(Cleveland)- As Governor Brian Kemp takes steps to reopen parts of the state’s economy the White County Board of Commissioners has taken steps to protect the county’s budget picture.
During a commission teleconference meeting Monday the board voted to impose a 60-day spending freeze on non-essential items. Given the uncertain financial situation Commission Chairman Travis Turner called it a proactive approach, “Let’s be proactive today and if the numbers hold strong, we’ve been wise,” said Turner.
The temporary freeze will give the commissioners a chance to see how sales tax revenue will look like for April. Turner said that he had talked with many of the county’s Constitutional officers and they agree with the freeze.
The commissioners agreed, beginning May 4 to bring county employees off 50/50 schedule they are currently working and put employees back on a regular schedule. All employees will have to keep a 6-foot distance from fellow employees.
County offices will remain closed to the public for the time being.
Commission reopens outdoor recreation areas
Also during the meeting, commissioners agreed to open back up the county’s hiking and biking trails and fishing lake at Yonah Preserve north of Cleveland on Friday, May 1.
The commissioners stressed with this opening comes the requirement that there will be no social gathering at the facility. There will be no picnic tables and the restrooms will be closed.
The commissioners went one step further and agreed to open the outdoor pickleball courts at the White County Park.
