County Discusses Blight
The Jasper County Commissioners met Monday evening for a work session to review some applicants for the Jasper County Public Facilities Authority (PFA) Board, to address a possible “blight tax,” and new home minimum square footage.
As it was a work session, the commissioners took no action.
They interviewed Hal Harris, Adam McGinnis, James Thiele, and Greg Kerbow as candidates for the PFA board. They plan to interview others next Monday at the regular commission meeting.
Then, David Dyer, executive director of the Development Authority of Jasper County, previewed Community Redevelopment Tax Incentive Programs in Georgia, also known as the “blight tax.” Mr. Dyer, along with County Manager Mike Benton, Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley,
Commissioner Don Jernigan and others had attended a seminar on this some time ago. Mr. Dyer outlined the program for the commissioners who asked questions and took in information.
As the discussion centered around when and how the blight tax could be levied, County Attorney David Ozburn said that it could be done in conjunction with code enforcement actions. Mr. Ozburn offered to review the ordinance from Cornelia, Ga., and outline the high points for the commissioners.
After they discussed that, there was discussion of changing the minimum square footage in some areas of the county. There are areas where the lot sizes are not large enough to accommodate the minimum square footage house required. There was talk of adding or changing a zoning classification so that smaller homes could be built. Currently, 1,800 sq.ft. is required in most areas zoned residential.
They received feedback from Commissioner Gerald Stunkel who raised the topic, saying that persons wanting starter homes or senior citizens wanting to downsize have little selection in the county. He said the houses being built are in the $200,000 range primarily, whereas many residents seek a home that would be more like $140,000 or $150,000. Zoning director Shane Sealy offered input as did Mr. McGinnis and Mr. Kerbow.
