A budget cut at the state level may open up some opportunities for Gilmer County.
Gilmer County Chairman Charlie Paris told the Post Commissioners the state properties commission was not renewing the lease for the state parole offices in the courthouse.
His understanding is it is part of the governor’s budget cuts.
When the agency vacates the offices, it will open up 3,000 square feet of space in the lower level of the building.
“I think it is going to be a good thing for the county,” Paris said.
He laid out a series of moves he hopes to bring about to centrally locate county services.
First up is moving the planning and zoning office from the building on the square into the courthouse.
This will also necessitate moving the sheriff’s evidence locker.
Once these two things are moved, it will allow the county to completely empty the building located next to Cantaberry Restaurant. The building could then be sold by the county.
A final wish would be to move the UGA Extension Office from Progress Road to the courthouse if there is enough room.
“I don’t think there is going to be,” Paris said.
Emergency Management, which is also located on Progress Road, is moving from the building to the airport. If a home could be found for the extension office, it would allow the county to sell a second property.