Gordon County officials are closely monitoring two pending opioid settlements involving Purdue Pharma/Sackler and Sandoz, though the specific dollar amounts to be received are not yet available. As of June 30, the county’s opioid fund holds a balance of $243,032. These funds are currently budgeted to support counseling services through the county’s Drug Court program.

In other governmental activity, county leaders recently participated in a webinar hosted by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) regarding the newly authorized Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), enabled under House Bill 581.

FLOST Could Impact Millage Rates

Currently, Gordon County residents pay a 7% sales tax—4% to the state and 1% each to LOST, SPLOST, and ESPLOST. The FLOST, if approved via referendum, could add an additional 1% tax to reduce property taxes. A similar tax, the TSPLOST, could also be enacted by vote. FLOST adoption requires an agreement between the county and its cities.

If voters approve the FLOST in November 2025, tax collections would begin in January 2026, potentially providing a significant reduction in the millage rate by 2027. Approval in May 2026 would delay tax collection until September of that year, affecting property tax relief the following year.

Economic Development Heating Up

Interest from new industries continues to grow along Highway 41 South and Trimble Hollow, with additional projects considering the Thor Building for future development. The Gordon County Development Authority also reports a new project expressing interest in property located on McDaniel Station Road.

Broadband Expansion Milestone

Comcast will host the Gordon County Expansion and Lift Zone Launch event at noon on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The celebration, taking place at the Boys & Girls Club, marks the expansion of broadband infrastructure and the introduction of a new “Lift Zone” to support students and families with high-speed internet.

At its most recent meeting, the Gordon County Public Facilities Authority reviewed progress on the Comcast Broadband Expansion project. A final report is expected soon, detailing total investment, miles of fiber installed, and the number of new homes and businesses with broadband access.

Infrastructure and Road Repairs

Recent heavy storms caused flash flooding in parts of the county, with a culvert washout on Love Bridge Road prompting a temporary closure. Public Works crews have since completed repairs and reopened the road.

Meanwhile, Phase 1 repairs on Johnson Lake Road near Buc-ee’s were completed this past Sunday night. Phase 2 repairs are scheduled for later this week, expected to take place overnight on Thursday or Friday.

Safety Grant from GDOT

The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded Gordon County approximately $400,000 through its Safety Action Program. The funding, which requires a 30% local match from existing budgeted funds, could be used for critical safety improvements including guardrail repairs, anti-skid paving, and roadway striping at key intersections.