A surge in public records requests, accelerating residential development, and a closely watched property tax proposal dominated discussion at last week’s Gordon County General Administration Committee meeting.
County Clerk Hollis Barton reported that Open Records Act requests have climbed significantly in early 2026. The county has processed 185 requests so far this year, marking a 53% increase over the same period in 2025. Barton noted that, unlike past spikes, the current uptick does not appear to be tied to election activity.
Growth trends across the county are also intensifying. Development Director Derron Brown said building activity remains strong, with 544 inspections already completed this year. Residential electrical and plumbing inspections have seen particularly sharp increases—rising 272% and 224%, respectively. Officials estimate that between 500 and 600 new single-family homes could be permitted by year’s end.
Large-scale development projects are continuing to advance as well. A major industrial effort known as “Project Bulldog,” expected to span 1.8 million square feet, has passed key environmental requirements and is preparing for infrastructure work, including a sewer line installation beneath the interstate. Meanwhile, the Miller Ferry subdivision is approaching final approval and could add roughly 65 to 80 homes to the local housing supply.
Beyond county lines, state lawmakers are weighing potential changes that could affect property owners statewide. House Bill 1116 HOME Act Georgia—commonly referred to as the “HOME Act”—recently cleared the Georgia House and is now under consideration in the Senate Finance Committee. The proposal includes a 3% annual cap on property tax increases for primary residences and introduces a phased homestead exemption beginning in 2027. It also outlines a possible shift toward sales tax to help offset lost revenue. If the measure advances, voters may ultimately decide on a broader exemption in a referendum slated for November 2026.
