THE PICKENS REPORT- NOVEMBER 2018

The holiday season has arrived; marked by cool weather, and festive decorations. This is a busy time of year for most, and especially for those in the Pickens County Tax Commissioner’s office. The group has been working particularly hard this tax collection season. The total 2018 collections as of December 17th, equivalate to 87.47 percent, an above average and successful collection thus far. The collections are from taxes levied on heavy equipment, mobile home, personal property, real property, and timber. Also, the 2019 county budget public hearing has taken place, and all advertised requirements have been met. The budget is set to be approved at the Board of Commissioners meeting on December 20th. The 2019 budget can be viewed online at www.pickenscountyga.gov or a detailed version is available for review at the Pickens County Administrative Building.

During the month of November, the Water Department installed five new meters. The Department of Planning and Development issued 30 new building permits. The Pickens Animal Shelter brought in 100 animals, and 121 went out through various forms of adoption. Animal Control responded to five cases. The 911 Operations Center received 1,448 total calls, 680 were medical responses and fire related. The Road Department is maintaining and pretreating roads for the winter weather. They are also working to clean up debris and the over 200 down trees from the recent winter storm. Public Works expects to have all right of ways clear within a couple of weeks. The Pickens County Recreation Department is currently midway through basketball season. All games will break for Christmas starting December 22nd and will resume on January 5th. Additionally, new playground equipment will be installed later this month at Roper Park with a gracious donation from Pepsi. Overall the Pickens County government departments are working hard for the citizens of Pickens County. The Pickens County Board of Commissioners continue 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. On behalf of Pickens County government, have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!
Until the next time, stay safe, and shop local!