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September 6, 2026

Summerville Council Backs UGA PROPEL Rural Economic Development Program

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The City of Summerville has formally expressed its support for the PROPEL Program, a University of Georgia initiative designed to help rural communities develop strategies for long-term economic growth and stability.

September 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Warnock Calls For Statewide Moratorium On New Data Centers

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U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock is calling for a statewide moratorium on new data center construction in Georgia, saying large projects should not move forward until protections are in place for local residents.

September 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City Nearing Bid Opening For Summerville Recreation Restroom Renovations

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The City of Summerville is getting closer to opening bids for planned restroom renovations at the Summerville Recreation Department.

September 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Commissioners To Consider FY 2027 Budget, Millage Rate And $2.2 Million Courthouse Project

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners will have several major financial decisions before it when commissioners meet Thursday evening, including adoption of the county’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget and millage rate.

August 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Tax Commissioner Explains Senior Property Tax Questions Heading To November Ballot

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is providing additional information about property tax exemption questions voters will see on the November ballot, including proposed changes affecting homeowners who are at least 70 years old on January 1, 2027.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Property Tax Class Set For Monday In Chattooga County

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Chattooga County residents who have questions about their property assessments, appeals or tax bills will have an opportunity to hear directly from county officials during a free property tax class Monday, August 31.

The class, “Understanding Property Taxes in Chattooga County,” will begin at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.

The goal is to give residents a clearer understanding of how property taxes work at the local level, including assessments, appeals, exemptions, tax relief, tax bills and how the county millage rate is established.

Sole Commissioner Andy Allen will open the class with an overview of the property tax process and explain the roles of the different elected county officials involved. Allen will also discuss how the millage rate process works.

Chattooga County Tax Assessor Nancy Edgeman will explain the property tax appeal process and the duties of the Tax Assessor’s Office.

Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton will cover how taxpayers can understand and estimate their tax bills, the different layers of property tax relief available in 2026 and property tax exemptions.

The class comes at a particularly important time for local property owners, with many Chattooga County residents questioning their latest property assessments and filing appeals.

The program is Monday, August 31, at 6 PM at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.

August 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Property Tax Appeal Forms Available Saturday In Downtown Summerville

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Residents who still need to file a property tax appeal will have another opportunity to pick up a free appeal form Saturday morning in downtown Summerville.

Nancy Bishop says volunteers plan to be in front of the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office near Jefferson’s Saturday morning and will remain there until at least noon, or until rain moves in.

Drivers are invited to slow down or stop to pick up a form, but organizers are asking everyone to be careful and considerate of other traffic in the area.

The deadline to file a property tax appeal is Monday, September 14.

Bishop also reminds residents that they do not have to complete all of their research before filing an appeal. She says if a property owner later determines that the value they asserted was too low, they can raise that amount, but they cannot lower the asserted value after the appeal is filed.

Residents may also designate an agent to represent or assist them during the appeal process. According to the post, that agent does not have to be a real estate or insurance professional and could be a friend, family member, business associate or hired professional.

Organizers hope to get additional clarification about the agent process during Monday night’s property tax class at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center.

Anyone who still needs an appeal form can stop by downtown Summerville Saturday morning.

August 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Commissioner Allen Seeks Changes Before Approving GMASS Agreement.

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen is raising questions about the terms of a proposed new three-year contract with Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions and Services, or GMASS, the private company that provides property appraisal services for the county.

August 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Seeking Bids For Phase One Of Tooga Theatre Renovation

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Chattooga County is moving forward with plans for the renovation of the historic Tooga Theatre in downtown Summerville, with the county now advertising for bids for the first phase of the project.

August 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Council Meeting Set For Thursday

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The Town of Trion will hold its regular workshop and council meeting this Thursday, August 27.

According to Mayor Mickey D. McGraw, the workshop will begin at 6 PM in the Town Hall Conference Room.

The regular council meeting will follow shortly after the workshop concludes.

Residents with questions or comments about the meeting may contact Mayor McGraw or the Trion Town Hall office for additional information.