ELLIJAY, Ga. – Rolling into 2022, the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners set standard new year approvals and fees for 2022. Standard annual agenda items that have become predictable over recent years still require approval by vote like County Clerk and Attorney.

The BOC once again nominated and approved unanimously to continue with their current attorney as David Clark and clerk as Edwina Daman.

However, another standard approval holds more meaning this year as a potentially major change on the board. This year, 2022, holds the elections for both Board Chairman and Post 2 Commissioner and this month saw the board officially approve the election qualifying fees. With recent announcements, one change is imminent as Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson confirmed with FYN that she is not currently looking to run for re-election. Additionally, current Board Chairman Charlie Paris also announced he would run for re-election, but has already said it will be his last term if elected.

The board approved these fees at $2,550.71 for Commission Chairman and $459.13 for Post 2 Commissioner.

Additionally, the board also set Board of Education qualifying fees at $144 with the same motion.

The Post 2 Commissioner Election has already seen two announcements for campaigns from Tom Whatley and John Marshall. Paris is the only announcement for Chairman so far.

Other approvals from the meeting included the county’s organizational chart and a 2022 River Outfitters License for Cartecay River Experience pending an insurance requirement.

The January meeting also held a lengthy discussion on potential impact fees as one possible aid in current Land Developments for the county. Tensions are still high in the county as developers both local and abroad are increasing developments in the area. Speculations from citizens point to the people selling their city properties and moving into second homes in the county full time as well as the continued exodus of city dwellers looking to escape the high density of cities like Atlanta and the COVID virus.

The Board also has set a Special Called Meeting for Monday, January 24, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. for discussions on road paving, LMIG, increasing the Hotel/Motel Tax, and a possible new update on the county pool.