Northwest Georgia (WJTH) — From the ashes of a historic landmark to the rapid expansion of our own backyard, it has been a busy week for Gordon and Floyd Counties. Here is a breakdown of the top stories we are following today, Thursday, March 26th.
Floyd County Courthouse: The Path to Recovery
We continue to watch the recovery efforts in Rome following Monday’s devastating fire at the historic 1892 Floyd County Courthouse. While the physical loss of the landmark—including the collapse of the iconic bell tower—is immense, county operations are moving at a fast pace to restore public access.
The Tax Commissioner and Tag offices have officially begun their relocation to the former Joint Law Enforcement Center (JLEC) across the street. To ensure a smooth transition, Floyd County Commissioners cleared $100,000 in emergency funding this week to restore digital systems and hardware, aiming to get these vital services back online for the public as quickly as possible.
Gordon County Administration: A Community in Bloom
In local government, the Gordon County General Administration Committee met this past Tuesday to review a period of record-breaking growth. Community Development Director Derron Brown highlighted a massive surge in residential activity, reporting that electrical inspections are up 272% and plumbing inspections have risen 224% year-to-date.
The county remains on pace to permit up to 600 new single-family homes this year. Meanwhile, industrial growth is also moving forward; Project Bulldog, the 1.8-million-square-foot development, has cleared its final EPD hurdles to begin drilling for sewer lines directly under the interstate.
Transparency and Legislative Headwinds
Demands for transparency are also hitting new highs. County Clerk Hollis Barton reported that 185 Open Records requests have been filed so far in 2026—a 53% increase over this time last year.
At the state level, local leaders are voicing serious concerns over HB 1116 and SB 382. The GCCA and GMA have warned that a proposed 3% cap on property tax revenue could cripple local budgets, noting that such a limit doesn’t account for the 17.2% hike in health insurance premiums the county is currently facing.
Fuel Prices and the “Invisible Tax”
Checking the numbers at the pump, local prices are trending higher this week despite the state’s motor fuel tax suspension remaining in effect through May 19th. Regular unleaded in Gordon County is now averaging $3.67, with diesel holding at $5.16. These high energy costs continue to pressure the agricultural sector, with Urea fertilizer hitting $677 per ton, a trend that often signals higher grocery prices at harvest time.
Beyond the Broadcast: Smart Shopping in Gordon County
As we discussed earlier today on the air, inflation is hitting our neighbors hard at the checkout counter. Saving money on groceries in today’s market requires more than just a list; it requires a strategy. Our local retailers—Food City, Kroger, and Food Lion—are in a high-stakes battle for your business.
This week, savvy shoppers can take advantage of Kroger’s “Mega Sale” to stack digital coupons on staples, while Food City is offering deep “10 for $10” discounts on fresh produce. Food Lion remains the leader for spring essentials, with hams priced as low as $0.77 per pound. The secret is sticking to the “Perimeter Rule”—shop the outside edges of the store for fresh, whole foods and avoid the higher-priced convenience traps of the center aisles.
Important Reminder: Homestead Exemptions
Finally, don’t forget that the deadline to file for 2026 Homestead Exemptions is next Wednesday, April 1st. Staff from the Tax Assessor’s office will be at City Park that day for a Service Spotlight to help residents—especially seniors—sign up for new exemptions that could significantly lower their tax bills.
