Several non-profit agencies serving Habersham County presented their budget requests on the final day of the county’s budget review meetings, showcasing their programs for residents of all ages.
Brad Coppedge, President of the Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA), highlighted the organization’s 27th year of protecting the Soque River, a vital water source for the county. SRWA’s initiatives, supported by county funding, include expanded water testing at over 20 sites, educational outreach programs in local schools, and river clean-up and restoration efforts. Coppedge requested $10,000 in funding for FY 2026, maintaining the same amount as last year.
The Habersham County Health Department presented a budget request of $198,788, a 468% increase over last year’s request. The department reported 4,278 patient encounters by February 2025, a reflection of its growing services. Notable increases in environmental health and WIC enrollment were also shared.
The Health Department received $35,000 in funding from the county in 2025. According to interim County Manager Tim Sims, the county performed a lot of renovations to the Health Department last year to accommodate a new employee they hired and purchased some needed rollable shelving. That is the reason last year’s amount was much lower.
The Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) submitted a request for $80,000, a 5% increase from last year. Although the DFCS representative was unable to attend due to illness, the agency’s funding supports foster care services, including extracurricular activities for youth, support for foster parents and kinship caregivers, and staff retention programs.
Avita, which provides mental health services, reported serving 867 individuals in 2024. The organization has committed to providing counseling services in local schools and expanded its housing support programs for 10 individuals at the Hyde Park Townhome complex. Avita requested $33,000 for FY 2026, up from in-kind services received from the county last year.
The Habersham library system requested $388,793 from the county for fiscal year 2026, a 7% increase over last year. It reported 82,596 visits in FY 2024, with 126,325 physical items circulated and 27,925 digital items checked out. In addition to lending materials, the libraries hosted over 6,700 program attendees and provided essential services like Wi-Fi, computer sessions, and meeting space for local organizations.
Legacy Link, Inc., the Area Agency on Aging for the Georgia Mountains Region, presented a request for $16,000, maintaining the same funding as last year. Their services for local seniors included home-delivered meals, transportation services, wellness programs, and case management, benefiting hundreds of residents.
Partnership Habersham, which aids economic development, shared its land sales in the Airport Business Park, generating $1.45 million for the Habersham County Development Authority (HCDA). The organization also launched programs like Raider Up, designed to help high school students explore local career opportunities. They requested continued support for their initiatives.
Habersham County Development Authority Chairman Jim Butterworth addressed the commission, noting a 4% increase in the authority’s budget, which is supported by reserve funds from previous land sales not taxpayer funds. Butterworth emphasized the authority’s role in recruiting businesses and supporting growth within the county.
Lastly, the Boys and Girls Club reported serving 544 students in 2024 through afterschool and summer programs. Their services, which include homework help, STEM activities, and leadership development, showed strong outcomes, with 90% of participants expressing a love for learning and 93% performing at grade level.The organization has requested $30,000 for next year, the same amount it received last year.
