City Council Tackles Ordinances and Water Treatment
The Calhoun City Council is facing a packed schedule today, kicking off with a noon Joint Budget Work Session alongside the City Board of Education at the City Annex. A significant portion of the day will focus on city ordinance updates, including establishing new standards for data centers to mitigate noise and power grid impacts. The Council is expected to extend the current moratoriums on vape shops and massage parlors while introducing stringent safety, lighting, and property maintenance standards for local convenience stores. Additionally, leaders will review the second step of adding contractors to the Reverse Osmosis water treatment plants. This comes as a critical priority following reports that forever chemicals crept up in March measurements. The day will conclude with a 7:00 PM public hearing for the FY 2027 Annual Operating Budget at the Depot.
Planning and Public Safety Meetings Set
Ahead of tonight’s budget hearing, the Gordon County Planning Commission will convene at 6:00 PM to evaluate the latest rezoning and land-use requests. Looking toward tomorrow, the Gordon County Public Safety Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss ongoing departmental operations and proactive safety initiatives across the county.
Gordon County Jail Bookings
Local law enforcement agencies reported several arrests over the past operational period. The Gordon County Arrest Report includes Christian Anthony Aguilar (23) for reckless stunt driving; Brandy Nicole Bryant (34) for burglary and criminal trespass; Raymond Alan Copeland (66) for possession of methamphetamine and a bicycle light violation; James Edward Dailey (23) for financial exploitation of disabled/elder adults and card fraud; Aaron Eugene Lee (46) for simple battery – family violence; William Wright Linkens III (57) for simple battery; Jonathan Devon McClure (33) for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, burglary, and obstruction; Pamela Sue Rich (68) for aggravated assault-FVA; Peggy Sue Tillman (49) for battery and cruelty to children; and Brittany Lynn Walker (40) for stalking.
Early Voting Enters Final Week
Voters are running out of time as we enter the final week of early voting ahead of the May 19 primary election. Local turnout has remained surprisingly low, with only 1,354 ballots cast to date. Residents can cast their votes from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at 100 South Wall Street through this Friday.
Fuel Prices and State Agriculture Grants
At the pump, local fuel prices are holding at an average of $3.95 per gallon. However, consumers could see upward pressure as crude oil went up 3 percent yesterday. The current state gas tax suspension is slated to expire on Election Day, May 19, though there are growing indications that Governor Kemp may extend the suspension to prevent an immediate 33-cent price jump. Meanwhile, at the state level, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has announced a record $1.15 million in funding for the Dog and Cat Sterilization Program. Geared toward reducing shelter overcrowding, these grants are available to 501(c)(3) animal rescue and charity agencies, as well as local government shelters, with applications opening this Friday, May 15.