Cherokee Commission Chair Buzz Ahrens Wants More Funds for Economic Development

Discussing ways to shore up the Cherokee Office of Economic Development's budget will be discussed by the Cherokee County Commission during its work session and meeting this afternoon.

The work session will start at 3 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Both will be held on the lower level of the county administration building.

Ahrens in January formally emailed the cities Woodstock, Canton, Holly Springs, Ball Ground, Waleska, Nelson and Mountain Park and asked them to each consider contributing money towards CoED's budget.

He requested that both Canton and Woodstock contribute between $20,000 and $25,000; for Holly Springs to mull giving $10,000 to $15,000; and for Waleska, Ball Ground, Nelson and Mountain Park to donate around $5,000. 

The city of Holly Springs discussed Ahrens' proposal during its work session Monday night and the city of Ball Ground has already signed onto the request.

CoED, county leaders say, is understaffed and needs more money to help with its efforts to make the county more desirable to prospective developers.

Cherokee leaders during the work session and meeting will also consider sending a grant application to Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) to obtain funds in an effort to establish a mental health court in Cherokee County.

See the attached .PDF to view what else is on the agenda.