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Baldwin residents speak out against proposed tax increase

By
Staff Report
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Baldwin City Council members listen to a couple's opposition to their proposed tax increase during the second of three public hearings on the millage rate on Sept. 6, 2022. (livestream capture)

“If I knew what I know now when we bought our home, I would not have bought,” Eilene Tate told the Baldwin City Council. Tate and her husband Robert live on Highland Point Drive. She explained to the council they bought the land to build on knowing that when they did their taxes would go up, which they did.

Now, four years in, the Tates are worried about another tax increase.

“(The taxes) has gone up half again as much already,” Tate told the council. “We are senior citizens…but we are on a limited income.”

Tate says she understands current economic conditions are having an impact and the city needs to pay its employees because they’re hurting too. She doesn’t take issue with the need for a millage rate hike, just the size of the increase proposed.

Tate told the council, “You may fix your budget, but you’re hurting everybody else’s.”

Hefty increase

If Baldwin’s proposed millage rate is approved, property owners on the Habersham side of the city would see their rate rise from 6.793 to 9.342 mills. Residents on the Banks County side would see their millage rate increase from 1.608 to 3.465 mills. With higher millage on top of higher property valuations, that will translate into hundreds more dollars in property taxes for many Baldwin residents this year.

“What I don’t understand is the percentage of increase,” said Tate. “People have said, ‘Well, you know the last few years it hasn’t increased.’ That’s not my mistake and that’s not my fault,” she said.

Last year, all of the current council members unanimously voted to roll back Baldwin’s millage rate. At the time they said they would work to open up new revenue streams.

Councilwoman Alice Venter told Now Habersham in 2021: “The easiest and least time-consuming method is to collect revenue from taxpayers. I think, for now, it’s best to roll up our sleeves and try to find those alternatives.”

Tate calls the council’s proposed 37.5% increase on the Habersham side “ridiculous.”

“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you don’t change a budget that much in one year. It makes no sense to me.”

The retired nurse says it’s coming down to “are we going to pay our taxes, pay our electric bill, pay our water bill or pay for our food?”

Moving out. Moving in.

During Baldwin’s first millage rate hearing on August 29, another resident, Debbie Satterfield, warned people would move out of the city if the Baldwin council approves the proposed millage rate increase. Tate offered her own spin on that saying she will tell others not to move in.

“My daughter just moved up here and I will tell her not to buy a house in Baldwin because of this,” she said, adding she will also tell her friends not to move to Baldwin because they couldn’t afford the taxes.

“I would say, “Forget Baldwin, go back to Habersham County.”

“That’s pretty drastic for a citizen to say, but that would be my recommendation.”

Foreshadowing

Councilwoman Venter asked the Tates if they attended the town hall meeting in April during which the city discussed its budget needs. The Tates said they were unable to attend.

Councilman Maarten Venter then spoke up about needing proper police, fire, and public works departments. While she agreed with him that those things are important, Tate said, “that’s too big [an increase] at one time.” She added, “it’s going to hit a lot of other people worse than it’s going to hit us.”

Councilwoman Venter foreshadowed this type of millage rate hike in September 2020 as the city tried to figure out how to extend services to new housing developments.

“We have an aging infrastructure that needs to be updated and if we can’t do it through an increase in our tax digest we have to do it through the people who are already here,” Venter said.

During Tuesday’s hearing, she defended the impending rate hike saying, “It has taken us a couple of years to sort out our budget that was allocated incorrectly, and we have been working on it for a couple of years.”

Interrupting, Mrs. Tate said, “Excuse me. When I was a nursing supervisor, if I took a couple of years, I would have a lot of dead bodies around.”

Venter continued, saying the town hall meeting changed some citizens’ minds about the pending tax increase.

“We had all of our department heads available. We had explanations and we talked about the things that were going on with the city that helped educate and answer the questions that you have.”

Speeding tickets to pay for fire truck

Keith Freeman, who lives in Banks County and owns 15 acres inside city limits, told the council he felt the increase was steep, but supports plans to expand fire service.

“The increases in the fire department and the personnel is definitely needed. We need more of them, honestly, because volunteers, you don’t have volunteers nowadays. It’s just the world we live in.” However, Freeman said he would like to see money go to buy a new fire truck before adding additional personnel.

“I also work in a fire department that is not too far from here and I understand the personnel, if we had three people on a shift, that would be awesome,” he said. “That’s a good thing to have, but we got to have the truck that is going to get us there.”

Mayor Elam explained to Freeman that the city has committed money from its Speed Zone Camera fund to pay for a fire truck. The city collects between $17,000 and $25,000 a month in speeding fines when school is in session and from that they dedicate 10% toward a new truck.

Expanded tax base and exemptions

Picking up on last year’s theme of alternative funding, Councilman Venter stated his goal is to attract enough new businesses to Baldwin to expand its tax base. With a broader base, Baldwin could shift the tax burden away from private property owners to business owners.

Councilwoman Almagno laid some of the blame for the Habersham tax burden on the lack of local option sales tax funding. Banks County uses its LOST funds to help offset property taxes; Habersham County’s LOST revenue goes strictly to schools.

Baldwin does offer tax exemptions. City clerk Emily Woodmaster says affidavit forms are now being accepted at City Hall until September 30. The deadline was extended from April 1 so that taxpayers who might be impacted by the pending increase would still have time to apply. The following exemptions are available:

  • Homestead exemption. Standard exemption is $5,000
  • Over 65 years of age. Will go up to $10,000
  • Disabled Veterans. Exemption is 100% of their property tax up to a certain value set by the state every year.
  • Disabled Veterans widow. Exemption $10,000
  • Seniors that are disabled. Exemption $10,000

The Baldwin City Council has one more public hearing left before voting on the proposed millage rate. That hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on September 12 in the Baldwin Municipal Courtroom at 155 Willingham Avenue.

Georgia reacts to the death of Queen Elizabeth II

By
Sarah Rose
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FILE - In this file photo dated May 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter, right, and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II are photographed with French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing, at Buckingham Palace in London. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a rock of stability across much of a turbulent century, has died. She was 96. Buckingham Palace made the announcement in a statement on Thursday Sept. 8, 2022. (Pool Photo via AP, File)

Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, has died. She was 96.

Remembrances and reactions are rolling in from across Georgia — from politicians, British immigrants, and those who simply admired her as an international leader.

“Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the citizens of the United Kingdom,” said former President Jimmy Carter. “Her dignity, graciousness, and sense of duty have been an inspiration, and we join the millions around the world in mourning a remarkable leader.”

Gov. Brian Kemp and Rep. Nikema Williams extended their condolences to the royal family in tweets Thursday afternoon.

“The City of Atlanta joins the world in mourning the loss of the Queen,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms. The Queen served her country for 70 years and her loss will be greatly felt around the globe. I send my condolences to the British Consulate General Atlanta, the UK residents who now make their home in Atlanta and the residents of our sister city, Newcastle upon Tyne.”

Lyn Baker works at The Corner Shop, a British grocer in Marietta, and has lived in the U.S. for about 25 years.

“I actually wasn’t much of a royalist when I lived in England,” she said. “Oddly enough, it’s become more important as I’ve lived over here. The Queen definitely is someone that I’m very proud of for our country.”

Rukhsana Aguilar, the owner of Taste of Britain, a British specialty foods store in Norcross, said she was “devastated” by the news.

“Our hearts and condolences go out to the royal family,” she said. “We’ve only ever known her. So it’s going to be really strange, really, really strange. I just can’t believe she’s gone.”

This article appears on Now Habersham through a news partnership with GPB News

Cornelia to close Hoyt Street Bridge to traffic; will make Stonecypher one way

By
Staff Report
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Cornelia is closing Hoyt Street Bridge to traffic on Sept. 27, 2022. The closure is in an effort to stop the residential street from being used as a cut-through. (now habersham.com)

Cornelia drivers, take note; some traffic changes you need to be aware of are coming later this month. The city commission on Tuesday approved new traffic flows on several sidestreets to help ease congestion.

Effective September 27, drivers on South Main will no longer be able to cut through to Irvin by way of Hoyt Street. The city of Cornelia is closing the Hoyt Street bridge to vehicular traffic.

“This is in response to residents of South Hoyt Street asking for something to be done about the amount of traffic in their neighborhood,” says Cornelia City Manager Dee Anderson.

Also, on September 27, Stonecypher Street will become one way from Lee Street to Camp Creek Road. This change is necessary because of increased traffic following the completion of the Sierra Vista Apartments. The road is too narrow for more than one car at a time to pass through.

“City Engineers have looked at the cost to widen the road to accommodate two lanes of traffic,” says Anderson. “The cost for this is $2.4 million plus the cost to purchase the old railroad right of way necessary for the project.”

Then there’s the intersection of Summit and Maple Street, which is now a four-way stop. Commissioners chose to install stop signs instead of speed bumps after residents complained about speeders.

Anyone with questions about the traffic changes may contact city hall at 706-778-8585.

Joseph Adam McFry

By
Now Habersham
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Joseph Adam McFry, age 59 of Alto, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at the Stephens County Hospital.

Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on March 08, 1963, he was a son of the late Harry & Patricia Ann Sederlund McFry. He was a graduate of North Georgia Technical College with a degree in Auto Mechanics. Joe was a former shop supervisor with Harrison Tire Company.

Survivors include his brother, David McFry of Gilbert, MN; sister & brother-in-law, Trudy & Darryl Lundquist of Cornelia, Georgia; nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Private family services will be held at a later time.

An online guest registry is available for the McFry family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care of Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Gillsville man charged in August fatality crash

By
Now Habersham
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fatal accident

A Gillsville man faces charges in a fatal two-vehicle collision that occurred August 6 on Highway 52 in eastern Hall County.

Traffic investigators with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office determined Gregory Ryan Mauldin, 44, was the at-fault driver in a crash that killed Rafael Barajas Sanchez, 44, of Gillsville.

Mauldin was exiting his driveway onto Highway 52 and pulled into the path of Sanchez’s motorcycle, officials say. Sanchez died at the scene.

Mauldin has been charged with homicide by vehicle in the second degree and failure to yield when entering the roadway. He turned himself in at the Hall County Jail on Wednesday, September 7, and has since posted bond.

Lady Indians tie school record with sixth straight win

By
TFS Athletics
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Ashlyn Yaskiewicz (Austin Poffenberger)

The Lady Indians volleyball team rolled up a 3-2 close win over visiting Rabun Gap on Thursday evening, tying a school record of six straight victories. The six-match win streak marks the sixth time the team has done that, most recently last season.

Fourth-ranked TFS beat rivals Rabun Gap for the second time this season, and are now 12-3 overall on the 2022 campaign. The Lady Indians move to 28-9 in overall sets won-lost.

The night began with a 17-25 loss in the first set, but the Lady Indians knotted the match at a set apiece with a 25-12 second-set win. Rabun Gap again took the edge with a third-set win of 25-19, putting the Lady Eagles on the verge of an upset at TFS. The Lady Indians rallied for a tight 25-22 fourth set to tie up the match. TFS then secured the win with a 15-10 fifth and final set.

“Very intense match,” states coach Matt Heyl. “Rabun Gap was much improved and they came out to play. It was tough figuring out how to hit by their big blockers. We struggled passing for most of the night. But we were able to pass when it counted. In the fourth set near the end of the game, Elsa Sanchez served some great clutch serves to get the lead an finally clinch that fourth set. In the fifth set, we passed well and Sarah Jennings was able to place the ball into the corners and get some kills for us. We showed up and played aggressively in that fifth set and got out to an early lead and it was just too much for Rabun Gap to come back.”

TFS will next take on multiple opponents this weekend at the Rocky Top Tourney in Tennessee, with games scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The five-set match was the first for TFS since September 14 of last season against Highlands, which was a win. The Lady Indians have had only three five-set matches in Matt Heyl’s time over the program, and all have been wins.

MATCH SCORES:

Lady Indians W 3-2 vs Rabun Gap: 17-25, 25-12, 19-25, 25-22, 15-10

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch, has died at 96

By
Staff Report
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In what was to be her last official duty, Queen Elizabeth II received newly-appointed British Prime Minister Liz Truss at Balmoral Castle on Sept. 6, 2022. (photo @RoyalFamily Twitter)

The longest reigning monarch in British history has died at the age of 96. Queen Elizabeth II served seven decades on the throne.

The queen “died peacefully” on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle, her estate in the Scottish Highlands, Buckingham Palace announced.

Her son Charles, 73, is now king.

King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a “moment of great sadness” for him and his family and that her loss would be “deeply felt” around the world.

Senior royals had gathered at her Scottish estate after concerns grew about her health earlier on Thursday.

The Queen came to the throne in 1952 after her father’s death. In June, she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee marking 70 years on the throne.

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” King Charles said following his mother’s death.

He said during the period of mourning and change he and his family would be “comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held”.

After Thursday’s announcement, a flood of condolences came in from all corners of the globe, including the White House.

“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch. She defined an era,” President Joe Biden said in a statement released Thursday afternoon.

“In a world of constant change, she was a steadying presence and a source of comfort and pride for generations of Britons, including many who have never known their country without her.”

Biden first met the Queen forty years ago on a trip to the United Kingdom with a U.S. Senate delegation. He called the Queen a “stateswoman of unmatched dignity and constancy” who deepened the alliance between the United Kingdom and the United States.

“Today, the thoughts and prayers of people all across the United States are with the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth in their grief. We send our deepest condolences to the Royal Family, who are not only mourning their Queen, but their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her legacy will loom large in the pages of British history, and in the story of our world.”

Bill codifying same-sex marriage nears critical vote in U.S. Senate

By
Jennifer Shutt
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Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins said in July she is optimistic at least 10 GOP senators will get on board with House-passed legislation to affirm same-sex marriage. (Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

WASHINGTON (GA Recorder) — The U.S. Senate is on track to vote on a bill codifying marriage equality as soon as next week with negotiators increasingly confident it could become law.

Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin and Maine GOP Sen. Susan Collins said Wednesday they’re close to getting at least 10 Republicans to back the same-sex marriage measure, pushing it past the minimum number of senators required to clear the chamber’s legislative filibuster.

“I think the momentum is going in the right direction. And yeah, I think it’s gonna have good support,” Baldwin said.

However, the bill might undergo some changes from legislation already passed by the House, which means it would have to return there for another vote before going to the president’s desk.

Baldwin and Collins said during separate interviews with reporters they’re working on an amendment that would address some lawmakers’ concerns about religious liberty protections for people with sincerely held beliefs opposing same-sex marriages.

“We’re looking at an amendment that would strengthen the language in the bill to make crystal clear that it does not in any way infringe upon religious liberties,” Collins said. “And it also would correct a drafting error in one part of the bill and make it very clear that marriage is between two individuals.”

The changes to the bill, Collins said, would answer concerns from some lawmakers the legislation “could somehow lead to federal recognition of polygamous relationships, even though there’s not a single state that allows for polygamous marriage.”

Collins and Baldwin said they want the legislation to move as a stand-alone bill, not attached to a must-pass government funding bill that needs to become law before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said during a press conference Wednesday he plans to bring the same-sex marriage bill to the floor soon and that he would prefer for it to remain disentangled from the government funding bill.

“A vote on marriage equality will happen on the Senate floor in the coming weeks and I hope there will be 10 Republicans to support it,” Schumer said.

House action

The U.S. House passed the marriage equality bill following a 267-157 bipartisan vote in July, spurred by concerns from Democrats the U.S. Supreme Court could eventually undo the constitutional protection after conservative justices overturned abortion rights.

The fears stem from Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion in the abortion case, where he wrote that the justices “should reconsider all of this Court’s substantive due process precedents” that applied legal reasoning similar to that in the two cases that kept abortion access legal nationwide for half a century.

Thomas singled out the Griswold v. Connecticut, Obergefell v. Hodges and Lawrence v. Texas cases in his opinion.

Those cases established the constitutional right to contraceptive use, same-sex marriage and private adult consensual sexual relationships, respectively.

Some Republicans have objected to the move by Congress to ensure same-sex couples will keep their marriage protections if the Supreme Court overturns the 2015 decision that guarantees marriage equality.

Those GOP lawmakers have argued it’s unnecessary and political for Democrats to advance this legislation.

Baldwin pushed back on that assertion Wednesday, saying marriage equality “is real for a whole lot of people.”

She said she believes negotiators have amendment “language that will satisfy the concerns that have been raised” on the bill’s religious liberty protections and that they will be releasing that publicly “soon.”

A Senate Democratic aide not authorized to speak publicly about private deliberations on the bill said the current version of the legislation “leaves intact religious liberties afforded under the Constitution or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.”

But the aide noted that Baldwin and Collins’ work on the amendment would provide “more clarity on this point that the legislation would not take away any religious liberty or conscience protections.”

North Carolina Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, a supporter of the legislation, said Wednesday he believes negotiators have “made great progress on religious freedom protections and listening to the concerns that members have expressed.”

Tillis said he and other negotiators were “hopeful” those changes would ensure more GOP support.

Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman is expected to support the measure as well. He co-sponsored a  similar bill in the Senate.

So far, Baldwin and Collins have declined to say which other Republicans have committed to vote for the bill.

Local public health departments offer new COVID-19 booster shot

By
Joy Purcell
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The new bivalent COVID-19 booster is said to better guard against the variants of COVID-19. (file photo)

Public health departments across Northeast Georgia are now offering the new bivalent COVID-19 booster shots. The new booster is formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating COVID-19 variant, health officials say. The vaccine contains the genetic recipes for the original strain of COVID-19 plus the omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.

District 2 Public Health says it’s offering the shots to those 12 years and older who have completed their initial two-dose vaccine series. People should wait at least two months after completing their initial vaccination or their last booster shot before getting the bivalent booster. At this time, the bivalent vaccine is considered only a booster. It is not to be used as the initial two-dose COVID vaccine.

Recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommend the Pfizer bivalent booster for individuals 12 and older. They recommend the Moderna bivalent booster for adults aged 18 and older.

The monovalent mRNA CVOID-19 vaccines will still be administered for the primary series of vaccines and as a booster for children under 12.

Georgia is currently seeing an average of 3,000 cases of COVID reported a week. More than 89% of newly reported COVID cases are caused by the BA.5 variant. Hospitalizations and deaths from COVID continue to decrease in the state.

In addition to vaccinations and boosters, basic prevention measures should also be followed to help prevent the further spread of COVID. Public health officials continue to encourage people to wear masks, physically distance and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.

For more information on vaccination and boosters, visit https://itsthatsimplega.ga.gov/.

SEE ALSO

COVID-19 vaccine may become annual, like flu shot

Former state trooper sworn in as Baldwin’s new police chief

By
Staff Report
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April Jones pins the chief insignia on her husband's collar during his swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Baldwin. Chris Jones has more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including his time with the Georgia State Patrol. (Baldwin PD Facebook)

It’s official. Jeff Branyon has turned over the reins of his office as Baldwin police chief to Habersham County native, Chris Jones. At the Baldwin City Council work session on Tuesday, Mayor Joe Elam swore Jones into office. He becomes the sixth chief (and fifth person) to hold the job in 27 months.

Chief Jones has more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including his time with the Georgia State Patrol. He’s been with the Baldwin Police Department for just over a year. Baldwin hired Jones at the same time as Branyon. They were both working for the City Marshal’s Office in Dahlonega at the time. Baldwin PD released a statement saying Jones’ leadership abilities “have already been proven as he has helped drive Baldwin Police Department’s transformation and supervised day-to-day operations under Chief Jeff Branyon.”

While introducing his successor Tuesday night, Branyon shared why he thinks Jones is the right person for the job.

“He has great experience, he’s a former state trooper, his knowledge is tremendous,” he said. “Why he’s going to be a great chief is because of his character.”

“I have all of the confidence in the world in Chris Jones,” Branyon added.

Outgoing Baldwin Police Chief Jeff Branyon with his successor, Chris Jones. Both came to Baldwin last year from the Dahlonega City Marshal’s Office. Jones is the sixth chief (and fifth person) to hold the job since May 2020. (Baldwin PD)

Mayor Elam administered the oath of office and oath of honor to Jones during the swearing-in ceremony. Chief Jones’ wife, April, pinned the chief rank insignia on his collars.

The occasion marked the sixth time Baldwin has changed police chiefs since Charles Webb resigned in May of 2020. Those who have held the office and their length of service are listed below:

Matt Nall: Interim Chief May 2020-August 2020 – not promoted
William Anastasio: Chief August 2020-September 2020- resigned
Matt Nall: Interim Chief September 2020-May 2021- resigned
Jerry Saulter: Interim Chief May 2021-August 2021-(consultant)
Jeff Branyon: Chief August 2021-September 2022 -resigned
Chris Jones: Current

Branyon tendered his resignation last June, less than a year into the job. He accepted an instructor’s position at Truett-McConnell University’s Police Academy where he is also the university’s head cycling coach. The former chief will remain with Baldwin PD on a part-time basis.

3 arrested in Cleveland Walmart shoplifting case

By
Staff Report
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Three shoplifting suspects remain jailed in White County after allegedly fleeing with merchandise from the Cleveland Walmart. Following the alleged incident on Saturday, police found an abandoned vehicle in the middle of Woodlawn Avenue. Cleveland Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker says the vehicle had items in it that appeared to be from the store.

Around 6:40 p.m. Saturday, police found one of the suspects walking. They took 42-year-old Whitney Michael Lawyer of Lawrenceville into custody. About five hours later, a resident on Oak Point Drive in the Thunder Ridge Subdivision reported two females acting suspiciously. Upon arrival, responding officers realized the two women were suspects in the shoplifting incident and took them into custody as well.

Police charged 43-year-old Misty Dawn Ekeberg of Hiawassee with theft by shoplifting, second-degree burglary, theft by conversion, fleeing and attempting to elude a police officer, and providing false information to a police officer. Officers also charged her with DUI and several traffic offenses. A judge set her bond for the traffic offenses at $2000 but as of September 7 no bond was set for the other offenses, online records show.

Officers identified the second female suspect as 32-year-old Victoria Lynn Jones, address unknown. They charged Jones with theft by conversion, party to a crime of second-degree burglary, fleeing or attempting to elude, and providing false information. Police also charged Lawyer with being a party to the crime of second-degree burglary, party to the crime of theft by conversion, making false statements, and giving false information to a police officer. A judge set their bonds at $7,000 each.

As of Wednesday afternoon, all three remained in the White County jail.

Dean Dyer of WRWH Radio contributed to this report

Gainesville City School System hires Safety and Security Manager

By
Now Habersham
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Bonner Burton (Gainesville City Schools)

A veteran Hall County law enforcement officer has been hired as the Safety and Security Manager for Gainesville City Schools. Bonner Burton served nearly three decades with the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. He’ll now oversee security operations for Gainesville’s nine public schools.

The Gainesville School System announced in July it would install a new position to increase campus safety and security.

“Our priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students,” says Dr. Jeremy Williams, Superintendent, of Gainesville City Schools. “Adding this position to our district leadership ensures it remains our priority and continues to evolve with the needs of our community.”

Depth of experience

As Safety and Security Manager, Burton will lead the effort to hire 10 security guards for the school district; one at each elementary and middle school and two guards for the Gainesville High School campus. He’ll oversee logistics and training and will operate under the general supervision of the deputy school superintendent.

Burton comes to the role with a depth of experience. He served as a School Resource Officer at West Hall High School early in his career. Most recently he served as Assistant Division Commander at the Hall County Jail. His other duties ranged from Operations Commander at the Hall County Courthouse to Assistant Commander of Hall County SWAT.

“Having served for 27 years with the Hall County Sheriff’s office, I am proud to use that experience to protect the children of our community,” says Burton.

Another layer of security

Burton will serve as the first line of communication with the Gainesville Police Department and five current School Resources Officers.

“SROs serve a very specific role with the district as contracted services and the security guards are an additional layer of security to our campus grounds and parking lots,” a press release from the school system states.

“Gainesville is leading the way in what I believe will be a model for all schools moving forward,” says Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish. “The partnership between our SROs and campus security is a balance of prevention and intervention that will lead to a safe and productive school campus.”

The Gainesville school system says all of its security guards will be armed and come “with successful security experience.”

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