Gilmer County will suspend most capital spending.
In a move which came as a surprise to county employees and other commissioners, Chairman Charlie Paris said he was concerned about SPLOST revenue in the immediate future and with all the closures.
“Before everybody starts getting real nervous, I’m not talking about cutting anything at this point, necessarily,” he said. “What I am planning to do at this point is to kind of put the brakes on capital spending.”
Two main projects which will be affected are a new Gilmer County pool and a lift station at the old landfill.
Pool construction is fully funded with the money, an estimated $1.3 million, in a separate account. The lift station has $575,000 of the $800,000 on hand.
“I just want money available in case the SPLOST revenues do take a dive,” Paris said.
SPLOST, or Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, is revenue collected from sales tax. Much of the SPLOST goes to service debt the county incurred when it built the courthouse.
“I’m concerned about whether this revenue will hold,” he said.
Both projects are not canceled, Paris said he just needs to hold off on them for three to four months until the country gets through the Coronavirus crisis.
Plans to purchase an ambulance will continue. Paris said he still needs to review all spending to see what can be put on hold and what is necessary.
“We’re not going to be spending any money right now unless we’re forced to,” he said.
Demolition will continue on the old pool, but no new construction will take place.
Officials speak
Several officials used the public forum position of the meeting to make statements.
Paige Green, president and CEO of the Gilmer Chamber of Commerce, said the downtown welcome center has closed.
She said the chamber is working to support local businesses during the time when they need it the most.
“We are encouraging people to shop responsibly,” she said. “Use our restaurants for takeout if you feel comfortable.”
She said they would be following developments and working with all businesses.
“We are trying to use our voice to be calm and reasonable right now,” Green said.
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson said as a citizen he was asking everyone to not go closing everything which didn’t need to be closed.
“As sheriff, we’re doing everything we can around the courthouse, and we are meeting this morning about keeping our employees and deputies safe and at work,” he said.
He also asked commissioners to consider the vehicle situation at his department.
“We need, sorely need, patrol cars,” he said.
Probate Judge Scott Chastain said things changed in his office as of Saturday. Georgia’s Chief Justice signed an order suspending most court business.
He said all gun permits and licenses currently in the process would be mailed. People were asked to not show up at the office to pick them up.
He would not be allowed to begin processing any new applications until April 13.
“It’s to keep people from coming to the courthouse,” he said. “The goal is to keep people at home.”
He said permits which would expire during this time frame would still be considered valid.
As probate judge, he would only be holding emergency hearings.
Tax commissioner Becky Marshall said her office was wiping down stations and had provided hand sanitizer. She was encouraging people to use the online service and drop box outside next to the flagpole.
She said staff was told to stay home if they felt ill.
Public Safety Director Keith Kucera said they are encouraging everyone to remain calm. The county has some of the best people and equipment to deal with the situation.
“Please understand the situation is extremely fluid,” he said.