Local government headlines include call for special election, budget hearings

The Court Administrator of Athens-Clarke County Courts says the Athens-Clarke County Elections Supervisor will call a special election to fill the unexpired term of Beverly Logan, who announced this week her plans to step down at the end of the month. Logan is retiring after 30 years as Clerk of State and Superior Courts in Athens. An interim clerk will be appointed before the election takes place. Applications to be interim clerk are due by next Monday.

From Elisa Zarate, Court Administrator of Athens-Clarke County Courts…

The Athens-Clarke County Probate Court has received Governor Brian Kemp’s approval of the resignation of Beverly Logan, the Clerk of Superior and State Courts of Athens-Clarke County. Ms. Logan is retiring effective May 31, 2023 after 30 years of service. The election superintendent for the county will call a special election pursuant to O.C.G.A. §21-2-540 (c)(1)(A) to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the current term through December 2024. In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-6-53 (b), Athens Clarke County Probate Court Judge Susan G. Schaffer will appoint an interim Clerk of Court until the special election can be held. In order to serve as interim Clerk of Court, a person must be qualified to hold the office of clerk and meet all of the eligibility requirements set forth in O.C.G.A. §15-6-50 (b).

Any person interested in applying for consideration for appointment as the interim Clerk of Court should submit a Letter of Interest, an affidavit of qualification, and a resume to The Honorable Susan G. Schaffer, Athens-Clarke County Probate Court, 325 East Washington Street, Suite 200, Athens, GA 30601. All applications must be received in the probate court offices by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2023 for consideration.

Athens-Clarke County Commissioners got an earful from Athens homeowners last night, most of them not happy with recent property appraisals that will result in substantially higher property tax bills later this year. Commissioners are working to finalize a budget that will be adopted next month, in time for the July 1 start of a new fiscal year.

A public input session on plans for a Tax Allocation District for the eastern portion of downtown Athens is on tap for today, underway at 8:30 at Heard Park. That’s on McKinley Drive in Athens.

The Clarke County Board of Education has approved the hire of O’Marr Curry as the new principal of Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School. He will begin his new job on July 1. Curry replaces outgoing Oglethorpe Avenue principal Bipul Singh.

An Oconee County School Board budget hearing is on tap for today, underway at 4 at School District headquarters on School Street in Watkinsville. The Board has given tentative approval to a $105 million District spending plan that leaves the Oconee County property tax rate unchanged. Another budget hearing is set for next week, with budget adoption scheduled for June 5.

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