Property tax bills are officially arriving in mailboxes across Gordon County this week, bringing a mix of relief and rising costs for local property owners. While lower millage rates and a one-time state tax cut are providing some relief, higher property assessments are somewhat offsetting those savings. Most homeowners are seeing lower bottom-line bills compared to last year, but commercial and rental property owners are reporting significant increases. Payments can be made in person at Calhoun City Hall for city taxes and the Gordon County Tax Commissioner’s office for county taxes.
Government & Economic News
Sales Tax & Inflation: During the latest Gordon County Board of Commissioners meeting, the September sales tax report revealed that LOST and SPLOST collections were up over 8.5 percent compared to last year. However, long-term revenue growth has flattened, largely due to the state’s statutory maximum local sales tax on motor fuel. Because local taxes cap out when retail gas prices hit $3.00 a gallon, the county is collecting the absolute maximum statutory amount, meaning the local tax on a gallon of gas is currently higher than it has ever been in Gordon County.
State Gas Tax Suspension: While the local tax has hit its ceiling, the state portion of the gas tax remains suspended. Governor Brian Kemp’s latest extension of the Georgia motor fuel tax suspension is officially set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on November 30.
National Inflation Metrics: These local economic pressures mirror national trends, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index climbing to 3.6 percent in September. The Cleveland Fed forecasts the PCE to hit 3.77 percent in October and 4.03 percent in November, leading economists to project a 25-basis-point interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in December.
Infrastructure Upgrades: The Board of Commissioners approved over $227,000 for Trane to replace aging HVAC systems at both the Gordon County Jail and the Sonoraville Recreation Center.
Public Safety & Fire Training
Live Fire Training: Gordon County Fire Rescue is conducting a scheduled live fire training exercise today from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the 700 block of Old Rome Dalton Road in Sugar Valley. The drill involves the controlled burning of an acquired structure to provide critical hands-on experience. Full emergency services remain staffed and ready for the rest of the county.
Emergency Management Efficiency: Emergency Management Director Courtney Taylor and Deputy Director Christina Byrd recently presented their department’s annual update. The EMA operates on just half a percent of the county’s $68.4 million budget and has returned nearly $220,000 to the General Fund over the last nine years. The department is also expanding community outreach with new quarterly CPR days.
Jail Bookings: Recent bookings at the Gordon County Jail over the past 24 hours include two 17-year-olds from Calhoun, Ethan Mark Corpora and Walker Tyler Cuprowski, who were both arrested by the Sheriff’s Office on two counts of simple battery.
Community Events & School Updates
Calhoun City Schools Veterans Day Parade: Kayla Ralston and Greta Hughes from Calhoun City Schools joined WJTH 101.7 on air this morning to preview the upcoming Veterans Day Parade next Wednesday, November 11. Georgia 101.7 will be broadcasting live from the parade route to honor local veterans.
Cherokee Promenaders: The local square dance club meets tonight, November 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Harris Arts Center.
First Friday Storytime: The Harris Arts Center is hosting a free First Friday Storytime for toddlers tomorrow, November 6, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Paw Pals: Children can practice reading with therapy dogs at the Calhoun-Gordon County Public Library tomorrow, November 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Community Food Distribution: Gordon County Schools will host a community food distribution event on Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Central Office.
Voluntary Action Center Holiday Drive
With Thanksgiving fast approaching, the Voluntary Action Center (VAC) Community Kitchen is seeking donations to ensure every family has a warm holiday meal. When shopping for groceries this weekend, residents are encouraged to pick up high-priority items, including:
Boxed stuffing
Pasta noodles
Gravy
Donations can be dropped off directly at the VAC facility, located at 343 South Wall Street in Calhoun.