Gordon County Administrator’s Report Highlights Key Projects, Savings, and Upcoming Events

The Gordon County Administrator’s Report delivered this week outlined progress on major projects, significant financial developments, and community initiatives impacting Calhoun and Gordon County.

Financial Report
The county’s cash and investment report was submitted for review. Citizens also received an update on the proposed Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST). The measure, if approved by voters, would shift part of the local tax burden from property taxes to sales taxes. FLOST is designed to reduce property tax rates, similar to the existing LOST program, which rolled back the millage rate from 12.27 to 9.042. A FLOST could potentially reduce it further to 5.81 mills, with much of the revenue expected from visitors passing through the county.

In another financial development, Gordon County will save $750,000 through a credit agreement with its health insurance provider, Cigna. The savings, negotiated by Starr Mathews’ Eddie Reeves along with HR Director Don Holley and Finance Director Andrea Bramlett, will be distributed in quarterly installments beginning July 1, 2025. County employees will see no changes to their coverage as part of the deal.

Economic Development and Community Engagement
A developer has applied for a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) study for a speculative industrial project near Miller Ferry Road and Highway 41. Plans call for four industrial buildings totaling 1.8 million square feet. Rezoning would be required, as the land is currently zoned C-G.

The Fair Association recently hosted Senior Day at the Fair, where seniors enjoyed food, music, and fellowship. Volunteers included Bud and Vicki Owens, Kurt Sutherland, and county staff.

Governor Brian Kemp’s Bus for Recovery also stopped in Calhoun last week as part of a statewide tour celebrating recovery from addiction. Chairman Owens presented a proclamation on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.

Major Projects Underway
County Project Manager Keith King reported steady progress on several key projects:

Ranger Community Center and Playground: Brickwork is complete, interior doors are being installed, and the playground is nearly finished. A canopy installation remains pending.
Multi-Purpose Agricultural Facility: Crews will pour the slab Thursday, with steel delivery set for Monday. Demolition of old buildings is underway.
Mt. Olive Dam Replacement: Tree clearing has begun, with erosion control measures to follow. Pumps will arrive next week.
Pocket Road Project: Crews are installing the final pipe this week, with concrete work expected soon. Completion is targeted for late October 2025.

Continuing Education
The administrator attended continuing education sessions last week, receiving updates on procurement best practices, judicial and legislative changes, annexation, and other government operations.

Upcoming Events