Official Public Notices and Announcement


Public Notice – LOGIC AND ACCURACY TESTING

September 20, 2023

In accordance with O.C.G.A.  § 21-2-379.6©, SEB Rule No. 183-1-12.02(3)9(b)(1)(i) (Election Day and SEB Rule No.183-1-14-.02(2) (Absentee)

Notice is hereby given that the logic and accuracy testing and preparation of voting equipment to be used in the November 7, 2023 General Election will begin at 8:30 a.m. on October 11, Testing will continue from day to day until complete and members of the public are entitled to be present during testing.  Said testing and preparation will be conducted at 37 W. Tugalo St., Toccoa, Ga. 30577.

Bruce Carlisle Elections Supervisor Stephens County Board of Elections and Registration


Public Notice – Called Meeting

June 16, 2023

THE STEPHENS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WILL HOST A CALLED MEETING ON THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2023 AT 6:00 P.M.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE STEPHENS COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX 802 E. DOYLE STREET


Public Notice – Budget Retreat

May 17, 2023

UPDATE – no Thursday meeting. Retreat will resume Friday at 8:30 – 12:00.

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will meet for the annual Budget Retreat, May 15, 2023 through May 19, 2023. Meetings will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Wednesday and 8:30 – 12:00 on Friday at R.G. LeTourneau Field Toccoa-Stephens County Airport, located at 2201 E. Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577.

Any changes to the schedule will be on the door at the airport as well as the Stephens County Admin Building located at 802 E. Doyle Street, Toccoa, GA.


Public Notice – Board of Elections Meeting

December 30, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will hold a regular meeting on Tuesday, January 03, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

This meeting will be held in the Historic Courthouse located at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 and is open to the public.


Public Notice – Board of Elections Risk-Limiting Audit

December 15, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations conducted the Risk-Limiting Audit for the December 6, 2022 runoff election on December 14, 2022. The paper hand count was an exact match with the electronic results.


Public Notice – Election Summary Report for 12/6/22 Election

December 13, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations has released the Official and Complete results for the December 6, 2022 Election. Click to view the report


Public Notice – Board of Elections Risk-Limiting Audit

December 8, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will be conducting a Risk-Limiting Audit of the December 6, 2022 Runoff Election, beginning on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until complete.

This process will be conducted at the Historic Courthouse located at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 and is open to the public.


Public Notice – Board of Elections Called Meetings

November 29,2022

Notice is hereby given that the Stephens County Board of Elections and Registration will meet for a Special Called Meeting on Monday December 5th, 2022 at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 to begin Early Processing of absentee ballots for the December 6th, 2022 General Election Runoff. Processing will take place at 37 W. Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m

This notice is given in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21-2-386(A) and SEB RULE 183-1-14-.14.

Notice is hereby given that the Stephens County Board of Elections and Registration will meet for a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, December 6th, 2022 at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 to begin Early Tabulation of absentee ballots for the December 6th, 2022 General Election Runoff. Early Tabulation for absentee ballots will begin after 7:00 a.m.

This notice is given in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 21-2-386(3).

Click to view notice


Public Notice – Board of Elections Called Meeting

November 29, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will hold a special called meeting on Friday, December 9, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. to certify the December 6, 2022 General Election Runoff pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-493(k).

This meeting will be held in the Historic Courthouse located at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 and is open to the public. Click to view notice


Public Notice – Board of Elections Called Meeting

November 29, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will have a quorum present on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 beginning at 8:00 a.m. and will remain in session until the completion of their duties for the December 6, 2022 General Election Runoff pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-490.

This will take place in the Historic Courthouse located at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 and is open to the public. Click to view notice


Public Notice – Advance Voting

November 15, 2022

Advance Voting for the December 6, 2022 General Election Runoff will be Held Beginning Monday November 28, 2022 Through Friday December 2, 2022 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  There will be no Saturday Advance Voting.

Advance Voting Location is at the Historic Courthouse 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577.

December 6, 2022 Election Day Voting Location is at the Senior Center and Adjoining Gym 55 Rose Lane Park Drive from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Click to view the notice


Public Notice – Logic & Accuracy Testing

November 15, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will be conducting a Logic and Accuracy Test on all BMDs (Ballot Marking Devices), Printers, Tabulators and Poll Pads that will be used for Early Voting and Election Day for the upcoming December, 6, 2022 General Election Runoff on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until complete.

This process will be conducted at the Historic Courthouse located at 37 West Tugalo Street, Toccoa, GA 30577 and is open to the public.
Click to  view notice


Election Summary Report

November 10, 2022

Summary for: All Contests, All Districts, All Tabulators, All Counting Groups
UNOFFICIAL AND INCOMPLETE Click to view the report


Risk-Limiting Audit

November 10, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will be conducting a Risk-Limiting Audit of the November 8, 2022 General Election Click to view the notice


Vote Review Panel

November 9, 2022

The Stephens County elections board will reconvene today, November 9th, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the historic courthouse for the purpose of completing the vote review panel from last night.


Public Notice – Important Announcement
Board of Elections Meetings Canceled

November 3, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations has Canceled the Meetings Scheduled for Thursday November 3, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. and Friday November 4, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. Click for details.


Public Notice – Board of Elections Called Meetings

October 27, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will have a quorum present on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 beginning at 8:00 a.m.  and will remain in session until the completion of their duties for the November 8, 2022 General/Special Election pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-490. Click for details.

The Stephens County Board of Elections and Registrations will hold a special called meeting on Monday, November 14, 2022 at 3:30 p.m. to certify the November 8, 2022 General/Special Election pursuant to O.C.G.A. 21-2-493(k). Click for details.


Meeting Cancellation Notice

October 27, 2022

The regular scheduled meeting of the Stephens County Board of Commissioners for Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. has been cancelled.

For more information, please contact:   Christian Hamilton, Administrator at 706-886-9491.

View notice


Board of Commissioners Special Called Meeting

October 17, 2022

There will be a Special Called Meeting October 18, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Click here for details.


Land Use Public Hearing

October 10, 2022

Due to a scheduling conflict the Land Use Public Hearing scheduled for October 11 at 8:30 a.m. will be held in Courtroom #2 rather than the Grand Jury room.


Land Use Public Hearing

October 6, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will hold a Land User Public Hearing on October 11, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. in the Stephens County Grand Jury Room. Click here to view the meeting agenda.


THE STEPHENS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED EXECUTIVE SESSION

September 16, 2022

MEETING WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 8:30 A.M. AT THE STEPHENS COUNTY ANNEX

802 E. DOYLE STREET, TOCCOA, GA


Logic & Accuracy Testing

September 8, 2022

The Stephens County Elections Office shall conduct Logic and Accuracy testing at the Stephens County Historic Courthouse on all BMDs, ICPs, and Poll Pads to be used for the November 2022 General Election beginning at 9AM on Monday, September 26, 2022 and continue henceforth until the completion of same. Said testing is open and observable to members of the public. Electors may call 706-886-8954 or email krista@stephenscountyga.gov for further information.


Job Postings

July 28, 2022

Applications are being accepted for the following positions. Click job title for details.

County Administrator

Planning Director


2023 Adopted Budget

July 1, 2022

Click to view the 2023 Adopted budget


Financial Reports

June 30, 2022

Click to view

2022 Property Tax Digest and 5 Year History of Levy


LOGIC AND ACCURACY TESTING

June 10, 2022

Notice is hereby given that logic and accuracy testing and preparation of voting equipment will commence at the Stephens County Historic Courthouse beginning at 7:00 a.m. on June 10, 2022.

Such preparation shall continue from day to day until such preparation is complete.

Said preparation will be open to the public and members of the public are entitled to be present during the preparation and testing.


Memorial Day Closings

May 26, 2022


SPLOST Expenditures FYE 6-30-2021

May 23, 2022

SPLOST Expenditures 2019 Issue
SPLOST Expenditures 2014 Issue
SPLOST Expenditures 2009 Issue


Sample Ballots

May 18, 2022

Sample ballots for the May 24, 2022 General Primary and Nonpartisan General Election may be viewed by clicking the links below:

Nonpartisan Ballot
Republican Ballot
Democratic Ballot


Early Voting

May 3, 2022

Early Voting for the May 24, 2022 primary is at the Historic Courthouse located at 37 W Tugalo St.  Early voting began on May 2 and will continue thru May 20.  Monday thru Friday voting is from 8 AM to 5 PM.  There will be voting on 2 Saturdays, May 7 and 14 and the hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Election Day voting is May 24, 2022 at the Stephens County Senior Center located at 55 Roselane Park from 7 AM to 7 PM

Any questions, please call 706-886-8954.


Stephens County Market Opens April 16

April 13, 2022

The Stephens County Market will open for the season beginning this Saturday April 16th.

Click for Details


Board of Commissioners Called Meeting

April 4, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will have a called meeting Executive Session Tuesday April 5, 2022, 9:00 a.m. at the Stephens County Courthouse Annex, 802 E. Doyle St., Toccoa, GA.


38th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

March 16, 2022

To be held April 9th, 11:00 AM at the Rose Lane ball fields.

Click for Details


2022 Qualifying Information for Open Posts

February 24. 2022

Qualifying will be:

Monday, March 7 – Thursday, March 10, 2022 – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Friday, March 11, 2022– 9:00 am to Noon

Click for Details

 


2/24/22 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PLANNING SESSION

February 23, 2022

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022

8:30 A.M.

TOCCOA-STEPHENS COUNTY AIRPORT


2/8/22 Board of Commissioners Meeting

February 7, 2022

Due to COVID related issues the Stephens County Board of Commissioners Meeting scheduled for 8:30 am on February 8th will be teleconferenced.

DIAL 706-898-5770

PARTICIPANT NUMBER 634830


Land Use Ordinance Amendments Work Session

February 3, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners, Stephens County Planning Commission and the Stephens County Planning Committee will hold a work session to discuss Land Use Ordinance Amendments Thursday February 24, 2022. 6:30 P.M. in the Historic Courthouse Courtroom. Public is invited to attend.


Virtual Meeting Attendance

January 25, 2022

If you would like to dial in to the Stephens County Board of Commissioners meetings, please follow the directions below.

Dial-in-Number:  (760) 548-9132

State your name and then mute your phone!


Convenience Site Closings

January 11, 2022

All Convenience Sites will be closed Monday, January 17, 2022 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.


Board of Commissioners Meeting Canceled

January 7, 2022

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting scheduled for Monday morning 1/10/22 has been canceled.


Qualifying Fees – Board of Commissioners

January 6, 2022

The following qualifying fees are for the office of the Stephens County Board of Commissioners upcoming election.

OFFICE                                                  2021 SALARY                                      QUALIFYING FEE

­County Commissioner                          $12,000.00                                                 $ 360.00


Board of Commissioners Meeting Canceled

January 3, 2022

Due to COVID related issues, the Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting for 1/11/22 is canceled.


Holiday Closings

December 28, 2021

All Convenience Site Locations will be closed Saturday, January 1, 2022.


Planning Meeting Location Change

November 1, 2021

The location of the Stephens County Planning Commission Meeting on Tuesday November 2, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. will be in the Grand Jury Room at 20 N. Alexander Street due to election counting.


Land Use Public Hearing

October 22, 2021

The Land Use Public Hearing will be held at the Government Building Grand Jury room at 70 N. Alexander Street on October 26, 2021 at 5:30 pm. Location changed due to the Historic Courthouse being in use for voting.


Town Hall Meeting Rescheduled

October 13, 2021

Stephens County Hospital has decided to postpone the Town Hall Meeting scheduled for October 19th to a later date which has yet to be determined.

Click here to view the statement from the hospital


Text Amendments to the Stephens County Land Use Ordinance

October 6, 2021

Stephens County Board of Commissioners and Stephens County Planning Commission will meet to discuss Text Amendments to the Stephens County Land Use Ordinance Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 5:30 PM at the Stephens County Senior Center.


LOGIC AND ACCURACY TESTING PUBLIC NOTICE

September 13, 2021

Notice is hereby given that the logic and accuracy testing and preparation of Voting equipment to be used in the November 2, 2021 General Municipal Election for The Town of Martin and Special Election for Stephens County will begin as early as September 29th at 10:00am (or once database has been received from the SOS Office). Testing will continue from day to day until complete. Members of the public, representatives of the parties and bodies, and news media are entitled to be present during testing, but shall not interfere in any way with such testing. Said testing and preparation will be conducted at the Stephens County Historic Courthouse – 37 W.Tugalo St. Toccoa, GA 30577

April Roberts
Election Supervisor
Stephens County Board of Elections
aroberts@stephenscountyga.gov
706-886-8954


Early Voting Dates and Times

September 7. 2021

The Town of Martin Municipal Election

E-Splost Election

Monday – Friday October 12th through October 29th, 2021 from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday October 16th and 23rd from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Location: Stephens County Historic Courthouse

Please call the office at 706-886-8954 to request an absentee ballot application to receive an absentee ballot for the November election. Absentee Ballots can be requested until October 22, 2021. The Official Absentee Ballot Box will be located in the Historic Courthouse during early voting hours only.

Last day to register to vote will be October 4, 2021 to be eligible to vote in the November 2, 2021 election.


Board of Elections and Registration

August 13, 2021

Qualifying for the Town of Martin Municipal Election will be held at the Stephens County Registrar’s Office from August 16-18, 2021 from 8:30am to 4:30pm each day.

Deadline to register to vote is October 4, 2021.

Registered Voters can apply for an absentee ballot beginning August 16, 2021 for the November 2, 2021 General Election. To request an absentee ballot please call the Stephens County Registrar’s Office at 706-886-8954.


Georgia Mountains Regional Commission invites public input for update of the Stephens County Joint Comprehensive Plan

August 9, 2021

GAINESVILLE – The Georgia Mountains Regional Commission (GMRC) is assisting Stephens County and the municipalities of Avalon and Martin with the update of their Joint Comprehensive Plan, the State required document that helps shape and coordinate local work programs for the local governments.

Throughout this process there will be several public meetings and opportunities for public input, all open to residents from throughout the county.  The next meetings scheduled for this process are as follows:

August 17, 2021          7:00 PM           Stephens County Courthouse

Sept. 2, 2021               7:00 PM           Stephens County Courthouse

As part of this process there is also a brief online survey asking people to give their thoughts on select issues and priorities for the city.  This survey will be accessible through September 3rd, 2021 and is open to anyone with a vested interest in the area.  Anyone wishing to participate should visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6B5T9RP.

Any questions about the public involvement process can be directed to Adam Hazell at the GMRC as listed above.

View Meeting Handout          View Current Joint Comprehensive Plan


Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Adopted

July 16, 2021

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners has adopted the budget for 2022. The adopted budget can viewed by clicking here.


Current 2021 Property Tax Digest and 5 Year History

July 15, 2021

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners has released the current Property Tax Digest and Five Year History of Levy. The report can viewed by clicking here.


Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget

June 4, 2021

The Stephens County Board of Commissions have completed the Fiscal Year 2022 Proposed Budget. You may view the budget by clicking here.


Board of Elections and Registrations

March 27, 2021

The Board of Elections and Registration monthly meeting will be held Thursday April 8, 2021 @ 5:30pm in The Historic Courthouse. Public is invited to attend.


Stephens County Health Department

March 27, 2020

The Stephens County Health Department issued a notice regarding a dog that tested positive for rabies. The notice also gives details about the dog and information about the symptoms of rabies. Click here to view the notice.


Board of Elections and Registrations

March 3, 2021

The Stephens County Board of Registrations and Elections will meet on March 18, 2021 at 1:00 pm, Stephens County Government Building Courtroom #2, and will enter into an executive session for the purpose of interviewing applicants for the Chief Registrar position.

This is Not a Public Meeting.



FY 2020 Financial Report

February 3, 2021

The Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2020 is available online. Click here to view the report.


COVID Vaccine

January 12, 2021

COVID Vaccines will be provided by the Stephens County Health Department at the Stephens Co. Senior Center Wednesday, January 20, 2021 9 am until 3 pm You must be at least 65 years old to receive the vaccine. Please bring photo ID & insurance card. Call 706-886-4740 for reservation.


Notice from the Registrar’s Office

January 8, 2021

The Stephens County Board of Elections will meet on February 4, 2021, at the Historic Courthouse at 5:30.


Notice from the Registrar’s Office

December 21, 2020

Stephens County Board of Elections and Registration will process absentee ballots early for the elections we are holding.Location: Stephens County Historic Courthouse, 37 West Tugalo St. Toccoa, Ga. 30577Dates: 12/28/2020, 12/30/2020, and 01/04/2021.  Time: Start Time: 5:30 pm, End Time: 8:30 pm


Notice from the Registrar’s Office

December 4, 2020

Notice is hereby given that the logic and accuracy testing and preparation of voting equipment to be used in the January 5, 2021 election will begin at 10:30 am on December 9, 2020. The testing will continue until completed on December 9, 2020 and members of the public are entitled to be present during testing. Said testing and preparation will be conducted at the Old Historic Courthouse at 37 West Tugalo St., Toccoa. Ga.


Notice from the Registrar’s Office

November 23, 2020

The date for the L&R is Tuesday Nov. 24, at 10:00 am.

Date for scanning the Recount is Monday Nov. 30 at 10:00 am, at the Registrar Office.


Reporting Ordinance Violations

September 9, 2020

If you have an ordinance violation complaint within the unincorporated area of Stephens County, please see below the contacts for making that complaint formal.

Chief Marshal – Tony Addison
706-244-3524

Marshal – Joe Smith
706-491-3801

Administrator – Phyllis Ayers
706-491-0883

Office of the Commissioners
706-886-9491

Office of the Sheriff
706-886-2525

Dispatch – Non-emergency
706-779-3911

Outside of working hours please call dispatch at the non-emergency number – 706-779-3911.
For all emergencies dial 911.


Recycle Program

August 6, 2020
The City of Toccoa will partner with Stephens County Government to bring back a recycle program to offer the residents of Stephens County.

Beginning Monday August 10, 2020 you will once again be able to recycle at 2 of the convenience center locations.

White Pines and County Farm Road will be open for recycling of aluminum cans, magazines and newsprint, plastic #1 and #2 only, metal cans and cardboard.

We are very pleased to be able to offer this program.

For more information please call Stephens County Public Works at 706-886-2412 or Stephens County Board of Commissioners at 706-886-9491.


Notice of Property Tax Increase

August 4, 2020

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners has tentatively adopted a millage rate which will require an increase in property taxes by .82 percent.

All concerned citizens are invited to the public hearing on this tax increase to be held by Teleconference due to COVID-19 on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. and Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

Time of additional public hearings on this tax increase will be held by Teleconference on Friday, July 31, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.

This tentative increase will result in a millage rate of 14.91 mills, an increase of .12 mills. Without this tentative tax increase, the millage rate will be no more than 14.79 mills. The proposed tax increase for a home with a fair market value of $125,000.00 is approximately $6.00 and the proposed tax increase for non-homestead property with a fair market value of $75,000.00 is approximately $3.60.


Commissioners to Meet Remotely Friday, July 31, to Adopt Millage Rate

July 15, 2020

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners will set the tax millage rate at a teleconference meeting  Friday, July 31, at 9:00 a.m. The number to call  for the hearing and final adoption is 425- 436-6345 and the  access number is: 585174.

Pursuant to the requirements of O.C.G.A. 48-5-32 the commissioners ordered published in the county legal organ the following presentation of the current year’s tax digest and levy, along with the history of the tax digest and levy for the past five years.

DOWNLOAD PDF OF TAX DIGEST AND LEVY HISTORY


2009 and 2014 SPLOST Expenditures Reported by County Commissioners

March 18, 2020

Stephens County has released its annual report on Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. The report allows tax payers to see how funding coming from the 2009 and 2014 SPLOST programs have been planned for and used to date by the county.
Download Report of 2009 SPLOST Issue
Download Report of 2014 SPLOST Issue


Stephens County Comissioners Make Public 2019 Fiscal Year Financial Report

February 21, 2020

The Stephens County Commissioners have made public the 2019 Fiscal Year Financial Reports. These government-wide financial statements include not only Stephens County itself, but also the Stephens County Health Department, Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library, Stephens County Development Authority and Stephens County Hospital.
Click here to see the FY 2019 Financial Report


Resolution Declares Stephens County
A Second Amendment Sanctuary

February 5, 2020

The Stephens County Commissioners have declared the county to be a Second Amendment sanctuary to block enforcement of proposed gun laws that they believe would violate the U.S. Constitution. This declaration affirms support for the Stephens County Sheriff’s policy not to enforce any unconstitutional firearms law.

Click here to download the Resolution