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June 8, 2026

Audit Reveals Financial Control Issues, Documentation Problems in Chattooga County Operations

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A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).

June 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council Meets Tonight With Budget Hearing and Project Bids on Agenda

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The Summerville City Council will meet tonight with a full agenda that includes a public hearing on the proposed city budget, consideration of several project bids, appointments to the Housing Authority Board, and discussions involving city-owned property.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville City Council to Consider Budget, Splash Pad, Pavilion and Property Sales Monday

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The Summerville City Council will meet Monday evening with a busy agenda that includes the proposed city budget, several construction and equipment bids, a downtown recognition, and discussions involving city-owned property.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Enacts New Spay And Neuter Ordinance

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Walker County pet owners are now required to have their dogs and cats spayed or neutered under a newly approved county ordinance.

June 4, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Commissioners Schedule FY2027 Budget Work Sessions

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a series of budget work sessions next week as county leaders begin reviewing and discussing the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.

June 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Commissioner Addresses Property Appraisal Visits Across Chattooga County

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Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen has issued a statement addressing questions and concerns from residents regarding property appraisal work currently being conducted throughout the county by GMASS (Georgia Mass Appraisal Solutions & Services).

May 31, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Trion Town Council To Hold Special Called Meeting Tuesday

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The Town of Trion has scheduled a Special Called Meeting for Tuesday, June 2, to discuss matters related to the town’s Industrial Park.

According to a notice issued by Mayor Mickey D. McGraw, the meeting will be held in the Town Hall Conference Room and will begin at 6 p.m. The sole purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Industrial Park.

Mayor McGraw stated that anyone with questions or comments may contact him or the Town Hall office for additional information.

The meeting is open to the public.

May 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Expands Redevelopment Area To Help Secure Funding For New Apartment Project Near Trion

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Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen has approved an expansion of the county’s Urban Redevelopment Area in an effort to help unlock federal funding opportunities for a proposed apartment development near Trion.

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Commissioners To Consider Rezoning Requests, Road Closure, And County Projects

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The Walker County Board of Commissioners will hold its regular scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Courthouse Annex IV in LaFayette.

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Allows Property Owners To Sue Over Public Nuisance Enforcement

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A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.

House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.

State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.

However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.

Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.

House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.