Real Estate Blog - North Georgia Mountains Fannin County's Future

Home : Blogs : Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor Georgia Real Estate,Blue Ridge Mountains : North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains Real Estate Blog, Donna Yates, Realtor

North Georgia Mountains Fannin County's Future - Distilled Drinks Yes or No

On November 6, 2007, (North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains) Fannin County voters will decide whether or not to allow distilled spirits to be served in the county's restaurants. This issue is important to all residents in Fannin County.

Some have concerns that we cannot grow healthy businesses and the loss of tax revenue will mean higher taxes in the future. Other residents are concerned that it will change our quaint mountain town and they are not sure it is for the better. But all residents agree that we want Fannin County to be prosperous, beautiful and peaceful. Working together as a community to make the right choices is a vital issue.

Bruce Hanson, Chairman of the "Committee to Keep Our Tax Dollars Home" reports the consequences of not passing this referendum in two main areas:

Tax Revenue
In 2006, Fannin County lost $30 Million in restaurant sales and $875,000 in local sales tax to Gilmer County. Why? It is estimated that approximately 46% of the tourists and residents went to another county to have a glass of wine with dinner.

Property Value Increase
Residents of Fannin County just received an average property value increase of 62%. Property owners are already carrying more than their fair share of taxes. New ways are needed to generate tax dollars and grow healthy businesses. Otherwise, taxes will continue to rise.

Every voice counts! Each side should be heard so be sure to register to vote in Fannin County by October 6, 2007, so together as the close community that Fannin is can make the right choices. A registration form can be printed at http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/ or Fannin's Future.

Many of our homeowners reside in Florida and our Floridian neighbors can help Fannin County too. Please visit Fannin's Future for more information on how you can help Fannin County prosper.

Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Mountains
706-633-0644 cell
donna@ellijay.com
www.move2northgeorgia.net

Posted by Donna Yates, Georgia Realtor Georgia Real Estate,Blue Ridge Mountains on 09/22/2007 05:42 PM

Comments (9)

fannin county, tax revenue, property value, vote, referendum, beer, wine, alcohol, restaurants, north georgia mountains, blue ridge, florida, gilmer

This post has been included in Georgia Information Fannin County, GA Information

9 Comments on North Georgia Mountains Fannin County's Future - Distilled Drinks Yes or No

SEP

2007

You provide some good facts supporting why such a move is important. Greene County recently approved liquor by the drink and we too have a large tourism and vacation home base.

People can always choose not to drink or to drink at home. After all, allowing the activity doesn't mean that one has to participate in it.

Jefferson: How is it working for your county? Has it made a difference and if so, postively or negatively. I think some residents in our county are concerned that will lead to liquor stores on at every turn and no one in our mountain towns really want that. It seems that as long as it is truly confined to restaraunts and restaurants only is the best compromise. Thank you for your thoughts.

Donna: Actually, I was a little off in my comment above. Greene County has had liquor by the drink -- Greensboro recently approved it. This allows city restaurants to be able to provide the same level of service that the restaurants down by the lake provide. Since downtown is getting nicer and more construction, including restaurants, is occuring down by the interstate, this will allow everyone to play on a level field.

We have only a handful of liquor stores and crime hasn't really been an issue.

SEP

2007

Donna, I was really surprised to read that....I didn't know there were towns it was banned from. It would seem to me if 46% of residents are going to another county, they need to rethink this! That alone is a large loss of revenue.

Jefferson: Thank you for the clarification.

Carole: That is the concern among business leaders and developers - the loss of revenue. But it is also a concern of residents in that property taxes may have to continue to increase to make up for some of the loss. Not to mention, our county could use the job opportunities that new restaurants would provide.

OCT

2007

I think that adults should be able to choose whether of not they would like a drink. Just by allowing does not mean that crime will go up, does not mean that everyone will participate. Those that want a drink can drink at home or go to the nearest county, meaning that they are going to drink regardless. JMO

Jeff: Thank you for your comment. I think the vote is going to be close.

OCT

2007

Gettin closer. Did you go to the lodge yet?

Jeff: Fortunately, I've had a very busy week in real estate this week. I had my second successful closing thanks to Active Rain and the second closing was due to Active Rain and my P2 website. I have my camera all ready for me to go and take pictures since I want to blog about it and other lodges/resorts throughout the area. I'm hoping tomorrow but I'm in the middle of negotiations so not sure I can even get away but it is definitely on my to do list and "to do" soon. We can start voting on Monday! It's going to be very interesting.

This blog does not allow anonymous comments