back that millage rate,” concluding that property values could potentially decrease in the future, leaving the city with a need to raise taxes in years to come.
Barrett and Noblet responded with recollection of the discord which surrounded the Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation (BRMEMC) franchise “fee” which was repealed late last year, upon opposition from taxpayers, yet readopted by current council once Ordiales replaced it on the agenda, adding bulk to the stance of welcoming a broader range of citizen feedback.
A softer-spoken citizen suggested that accepting the lower rollback rate might be perceived by the public as an attempt to gain “good press” in favor of taking the seven thousand dollar loss. Barrett objected to the notion, adding during the meeting that what might seem like a slight tax hike now has the potential to ultimately expand to a greater increase over time.
In sum, the city of Hiawassee unanomosly agreed to advertise the non-rollback millage of 2.258, and await public opinion at the early September hearings.
Hiawassee City Council will convene for their monthly work session on Aug. 27, at 6 pm, at City Hall. General questions and concerns from the public are traditionally addressed at the meetings.
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Towns, Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. – FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. – For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
Unrelated Hiawassee checkpoints result in arrests, increased child safety
City Police, News June 1, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee Police Department mobilized traffic checkpoints at two separate locations on the evening of Wednesday, May 23, charging motorists with driving under the influence and drug-related offenses.
The initial checkpoint took place at approximately 8 p.m. in the vicinity of the Bell Creek Car Wash on state Route 75 north. According to the incident report, Hiawassee Police Department made contact with a grey Chevrolet Impala, occupied by three subjects. Upon interaction, the officer detected the odor of alcohol within the vehicle. The male driver consented to a preliminary breath test, which detects the presence of alcohol, and the breathalyzer registered 0.103 percent blood alcohol concentration. The maximum limit in Georgia to operate a motorized vehicle is .08 percent. The suspect then consented to standardized field sobriety testing, soon thereafter declining to participate. The driver was taken into custody by the officer. In addition, morphine pills were discovered in an unmarked bottle within the vehicle, and the suspect was charged with driving under the influence, drugs to be kept in original container, and creating hazardous or offensive conditions.
A subsequent checkpoint occurred on South Main Street, near Azalea Drive, at approximately 10 p.m. A female motorist was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, open container violation, and obstructing law enforcement officers. Several bottles of alcohol were discovered within the vehicle by Hiawassee officers after the odor of alcohol and marijuana was detected, providing officers with probable cause to conduct a search. According to the incident report, the female suspect proceeded to ingest “a green, leafy substance.” The subject denied possession of marijuana.
Chief Smith describes evidence seized from a recent search warrant during a city council meeting.
In other news, at a recent city council work session, Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith provided additional information on a significant drug arrest that took place within the city limits May 15, 2018. Federal and state charges resulted from the observation of the odor of marijuana noted by officers upon response to an unrelated panic alarm, originating from the AT&T store on Main Street. It was determined by responding officers that the odor wafted from an adjoining apartment, and a warrant to search the residence was obtained. Upon execution of the warrant, illicit substances, firearms, $700 in cash, and a postal scale were seized as evidence. Barry Hunter Collins was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including a federal charge. Collins was an employee of the Blairsville postal service at the time of his arrest.
Chief Smith released the regularly-complied department activity report for the month of April, and while statistics continue to show a decrease in drug-related arrests – with only a single misdemeanor arrest for possession of under an ounce of marijuana and drug-related objects – the overall amount of issued citations increased in comparison to the previous month. A total of 115 citations were written in April, 35 of which were warnings. Data from March revealed a total of 79 citation, 21 being warnings. The highest amount of citations were the result of speeding, followed by tag registration and license requirements, safety belt violations, and brake lights or turn signal infractions.
Hiawassee Police Department conducted 237 calls for service in April, a combination of dispatched and self-initiated.
On Saturday, May 26, the Hiawassee Police Department held a child car seat safety check on Hiawassee Town Square. The event drew 20 participants, with 11 cars seats determined defective, and replaced at no charge.
Hiawassee Police Department replaced defective car seats on Memorial Day weekend.
[Feature photo: Hiawassee Police Chief Paul Smith displays the department’s former patch, while sporting the newly-acquired design, created by Smith]
City of Hiawassee considers water leak protection plan
News, Politics April 2, 2018
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – The city of Hiawassee is considering a water leak protection contract with the insurance provider, ServLine, a partnership program with the Georgia Rural Water Association. The insurance provider would reimburse the city for a consumer’s single water leak per billing cycle each year, a write-off that Hiawassee has absorbed in the past. ServLine Representative Jenna Hazelet proposed a policy to council and citizens at the March work session.
Jenna Hazelet of ServLine
“The reality is that every single person who is serviced water is at risk for a water leak,” Hazelet began. “I think you all have seen a pretty harsh winter here this season. A lot of communities have, especially when you start to reach the mountain areas. You start seeing a lot of frozen pipes when the winter gets harsh, and that can cause a lot of problems with pipes, with the infrastructure, both on the utility’s side, as well as the customer’s side. We have seen leaks that can reach up into the thousands of dollars.”
Hiawassee Mayor Liz Ordiales added that water leaks are a common occurrence, quoting a total of over a million gallons lost, while using a resident’s recent water consumption as an example. What was typically an average of 3,000 gallons of water usage per month jumped to a staggering excess of 49,000 gallons in a single billing cycle due to leakage.
The residential cost for water leak protection is $1.80 per month. If selected, pipe protection is an additional $4.80 per month.
The policy would cover mishaps that occur from the water meter to the foundation of the structure. Coverage does not include interior piping nor subsequent water damage that may occur.
In order to file a claim, customers would call ServLine who would compensate the city, resulting in an adjustment of the consumer’s bill.
If accepted, the city may include the protection plan as a line item on water bills, allowing residents to cancel coverage if they so choose. The city of Hiawassee has an alternative option to write the policy into the base rate, leading to mandatory enrollment in the program.
“It’s not for everyone, and if you decide at the end of the day that you want to find a different solution for customer water leaks and the bills that result from it, that’s totally okay,” Hazelet told the council.
Mayor Ordiales also noted that water rates have not increased since 2013, although an ordinance has been in place since 2015, to raise fees at an annual rate of 3 percent. Ordiales displayed a website to citizens, comparing Hiawassee’s low water financial recovery to other cities, showing Hiawassee as “almost in the red.”
Hiawassee City Council meets for work sessions on the last Monday of each month, with regular sessions occurring on the first Tuesday of the month.
Meetings are held at 6 p.m. at Hiawassee City Hall.
Hiawassee City Council Candidate Forum
Politics September 8, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Towns County Chamber of Commerce and Towns County Homeowners Association have announced sponsorship of the 2017 Hiawassee City Council Candidate Forum.
The Forum is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Towns County Civic Center, located adjacent to the Towns County Courthouse in Hiawassee.
Early voting begins on October 16, 2017.
Mayoral Candidates:
Liz Ordiales
Barry Keith Dearing
Post 1:
Amy Barrett
Post 2:
Jay Chastain, Jr.
Patsy Owens
Post 5:
Nancy Noblet
Ann Wedgewood
Hiawassee City Council Work Session, 7/24
News, Politics July 25, 2017
Hiawassee City Council convened on Monday, July 24, to discuss numerous issues of interest. The work session began with old business, followed by new.
Old Business:
Meter Readings – There is currently a 99.4% accuracy rate.
Website – The City of Hiawassee site has been updated. Council meeting minutes as well as other topics of interest are available for review.
Bank Account Update – The Council is investigating approximately 200 untouched accounts; 6 have been closed thus far.
Sidewalk Repair Update – The Council and the meeting’s attendees agreed the repairs are progressing well.
Mayors’ Park Update – A dedication ceremony will take place at 11:00 am on August 14.
Moonshine Cruiz-in – 126 vintage cars participated and it was deemed a success.
Budget Discussions – Approval is expected to take place at next week’s Council meeting.
Final Alcohol Discussion – A Second Reading will be held at the Council meeting.
Final Grease Trap Discussion – A Second Reading will be held at the Council meeting.
Final Employee Personnel Policy Discussion – A Second Reading will be the held at the Council meeting.
New Business:
Eclipse Preparation – 30,000+ visitors are expected in Towns County. The Council advised residents to prepare ahead of time for possible food and gas shortages. School has been canceled on the day of the August 21 eclipse. The school’s lot will be available for parking and 12 buses will be brought in to shuttle passengers to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Roads will be closed and Hiawassee Police Chief, Paul Smith, stated, additionally, all Officers will be on duty.
Old Rock Jail Restoration – Towns County Historical Society is providing funding to restore the jail to its original condition..
Gas Leak Detection – GEFA approved a 45 mile radius detection check, free of charge. Work will begin on August 14.
Financials – Approval is expected to take place at next week’s Council meeting.
DOT LMIG Grant – DOT approved a grant for $17,469.00. The City will contribute an additional $5,000.00 for sidewalk repair.
Education Superintendent – A meeting took place between Mayor Pro Tem, Liz Ordiales, and BOE members to discuss Workforce Development. It was agreed upon that skills relevant to the County’s employment needs should be offered to students. The Travel/Tourism and Hospitality industries were mentioned as well as the Medical field.
Track Hoe Purchase – Approval is expected at next week’s Council meeting to purchase a new track hoe for $59.000. The current track hoe is in dire condition, but will continued to be used at the Sewer Plant. The City qualified for a 12% government discount off the purchase price.
Mayor Pro Tem, Liz Ordiales, announced she will run for Mayor of Hiawassee in the upcoming election. Attorney Thomas M. Mitchell attended the Council meeting and explained Ordiales is required by election regulations to vacate her Council position prior to qualifying. Ordiales is expected to step down sometime in August and a new Mayor Pro Tem will take her place. Liz Ordiales is permitted by law to volunteer her assistance after resigning and the Pro Tem replacement can delegate responsibilities if needed.
Hiawassee City Council will assemble on Monday, July 31, at 6;00 pm at City Hall for their regular meeting. All meetings are open to the public.
Hiawassee City Council sets 2019 election qualifications
News, Politics January 11, 2019
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Hiawassee City Council held a special-called meeting on the evening of Thursday, Jan. 10, to discuss information pertaining to the 2019 election. Three of the five council seats will be listed on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Qualifying will take place at Hiawassee City Hall from Wednesday, Aug. 21 through Friday, Aug. 23, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. The qualifying fee is $45.00. Candidates must reside within Hiawassee city limits for a minimum of one-year prior to election day, and be over the age of 21.
Councilwoman Anne Mitchell
Posts currently filled by Anne Mitchell, Kris Berrong, and Nancy Noblet could potentially face challengers, should the three council members choose to run for re-election.
Councilman Kris Berrong
Noblet was elected to Post 5 in 2017, occupying the council seat left vacant by Mayor Liz Ordiales, a former council member.
Council members Anne Mitchell, Kris Berrong, Nancy Nobet, and Amy Barrett attended Thursday’s meeting, in addition to Mayor Ordiales. Councilwoman Patsy Owens was absent, said to be in Florida, vacationing.
Councilwoman Nancy Noblet
Hiawassee City Council is scheduled to convene for their monthly work session Monday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
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