THE PICKENS REPORT – JUNE 2018

The conclusion of another month of activities across Pickens County can be easily summarized: busy and hot! We have reached the midway point for the calendar year and many projects are in the works. The SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) collections for 2018 have increased by roughly seven percent compared to this time last year. SPLOST collections have totaled $1,940,451 from January to the end of May. The total SPLOST collections from July 1, 2014 to June 2018 is $16,786,894. SPLOST funds are used for capital outlay projects such as: road, street and bridge projects, public safety, and water and sewer facilities.

During the month of June, Public Works resurfaced Deer Trace Drive and Stephens View Road. They will soon be resurfacing Griffith Road, and prepping additional roads for tar and graveling. Subcontractor crews through LMIG (Local Maintenance Improvement Grant) and SPLOST funding resurfaced all county-maintained roads within Hunters Ridge. Additionally, the crews resurfaced: Lumber Company Road, Lower Grandview, Lakeshore Drive, Old Grandview East, and Windy Ridge. They will soon be resurfacing Upper Grandview, Grandview Circle, and Hickory Cove before moving to their next paving phase. The Water Department completed a line extension on Jones Mountain, which will allow for Pickens County and Gilmer County to form a water agreement. The line extension totaled 16,800 feet along the road. Also, the department installed ten new meters. The 2017 Annual Water Quality Report is complete, the report can be viewed at www.pickenscountyga.gov or a copy can be picked up at the Water Office. The Recreation Department is still offering Summer Camp until July 27th and the county pool will remain open until August 5th. The construction of Pickens County Fire Station #12 off Carlan Road is coming along great. The exterior of the building is near completion and then the focus will turn to the interior of the structure. During June, the 911 Operations Center received 1,785 total calls, 698 were medical responses and fire related. The Department of Planning and Development issued 42 new building permits. The Pickens Animal Shelter brought in 108 animals, and 84 animals went out through various forms of adoption. Animal Control responded to 20 cases. Pickens County government departments continue to stay busy working hard for the citizens of Pickens County. The Pickens County Board of Commissioners continues to do a great job of leading these efforts. As work progresses, and projects continue, I will do my best to keep you informed of these developments. 

Until the next time, stay safe, and shop local!