HABCO commission meeting tonight

The Habersham County Commission holds its regular monthly meeting tonight. The commission is expected to take up a number of issues including discussion of the proposed Soque Scenic Byway.

The byway has been heavily debated since the commission first formally endorsed it. The proposed route covers 46.9 miles of existing roadways in northern Habersham County. The plan to designate the route as a scenic byway must be approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Supporters say the byway will preserve the area’s natural beauty and attract tourists. Opponents say they fear a state byway designation will lead to burdensome regulations and infringe upon their property rights. They’ve launched a petition drive to stop it and are asking commissioners to rescind their support for the project.

Other items on tonight’s agenda include: Consideration of alcoholic beverage license renewals for six county businesses, the proposed sale of county owned property to the Airport Authority and overtime pay for emergency and essential personnel who work when the courthouse and administrative offices are closed due to inclement weather.

To view the complete agenda click here.

Tonight’s Habersham County Commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the Habersham County courthouse.