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July 28, 2026

Auditor Says Menlo’s Financial Records Were In Worse Shape Than Last Year

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An independent auditor told the Menlo City Council that the city’s bookkeeping was in “worse shape this year than it was last year.”

CPA Chrissan Thomas said bank accounts had not been reconciled, months of revenue had not been recorded, payroll and property tax entries contained errors, and some bank statements had not been opened. Auditors also struggled to locate invoices and other supporting records.

Thomas warned that some state grant funds had not been properly closed out and could have to be returned. She said much of the audit involved reconstructing the city’s financial records rather than conducting a normal review.

Thomas said Menlo can recover by improving internal controls, reconciling accounts monthly and closely monitoring financial reports. She praised new City Clerk Julie Willingham but said it could take several months to bring the books current.

July 26, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Town Council To Meet July 30

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The Trion Town Council will hold its regular workshop and council meeting on Thursday, July 30, at Trion Town Hall.

According to a notice issued by Mayor Mickey D. McGraw, the workshop will begin at 6 p.m., with the regular council meeting to follow in the Town Hall Conference Room.

The workshop provides council members an opportunity to discuss agenda items before the regular meeting, where official business is conducted.

Mayor McGraw said anyone with questions or comments may contact the Trion Town Hall office for additional information.

The meeting is open to the public.

July 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Updated List Shows 52 Properties Still Scheduled For Chattooga County Tax Sale

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton has released an updated list of properties currently scheduled for the county’s August tax sale.

July 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Tax Commissioner Hampton: Most Homeowners Should See Lower Property Taxes

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Most Chattooga County homeowners should see lower property tax bills over the next two years as a result of state tax relief, local sales tax revenue and additional tax relief proposals, according to Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

City of Summerville to Celebrate Recreation Improvements with Two Open House Events

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The City of Summerville is inviting the public to attend two open house celebrations later this month highlighting recent improvements to the city’s recreational facilities.

The first event will be held Wednesday, July 22, at 11 a.m. at the Summerville Recreation Center, where city officials will celebrate the installation of the facility’s new gymnasium HVAC system.

A second celebration is scheduled for Friday, July 24, at 8:30 p.m. at Dunson Field, where the city will officially unveil the new MUSCO ballfield lighting system during youth baseball and softball games.

Summerville Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson said both events are open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend as the city marks the completion of these important recreation projects.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Schools Seeking Renewal of Education SPLOST, Bonding Authority

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The Trion City School System is asking the Trion Town Council to support placing a renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or ESPLOST, on the November ballot to continue funding major capital improvements without increasing property taxes.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Allen Considering Moratorium on Tiny Home and Container Home Developments in Chattooga County

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen says he is considering a temporary moratorium on certain tiny home, container home and other non-traditional development projects while the county reviews how those projects should be regulated in the future.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

LaFayette to Build New Wrestling Facility as Recreation Program Continues Rapid Growth

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The City of LaFayette is investing in the future of its youth wrestling program with the construction of a new dedicated facility, providing a permanent home for a program that has grown significantly over the past decade.

July 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Partners with UGA to Strengthen Cybersecurity

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Chattooga County is partnering with the University of Georgia to strengthen its cybersecurity through the UGA CyberArch Program, a statewide initiative that helps local governments identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and improve their digital defenses.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council to Meet This Evening; Fair Donation, Building Regulations Among Agenda Items

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The Summerville City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting this evening (Monday) at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall. The meeting agenda includes recognition of a retiring firefighter, infrastructure-related contract changes, building regulations, and a proposed contribution to the Chattooga County Fair.