CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Habersham County Board of Commissioners will consider authorizing approximately $50.2 million in general obligation bonds Monday as county officials continue preparations for construction of a new jail.
The bond resolution is among the major items on the commission’s agenda for its 6 p.m. meeting at the Habersham County Courthouse in Clarkesville.
Commissioners also will consider an agreement allowing the City of Cornelia to use the county’s emergency radio system, hold a public hearing on a proposed go-kart and remote-control car racing track, and recognize local veterans.
$50.2 million in bonds
Commissioners will consider a resolution authorizing approximately $50.2 million in general obligation bonds, Series 2026.
The resolution covers the bond purchase agreement, bond registration and payment arrangements, establishment of a construction fund, a tax digest and levy sufficient to pay principal and interest, and other financing documents.
The action comes after County Manager Tim Sims told commissioners last month that the county had begun the financing process for a new jail.
Sims said county officials had been working with underwriters and financial advisers to provide financial information and prepare for credit agency interviews before issuing a request for proposals to banks and other financial institutions.
The bond authorization represents the next major step in that financing process.
Cornelia radio agreement
Commissioners also will consider an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Cornelia covering use of the county’s radio system and radio maintenance.
The item follows the county’s rollout of its new public safety radio system, which Sims reported last month is now being used by municipalities, law enforcement, fire departments and other public safety agencies.
Sims previously told commissioners that Franklin County also is partnering with Habersham on the system and that the counties expect to share some maintenance costs.
Under the proposed agreement, Cornelia would formally join the county’s radio system arrangement.
Public hearing on proposed racing track
The commission also will hold a public hearing on a conditional-use request from Mitchell Payne involving 5.58 acres at 155 Ponderosa Road.
Payne is seeking permission to operate a go-kart and remote-control car racing track on the property, which is located in the county’s Low Intensity zoning district.
The public hearing will give residents an opportunity to speak for or against the request before commissioners consider the matter.
Under the county’s meeting procedures, supporters and opponents each have 10 minutes to address the board during an advertised public hearing.
Veterans, emergency management recognized
The meeting will open with recognition of the Grant-Reeves Veterans Honor Guard and a proclamation declaring August 2026 National Emergency Management Awareness Month.
The consent agenda includes several airport-related items, including master agreements with Kimley-Horn for airport consulting and planning services and a fuel contract with Corporate Aircraft Association.
Commissioners also will consider an agreement related to HIPAA compliance, a 2027 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant application, an agreement with the University of Georgia for Extension services, and several state Criminal Justice Coordinating Council grant awards involving Drug Court, Family Treatment Court and Mental Health Court.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, in the Jury Assembly Room of the Habersham County Courthouse, 295 Llewellyn St., Clarkesville.
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