Board of Commissioners Voting Session Agenda, 6 p.m. Sept. 6 in the assembly room at the Dawson Coun

A. Roll call B. Opening presentation: Jacqueline Daniels, ConnectAbility C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes: Minutes of the Aug. 16 voting session. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (3 minute limit/person, 15 minutes maximum): None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings 1. Public hearing regarding the approval of the proposed FY2013 Budget. (Second of two hearings.) 2. Public hearing regarding an ordinance prohibiting land ...

City seeks to renew land application permit

Officials with the city of Dawsonville want to renew a land application permit in preparation for future growth in the Gold Creek area. "We're just trying to keep the permit alive," said Gary Barr, who oversees the city's water and sewer operations. "It's easier to keep it than to start all over again later on."

5 vie for posts on council

Five candidates will vie for two seats on the Dawsonville City Council this fall. Those who have qualified for the Special Election on Nov. 6 include: Frank Craft, Alan Metzel, Tom Schaide, Angie Smith and Mike Sosebee.

Budget, sludge to top commission agenda

The county's 2013 spending plan and a proposal that would ban a certain type of sewage application are top agenda items for tomorrow's county commission meeting. This will be the final chance for the public to make comments on Dawson County's proposed 2013 budget and the first opportunity to address an ordinance intended to stop the application of Class B partially treated sewage sludge.

Board to discuss tethering

Dawson County commissioners have been asked to consider an ordinance that would make it illegal to restrain a dog for longer than three hours. Carolyn Bowen, president of Dawson County Humane Society, said the need for an anti-tethering law can help address what she described as severe animal abuse cases.

LOST deal likely

Top local government officials say an agreement over the 1-cent local option sales tax, or LOST, likely will be reached soon. Representatives from the city of Dawsonville and Dawson County agreed to suspend mediation Aug. 21 after huddling with a mediator in an attempt to resolve negotiations.

Swafford to lead state association

Dawson County Fire Chief Lanier Swafford was recently elected president of the Georgia State Firefighter's Association. An installation ceremony was held Saturday night at the group's annual banquet in Dalton.

Collins defeats Zoller in 9th District U.S. House race

Hearings set on sludge ordinance

County commissioners are considering an ordinance that would ban the application of Class B sewage sludge in residential areas. According to Commission Chairman Mike Berg, the need for such an ordinance surfaced after developer Ken Curren asked the state Environmental Protection Division to amend the Hampton Creek Water Reclamation Facility sludge management plan.

City council qualifying starts Tuesday

Candidates seeking a seat on the Dawsonville City Council can begin qualifying Aug. 28 for the Nov. 6 special election. The election is required to fill the unexpired terms of former Councilmen James Grogan and Calvin Byrd, who both resigned to run for mayor following the death of Joe Lane Cox in March.

Budget limits spending

The public will get its first opportunity Thursday to comment on Dawson County's proposed 2013 budget. Commission Chair Mike Berg presented the nearly $21 million preliminary plan, which limits spending to critical capital needs, during an Aug. 9 work session.

Board of Commissioner voting session agenda

A. Roll call B. Opening presentation 1. Muscular Dystrophy Association: Leslie Cash 2. Adults Protecting Children: Steve Collins C. Pledge of Allegiance D. Announcements E. Approval of minutes: Minutes of the voting session held on Aug. 2. F. Approval of the agenda G. Public comment (Three minute limit/person, 15 minutes maximum: None H. Alcohol license hearings: None I. Zoning: None J. Public hearings: Public hearing on the approval of the proposed FY 2013 budget L. ...

Start of early voting delayed statewide

Group takes stance on sludge fields

A petition is circulating against a proposed sludge spray field in southeastern Dawson County. Distributed by the Dawson County Homeowners Civic Association, the petition aims to stop property owner Ken Curren from depositing Class B treated liquid sewage on about 65 acres near Lumpkin Campground and Harry Sosebee roads.

Grogan sworn in as mayor

James Grogan was sworn in as Dawsonville's mayor Monday night. Grogan, who has served as acting mayor since April, staked an early lead in the July 31 primary, with the final results tallying 318 votes, or about 62 percent, to former councilman Calvin Byrd's 196 votes, or about 38 percent.

Digital sign OK’d by planning commission

The proposed digital, illuminated sign for the city of Dawsonville has cleared another step in the process to becoming a reality. As part of the Dawsonville Planning Commission meeting on March 18, the city had requested a variance to its own ordinance regulating the size and luminosity of digital signs.

Local Republican party fills roles

The Dawson County Republican Party met March. 9 to discuss the coming year. Clint Bearden, chairman of the 2012-13 board led the Republican Party in its annual meeting.