Robert Jones - PIckens County Commissioner

We are nearing the end of the first month of 2012 and it has been a very busy month for your local government.  I will try to update you on several items that I believe would be of interest to you as a citizen of Pickens County.  As most of you know, I am now entering my eighth year serving as your Sole Commissioner and it has been an honor and a pleasure to serve as your elected official during these two terms.  One of my primary goals early in my administration was to make your local government responsive to the needs of our citizens and to keep you, the citizens, informed about the activities of your local government.  This monthly report is one method we use to keep you informed and updated.  Please also keep in mind my open door policy in which I will be happy to meet with any individual or group that might have questions, comments or complaints about your local government.

The weather has been strange for January in our area as we have seen a lot of rain, thunder, high winds and mild temperatures.  Another reminder to our citizens about making sure you are signed up with our 911 center for the “Code Red” warning system.  Absolutely no cost to you and it could save a life.  If you have not signed up yet, please call 706-253-8945 and they will get you registered.

Another item of concern for our property owners has been the inadvertent changing of their land use classification for their property.  All of those changes have now been reversed and everyone’s classification should be returned to the original designation.  The Pickens County Planning Commission, in a special called meeting this month, voted unanimously to send me a recommendation that we establish a separate map and data base for land use classifications to be administered by the Pickens County Planning and Development Office.  This department will be the only department that has access and authority to change land use classifications, and only when the requirements of state law and county ordinance have been met.  It is my intention to approve this recommendation in order to insure that mistakes concerning land use classification will not occur in the future.  The process for changing classifications will remain the same.  This will insure that no changes occur unless that process has been completed.

Pickens County Tax Commissioner Sharon Troglin presented a report at my monthly meeting concerning activities in her department.  She indicated that tax collections were proceeding normally.  Since the due date was December 6, 2011, eighty-eight percent (88%) of the property taxes due have been paid.  This represents about a five percent (5%) improvement over the same time last year.

Until the next time, stay safe and be healthy.

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Jan. 4, 2012 Illegal Immigration Laws Set to Take Effect

Click here to read and/or download the Pickens County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Plan

NOTICE OF FILING

CELLULAR TOWER APPLICATION

Any person wishing to be declared as a formal party of record shall file notice with the Pickens County Planning and Development at 1266 East Church, Suite 136, Jasper, Georgia by

February 8, 2012, by 5:00 p.m.

For information call 706-253-8850

Big Canoe Cell Tower Application

Big Canoe Cell Tower Site Plans

Big Canoe -50 yr search Title Report

Download Cell Tower Ordinance – September 2008 Version

Approved Animal Ordinance