GORDON COUNTY GENERAL ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE & LOCAL ELECTIONS
Commissioner Kevin Cunningham chaired yesterday’s meeting of the Gordon County General Administration Committee, and here’s what we learned from the department heads:
Gordon County Community Development Director Darren Brown presented an extensive operational briefing detailing major departmental expansion and countywide growth. Within the reorganized department, Code Enforcement opened 145 cases, with 101 driven by citizen complaints, while the newly integrated Stormwater and Pollution Prevention division headed by Stormwater Director Kim Chavez completed 40 inspections in its first month. Residential construction saw a steep upward trend, recording a 64% increase in single-family home permits—climbing to 569 single-family permits and 1,138 total permits issued, with building staff conducting roughly 3,969 site inspections.
Permitting efficiency saw major improvements following the rollout of OpenGov software, cutting processing turnaround times from three days down to less than 24 hours in most cases. The county is also planning a December training class for contractors covering the 2024 International Residential Codes, while advancing a new Environment Protection Ordinance and updates to the Unified Land Development Code (ULDC).
Planning and Zoning activity mirrored the county’s growth, managing 78 rezoning cases through November compared to 37 last year, alongside 21 variance requests, 5 conditional use permits, and 51 plat reviews under the new process rolled out June 5. In addition, staff has digitized 95% of historical official zoning maps to make them available online, while recognizing Tax Assessor Ashley Bailey and his staff for their excellent turnaround in keeping parcel maps updated on qPublic within two weeks of board approval.
Gordon County election officials confirmed the county is fully prepared for the November general election, with poll worker training and machine testing actively underway. The county currently counts approximately 44,000 registered voters, with over 220 absentee ballots heading out in the mail. Advance in-person early voting officially begins Tuesday, October 13, with two weekend opportunities during mandatory Saturday voting on October 17 and October 24, and the final day of early voting scheduled for Friday, October 30.
LOCAL CRIME & CONSUMER ALERTS
Mauldin Trash is warning residents across Gordon and Bartow Counties about an unauthorized solicitation scam targeting customer accounts. The company confirmed that it is not selling, transferring, or changing any customer accounts, and cautions that callers or visitors claiming a service takeover are fraudulent. Customers are urged never to provide personal information and should contact Mauldin Trash directly to verify any suspicious outreach.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper is advising homeowners to remain cautious following an uptick in reports of unlicensed pest control operators soliciting door-to-door. State agricultural officials emphasize that residents should protect themselves and their property by always asking to see a valid Georgia pest control license before hiring anyone or authorizing work.
GORDON COUNTY ARRESTS
Carley Jade Bailey, 28, White, Calhoun Police Department, Criminal Damage to Property – 2nd Degree.
Albert Blackwell Jr., 46, Calhoun, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects.
Jeremy James Parris, 49, Chatsworth, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects.
Brandy Selena Redwine, 28, Calhoun, Gordon County Sheriff’s Office, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession and Use of Drug-Related Objects, Probation Violation – Technical Violation (Original Charge: Criminal Damage to Property – 2nd Degree).
COMMUNITY NEWS & SPORTS
Gordon Central High School alumnus and recent Berry College graduate Joey K. took first place in the 33rd annual Unity Run, finishing with an unofficial winning time of approximately 17:30.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Sonoraville High School Marching Phoenix will host the “Ring of Fire 2” marching competition this Saturday, September 26, at “The Furnace” on the Sonoraville High campus in Calhoun. The event features 15 North Georgia high school bands alongside the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Marching Mocs, with performances starting at 2:00 p.m. and a fireworks display following the awards ceremony. Admission is $10, children five and under are free, and parking is free on site.
AdventHealth Gordon will host a free Maternity Fair on Sunday, September 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and E at the hospital’s North Entrance. Open to expectant parents, new families, and those planning a pregnancy, the fair features tours of The Baby Place, an expert panel, vendor exhibits, door prizes, and refreshments. Space is limited and advance registration is required online through the AdventHealth Gordon website.