Government & Politics

Local government meetings, elections, policy and civic updates

Gilmer School Board's Tentative Millage Means a 3.79% Property Tax Increase, and Hearings Come First

The Gilmer County Board of Education posted a Notice of Property Tax Increase on July 31, setting up required public hearings on a school millage rate that state law counts as a 3.79 percent tax hike. Classes for the 2026-2027 year start Monday, Aug. 3.

Aug 23 min read

Government & Politics

Ellijay Tightens Data Center Rules as County Puts $1.93 Million Into Clear Creek Road

The Ellijay City Council voted unanimously July 20 to extend the city's crypto-mining rules to cover general data centers, with setbacks, noise limits and water restrictions. Days earlier, county commissioners extended a moratorium and hired a paver for 6.85 miles of Clear Creek Road.

Aug 14 min read

Government & Politics

City Council Approves Another $134,000 for Ellijay Street Repaving

Ellijay City Council voted Monday to add $134,000 to its road-resurfacing program, extending repairs to worn pavement across the city limits as downtown traffic grows.

Jul 113 min read

Government & Politics

Gilmer's Property-Tax-for-Sales-Tax Swap Passes the House — Now It's Up to You in November

House Bill 21 would erase county property tax on Gilmer homeowners' primary residences and replace the money with a new penny sales tax. Passed by the state House 95-67, it now heads to a November referendum where local voters decide.

Jul 74 min read

Government & Politics

Gilmer's Bold Tax Swap: Wipe Out County Property Tax on Your Home, Add a Penny at the Register

A local bill advancing at the Capitol would erase the county property tax on owner-occupied Ellijay-area homes and replace that money with a new 1% local sales tax — but only if Gilmer voters approve it at the ballot box.

Jul 54 min read

Government & Politics

Ellijay Pauses New Short-Term Rentals for 90 Days as County Warns of a "Wild West" of Unlicensed Cabins

The Ellijay City Council voted unanimously to halt new short-term rental approvals for three months while it overhauls its ordinance — as county officials estimate hundreds to thousands of vacation rentals may be operating without a license.

Jun 284 min read

Government & Politics

Ellijay Council Takes a First Step Toward Data-Center Rules — But No Project Is on the Table

The Ellijay City Council held a first reading of a proposed ordinance regulating data centers on June 15. It was an early procedural step — not final approval, and not a sign that a data center is coming to town.

Jun 214 min read

Government & Politics

The Hotel That Became a Courthouse: Ellijay's Lost Landmark on the Square

For most of the 20th century, Gilmer County's justice was handed down inside a building that started life as a hotel. How the old courthouse rose — and came down.

Jun 163 min read