News & Notices

HEARING RESCHEDULED
The Planning and Zoning Public Hearing originally scheduled/advertised for Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 6:30pm has been rescheduled for Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Franklin County Justice Center. This notice of rescheduled meeting is provided pursuant to the Franklin County Zoning Regulations section 1608.

PRESS RELEASE
GEORGIA EPD ELEVATES DROUGHT RESPONSE LEVELS, FRANKLIN COUNTY DECLARED LEVEL 1

Worsening drought conditions throughout most of the state have prompted a Level 1 Drought Response declaration from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD). This means public water utilities in 103 counties, including Franklin, will be required to begin a public information campaign to help citizens better understand drought, its impact on water supplies and the need for water conservation.

To determine the appropriate level of drought response, EPD considers several factors including precipitation, stream flows, groundwater, reservoir levels, short-term climate predictions and soil moisture. EPD monitors and produces publicly available reports on these conditions on a monthly basis.

According to the statement from the EPD, the “drought has affected the entire state with conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought.” Furthermore, the EPD press release stated, “The current flash drought we are in is primarily agricultural, but it can also affect water supply….It came on quickly due to the intense daytime heating, lack of rainfall and sudden decrease in soil moisture we experienced in September.” As of October 18, 2019, Franklin County has been assigned a Level 1 Drought Response status.

The state’s drought response is centered on the ability of public water systems to supply adequate amounts of water. The Franklin County Water System is a blended system that utilizes sources of groundwater and surface water. At this time, we feel our system has ample ability to supply adequate water to our customers. However, it is important for us to collectively be good stewards of our water resources. During our drought response, we are encouraging customers to conserve water when possible.

Examples of ways to conserve water and be good water stewards:
• General outdoor watering is allowed only between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
• Regularly check for, and repair, leaks inside and outside their home.
• Don’t leave the tap running when shaving, brushing teeth, and face washing.
• Only water your landscape when necessary. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.

Please use the links below for additional information:

Georgia Mountains Regional Commission invites public input for update of Franklin County Joint Comprehensive Plan
The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) is assisting with the update of the Franklin County Joint Comprehensive Plan, the State required document that helps shape and coordinate local work programs for Franklin County and the municipalities of Carnesville, Canon, Franklin Springs, Lavonia, and Royston.

As part of this process we’ve extended access to the online survey asking people to give us their thoughts on select issues and priorities for their communities. This survey will be accessible through October 31 and is open to anyone with a vested interest in the area. Anyone wishing to participate should visit the link below.

Any questions about the public involvement process can contact Adam Hazell at the GMRC by email at ahazell@gmrc.ga.gov or by phone at (738) 538-2617

NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive public comment regarding two applications that have been filed for land use map changes with regards to the Zoning Regulations of Franklin County, Georgia. The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at 6:30 PM at the Franklin County Justice Center located at 7085 Hwy. 145, Carnesville.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
FCWS (Franklin County Water System) will no longer accept credit card payments over-the-phone. Effective August 1, 2019, the Franklin County Water System will no longer process over-the-phone credit card payments. We do accept cash, checks, and money orders. We will also accept credit card payments in person with proper ID (processing fee does apply). For your convenience, we have a 24-hour drop box at our offices.

Franklin County Water System has added ONLINE BILL PAY to your payment options. Visit our website and click the “Pay Online” Icon to launch the WIPP online payment portal.

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a public hearing for all who have an interest in these applications on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 5:30 PM at the same location. For additional information, please contact the Planning Director at 706-384-2483.

FRANKLIN COUNTY BUILDING AND INSPECTIONS PROPOSED DRAFT
On May 6, 2019, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved the first reading of a proposed Building and Inspections Ordinance. The ordinance is in draft format and subject to change.

The draft ordinance is available for public review. An electronic version of the draft ordinance can be found by clicking the link below or a hard copy is available at the Board of Commissioners office at 141 Athens Road, Carnesville, GA.

Public comment is welcome. You may email your comments to plats@franklincountyga.gov please include “Inspections Program” in the subject line.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR JOINT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD and PLANNING COMMISSION BOARD
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners is seeking interested citizens with a desire to serve and volunteer their time for openings on the following boards: Joint Development Authority, Planning Commission, Recreation Board and Tax Assessors Board. Applications received are kept on file for a one-year period and will be considered.

Applications can be downloaded from the link below or picked up from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners at 141 Athens Street, Carnesville, GA 30521. For more information or questions contact Elaine Evans, County Clerk at 706-384-2483. Applications will be accepted through May 24, 2019 or until filled.

SPECIAL PURPOSE LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX (SPLOST) ANNUAL REPORTING

Prior to December 31 of each year, Franklin County must publish a non-technical report in a local newspaper of general circulation and in a prominent location on the local government website related to the SPLOST expenditures for the current year. The Annual Reports for SPLOST IV and SPLOST V are presented separately in the links below.

In order to foster transparency The Franklin County Board of Commissioners has made the Franklin County Employee Handbook available to the public.