Gordon County commissioners recognized recovery efforts, honored longtime county employees and approved several financial and administrative measures during Tuesday’s regular meeting.
Commissioners officially proclaimed September as National Recovery Month in Gordon County, recognizing efforts to raise awareness about substance use disorders and the resources available to individuals and families seeking recovery.
This year’s observance carries the theme “Georgia Recovers,” with an emphasis on education, prevention, treatment and support for people affected by substance use.
The commission also recognized several county employees who have reached significant milestones in their years of service.
Among those honored were:
- Byron Sutton — 37 years, Fire Department
- Jack Jenkins — 36 years, Sheriff’s Office
- Keith Henson — 35 years, Sheriff’s Office
- Heath Derryberry — 28 years, Fire Department
- Adam Dortch — 25 years, Fire Department
- Ron Chance — 25 years, Fire Department
- Lesleigh Elias — 22 years, District Attorney’s Office
- Jesse Hollingsworth — 21 years, Public Works
During his administrative report, County Administrator Jim Ledbetter announced that Gordon County Public Works had dedicated a memorial plaque honoring Steve Parris, who died following a battle with brain cancer.
Parris was recognized for 42 years of service to the county.
Ledbetter also provided commissioners with updates on economic development and other county projects.
Warehouse automation company Stow has scheduled its grand opening for Oct. 15.
He also reported that the Gordon-Floyd Joint Development Authority is reviewing an offer to purchase all remaining authority-owned property in Floyd County.
Commissioners Approve Several Measures
During the New Business portion of the meeting, commissioners approved a number of administrative, financial and infrastructure-related items.
The commission addressed a change to the start time of its regular meeting scheduled for Oct. 6 and selected a commissioner to serve as Gordon County’s voting delegate at the ACCG Legislative Leadership Conference in Athens on Oct. 8.
Commissioners also approved an application for the ACCG Employee Safety Grant.
County officials noted that Gordon County’s safety compliance efforts resulted in $67,894 in premium discounts during the county’s most recent billing cycle. The savings included $40,503 in workers’ compensation premiums and $27,391 in IRMA property and liability coverage.
The commission approved a responsible-party transfer for an off-premises beer and wine license to Ranjan V. Patel for Harry 1201 LLC, doing business as Allens Mart, located at 4782 Red Bud Road.
Commissioners also approved a $492,889 agreement with Arctiq through a state contract to upgrade the county’s server and storage infrastructure.
The project includes $470,988.47 for HPE ProLiant DL325 servers and Alletra 5030 storage arrays, along with up to $21,900 in professional services for migration to Proxmox. The project will be funded through an FY27 budget amendment.
The county also granted utility easements along Redbone Ridge Road to North Georgia EMC to support power needs associated with Fidem Energy’s operations at the county landfill.
Community Funding Approved
Commissioners approved several budgeted FY27 General Fund supplemental allocations for local community organizations and services.
The allocations included:
- $34,125 for Gordon County Schools Nurse Services
- $34,125 for Calhoun City Schools Nurse Services
- $9,919 for Hand Up/Voluntary Action Center
- $5,000 for Prevent Child Abuse Gordon County
- $5,000 for the Calhoun-Gordon Arts Council
- $4,550 for the Winner’s Club
The commission also approved an agreement with ADP to migrate the county’s payroll systems to Essential Time.
According to county officials, the move is expected to produce recurring annual savings of $9,994.
Tuesday’s meeting included a mix of recognitions, community investments and technology and infrastructure decisions as county officials continued preparations for the upcoming fiscal year.
