Local Government and Tax Changes
Gordon County is currently experiencing a massive zoning and building boom. Officials have processed 46 re-zones so far this year, effectively doubling last year’s total output, while local warehouses continue to operate at full capacity. To streamline this rapid industrial growth, a new online permitting system is now live and has already issued 174 permits over the last couple of months.
Residents can also prepare for upcoming property tax changes. The 2026 pre-assessment notices will hit mailboxes on June 30th. Thanks to the county’s official opt-in to House Bill 581, residential cost increases are capped at 2.7%. This represents the smallest base cost increase on residential properties in about seven years, which will result in a substantial tax bill decrease for local homesteaded properties. Homeowners wishing to file an appeal must do so by the final deadline on August 17th.
In other county operations, weekly health insurance claims have dropped significantly to an average of $64,000. Meanwhile, the county is drafting new safety evacuation plans for high-traffic buildings, the old Alms building has been fully demolished, and open records requests have doubled compared to this time last year.
Election Updates and Recount
On the voting front, the recent June runoff election wrapped up with a 17% voter turnout in Gordon County, with local results delivered rapidly by 9:00 PM. Looking ahead to future elections, a special legislative session has put off the QR code ban, delaying the state’s previously announced plans to completely transition to scantron-style paper ballots by 2027.
Meanwhile, a statewide Public Service Commission District 3 recount is officially underway. Candidate Branson Martin formally requested the recount after the initial primary vote margin fell below the legal threshold of less than 0.5%. This process directly impacts local operations, prompting Shea Hicks to call a meeting for the Gordon County Board of Elections and Voter Registration today at 8:30 AM to handle the official recertification of the race. Historically, a statewide election recount in Georgia has never changed the initial outcome of a race since 1980.
Public Safety and Local Arrests
In city news, Calhoun Police Chief James “Tony” Pyle has chosen to resign and retire from his position. The City Council’s independent investigation into allegations regarding his conduct has officially concluded with a finding that the claims were unsubstantiated or unfounded, and the matter is now closed. Assistant Police Chief Ken Carson will continue his leadership of the department moving forward.
In local crime updates, 54-year-old Stacey Brian Cannon of Calhoun was arrested by the Calhoun Police Department on charges of theft by receiving stolen property and theft by shoplifting. Additionally, 76-year-old Eddie Duane Pass of Fairmount was arrested by the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated battery under the Family Violence Act and the exploitation or intimidation of disabled adults. As a reminder to residents, the full arrest report is always available at discovergordoncounty.com.
Community Spotlight and Global Impact
In a special broadcast feature, faith-based nonprofit LIVE2540 shared details on how they are providing critical healthcare, meals, and education to vulnerable children in Liberia. The organization is hosting a major fundraising event called “The Record” from June 28th to 30th at the Cartersville Country Club, featuring a world-record attempt where Mike Woodard will play over 37 straight hours of golf. They aim to raise $150,000 for a pediatric critical care ward, and the local community is invited to support the cause at their Family Fun Night this Sunday at 5:00 PM.
Closer to home, the Resaca Farmers Market is open today downtown from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library is also hosting community activities today, including Baby Lapsit, Cookie Excavation, and Colorful Bento classes. Looking to the weekend, the classic musical Godspell takes the stage at the Harris Arts Center this Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 PM.
Ongoing local needs include a critical call for laundry pods and diapers for Carol’s Closet. Residents can also register for the Calhoun Rec senior trip to Unclaimed Baggage on June 30th, or participate in the United We Read Summer Reading Challenge for a chance to win $250 in utility bill assistance.
Sports and Grocery Deals
The Atlanta Braves are looking to bounce back on the West Coast after suffering a three-game sweep by the Padres. The team remains on the road to kick off a weekend series against the San Francisco Giants tomorrow night at 10:15 PM Eastern Time. The Braves will finally return home to Truist Park on Tuesday, June 30th to start a three-game home stand against the St. Louis Cardinals, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 PM ET.
Finally, if you are heading out for groceries this week, local shoppers can find great value across the county. La Bodega is featuring new weekly savings on fresh produce, meats, and authentic everyday essentials. Hometown Grocery has active specials on freshly cut USDA and Angus beef through Tuesday, June 30th. Meanwhile, Food City is running its popular Pick 5 Meat specials for $19.99, and Kroger is offering major digital coupons, including seedless watermelons for $4.99 and ribeye steaks for $9.99 a pound.