City of Athens
Recent News About City of Athens
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Athens-Clarke County announces early tabulation schedule for May elections
In accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21-2-386(a)(2)(A), which pertains to the safekeeping, certification, and validation of absentee ballots; rejection of ballot; delivery of ballots to location designated by superintendent; duties of superintendent and managers; precinct returns; report of returns of verified and accepted absentee ballots cast as soon as possible following closing of polls; notification of challenged elector; unlawful disclosure of tabulation results, this notice is issued to inform the Athens-Clarke County community that the Athens-Clarke County Board of Elections...
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Bear Hollow Zoo announces temporary closure for tree removal
Bear Hollow Zoo has announced a temporary closure from Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30. The closure is necessary for the removal of six trees within the zoo's premises. Following the completion of this task, the zoo will reopen on Friday, May 31 at 8:00 a.m. It's important to note that Memorial Park will remain open during this period.
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Sandy Creek Nature Center announces temporary closure for renovations
The Sandy Creek Nature Center, situated at 205 Old Commerce Rd, has announced a temporary closure of its Exhibit Hall due to scheduled building renovations. The closure will commence on Thursday, May 16 and continue until Tuesday, May 21. The Nature Center is set to reopen on Wednesday, May 22 at 8:30 a.m.
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Meeting Location Changed for Mayor & Commission Sessions in May 2024
The Mayor and Commission’s Regular Session Meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM has been moved from the City Hall Commission Chambers at 301 College Avenue to the Clarke County School District’s Vernon Payne Meeting Hall in its administrative offices at 595 Prince Avenue.
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Superior Court Judges Announce Judge Lisa Lott as New Chief Judge
Judge Eric W. Norris, the former Chief Judge of the Western Judicial Circuit, expressed his pride in the appointment of Judge Lisa Lott as the new Chief Judge, stating, "We are proud to have Judge Lott serve as our next Chief Judge and first female Chief Judge."In response to her appointment, Judge Lisa Lott expressed her gratitude and commitment to the community, saying, "I am honored by the trust and support of my fellow judges. I remain committed to ensuring an effective independent and accessible justice system for our community."Judge Lott also took the opportunity...
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FY25 Mayor's Recommended Budget Submitted to Commission for Review
The Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Mayor’s Recommended Budget for the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) has been submitted to the Commission for review. The budget, totaling $193.6 million for FY25, is balanced and represents a 3.7% increase from the FY24 level.According to the Mayor’s Recommended Budget, the proposed millage rate for property tax year 2024 will remain at 12.45, with each mill producing $1 of taxes for every $1,000 of assessed property value. Specific details of the budget, including a budget summary, can be accessed at www.accgov.com/budget.The...
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Josh Hawkins Appointed Capital Projects Administrator
Josh Hawkins has been appointed as the new Capital Projects Administrator by Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Manager Blaine Williams. Hawkins, who will take on the role starting May 26, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles in Oglethorpe County, Georgia. Williams expressed his enthusiasm for Hawkins' appointment, stating, "I’m excited to welcome Josh to the ACCGov team as our Capital Projects Administrator. His professional life experiences and local government knowledge make him well-suited for this complex responsibility of coordination of...
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Athens-Clarke County Designated as First Gold Level BioReady County in Georgia
Athens-Clarke County has been designated as a gold level BioReady® Community by the state’s leading life sciences membership organization, Georgia Bio. The designation makes Athens-Clarke County the first county in Georgia to receive this certification. The honor was presented to the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government on March 28, 2024.Georgia Bio, in partnership with MassBio, a global life sciences and healthcare organization, launched the BioReady® Community program in Georgia. The program aims to help local communities connect with the life sciences industry by...
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Public Review of FY25 AAP V Draft Announced in Athens-Clarke County
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Housing and Community Development Department has announced the availability of the FY25 AAP V Draft for public review. The draft includes proposed activities for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs for the period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.As part of the review process, the Mayor and Commission are scheduled to hold public hearings on the proposed plan. According to the announcement, "The Mayor and Commission will receive resident comments on the proposed plan at public hearings on April 16, 2024...
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Softball Games on Field 2 Moved to Field 1
Softball games on field 2 have been moved to field 1, while field 3 games will remain on field 3."We have decided to move the games from field 2 to field 1," said the event organizer.
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Live Video of Mayor & Commission Regular Session Online & on ACTV
Video of the Mayor & Commission Agenda Setting Session on April 16, 2024 will be available live on YouTube (or at www.accgov.com/videos) and broadcast live on ACTV Cable Channel 180. The video of the meeting will also be available on-demand online on YouTube and www.accgov.com/videos no later than two business days after the meeting. Meeting agendas for meetings are available at www.accgov.com/agendas. Watch all Mayor and Commissions meetings live and on demand at youtube.com/accgov.
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Victor “Vic” Pope Appointed Transit Director
Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Manager Blaine Williams has announced the appointment of Victor "Vic" Pope as the Transit Department Director. Pope, a 17-year veteran of the department, has been serving as the Interim Director since September 22, 2023. Williams expressed confidence in Pope's capabilities, stating, "Vic's extensive experience with Transit at all levels of the department makes him an excellent choice as our next director." Pope, a native of Athens-Clarke County, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying, "I am extremely appreciative...
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Community Pools Open for the Season in ACCGov
All ACCGov Leisure Services pools open Saturday, May 25 for the season. Memorial Day pool hours are 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pools close for the season Sunday, July 28."The Department will operate four public pools this summer including Heard Park, 400 McKinley Drive; Lay Park, 297 Hoyt Street; Memorial Park, 293 Gran Ellen Drive; and Rocksprings Park, 291 Henderson Extension. The Bishop Park pool is closed for renovations."During the aquatics season, pools are open Tuesday-Friday and Sundays, 1:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pool hours are noon – 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. All pools and splash...
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Walker Park Splash Pad Opens for the Season
The Walker Park Splash Pad, located at 200 Trail Creek St, is set to welcome visitors for the upcoming season. Operating on specific dates, the splash pad will provide a fun and refreshing experience for the community."The splash pad will be open weekends only, August 3 – September 2," stated the official announcement.Additionally, the Rocksprings Park Splash Pad, located at 291 Henderson Ext, will open its doors on May 25. The pools are scheduled to open on Memorial Day weekend and close at the end of July.Regarding admission, it was mentioned that "splash pad...
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Live Video of Mayor & Commission Work Session Online
The Mayor & Commission Regular Session on April 9, 2024, will be live-streamed on YouTube and www.accgov.com/videos. The meeting will commence at noon, providing viewers with a real-time insight into the discussions and decisions made by the officials.According to the announcement, the video of the session will also be made available for on-demand viewing on both YouTube and www.accgov.com/videos immediately after the meeting concludes. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for the community to stay informed about local governance.In addition,...
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Public Meetings Scheduled for FY25 CDBG & HOME Funding Recommendations
HCD presented the FY25 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan V funding recommendations to the Mayor and Commission on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at City Hall. The Mayor and Commission will receive resident comments on the FY25 CDBG and HOME Annual Action Plan V funding proposals at public hearings on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (Agenda Setting Session) and May 7, 2024 (Regular Voting Session) at City Hall, with both meetings starting at 6:00pm.Residents are encouraged to participate in the upcoming public meetings to provide feedback on the proposed funding recommendations for the...
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Changes to ACC Solid Waste Collection Schedule for Earth Day 2024
The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department has announced changes to its collection schedule for the upcoming Earth Day holiday on April 22nd, 2024.According to the department, for customers outside the downtown district, there will be a one-day delay in collection. The department stated, "Monday will be collected on Tuesday. Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday. Wednesday will be collected on Thursday. Thursday and Friday will be collected on Friday." The normal pick-up schedule will resume on Monday, April 29th, 2024.Residents and businesses are reminded by the...
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Laura Welch Appointed Court Administrator by Chief Superior Court Judge Eric Norris
Chief Superior Court Judge Eric Norris of Athens-Clarke County has appointed Laura Welch as the new Court Administrator. Laura Welch, who most recently served as the Interim Director of the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government’s Human Resources Department, has been chosen for her demonstrated initiative and understanding of both the courts and local government structure.In a statement, Judge Norris expressed his confidence in Welch, stating, "My fellow judges and I believe she will continue the strong partnership that the courts have with both the county government and...
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ACC Leaf and Limb Crews to Collect Material in Area A from April 1-5
ACC leaf and limb crews are set to continue their collection efforts in Area A throughout the week of April 1-5. The announcement was made by the local authorities, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to maintaining a clean and organized environment within the designated area.In line with the collection activities, residents who may have uncertainties regarding their leaf and limb zone are encouraged to reach out for guidance. According to a statement, residents can contact the Solid Waste Department at 706-613-3501 ext. 0 for assistance with any queries they may have...
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2024 State of the Community Address Video from Mayor Kelly Girtz
Athens-Clarke County residents can now access the 2024 State of the Community Address video delivered by Mayor Kelly Girtz. The 15-minute video offers an overview of ACCGov and community activities, achievements, and responses throughout 2023, along with a glimpse into upcoming initiatives.The video is broadcasted on ACTV Cable Channel 180 and can be streamed on various online platforms such as the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government's Facebook, YouTube, X, and Instagram accounts. Additionally, it is accessible on the ACCGov website, the YouTube app on mobile phones...