Recapping the June 17 Board of Commissioners Meeting (So You Don’t Have To Sit Through 3 Hours of Government)

You know what screams “wild summer night”? If you said fireworks, beer, and burgers, you're halfway right. The rest of us were watching the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners in a marathon June 17 meeting that was surprisingly full of... well, fireworks—but the legislative kind.

In just under three hours, your local officials tackled everything from wildlife land preservation to golf cart rebellions, horse-related fireworks trauma, gas station zoning wars, and even a pitch for an ice skating rink.

So pour a tall glass of whatever makes local politics more digestible, and let’s get into the seven most important takeaways from the meeting.

️1. Saving Pine Log: Green Space or Bust

Topic: $2M Commitment Toward Pine Log Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Purchase
Vote: Approved Unanimously ✅

For nearly three years, the 14,000-acre Pine Log WMA has been on life support. The state couldn’t close the deal, the owners wanted to develop, and the vibe was full “RIP to green space.”

But now? Hope has galloped in, possibly on horseback.

• Bartow County committed $5 million

• Cherokee County? Committed up to $2 million, contingent on a solid Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)

Why it matters:
Pine Log WMA is a massive outdoor playground—used by hikers, hunters, and nature lovers—and 2,500 acres of it sits in Cherokee County. Commissioners called it a "regional resource" and said the quiet part out loud: "Once it's gone, it's gone."

“I think $2 million is a good investment in 50 more years of green space.” —Commissioner Carter

Mic drop .

2. Millage Rate Gets a Flexible Bump

Topic: Advertising 2025 Property Tax Rate
Decision: 5.307 mills will be advertised

This is basically the “we’re not raising taxes…yet” maneuver. The Commission approved advertising a slightly higher tentative millage rate of 5.307, up from 5.153.

But here's the catch:

• This rate gives them flexibility to fund public safety and other services

• Homeowners with homestead exemption won’t feel the full pinch

• The actual adopted rate could be lower

TL;DR:
They're hedging their tax bets and leaving room to adjust. Fiscal chess, not checkers.

3. Golf Carts Get Legal in Lovingood Landing

Topic: Motorized Cart District Approval
Result: Passed Unanimously ✅

You’d think people would rise up over speed bumps or HOA dues. But in Lovingood Landing, residents packed the room for a much nobler cause: golf cart freedom.

• 51 out of 53 homes supported the proposal

• 10 people signed up to speak in favor

• Emotional testimony was given (yes, seriously)

“We’re a family. These carts bring us together.” —Resident Debbie Gifford, while nearly crying

Honestly? It was kind of beautiful.

️ 4. Road Retirement: Morris Road Bows Out

Topic: Partial Abandonment of Morris Road
Result: Approved ✅

A dusty stretch of Morris Road—mostly weeds, barely used—will now be deeded to two homeowners. But not before some classic public comment confusion over whether other landowners would lose access.

Spoiler alert: They won’t.

The county clarified:

• Only the green and yellow shaded no-man’s land was being abandoned

• Bill Smith Drive remains untouched and accessible

• Legal access stays intact

And yes, someone did refer to it as "chicken scratch" on the map. Democracy in action.

5. Fireworks vs. Horses: Neigh Means Neigh

Topic: Ban on Fireworks Within 200 Yards of Equine Facilities
Result: Unanimous Approval ✅ (Effective July 1, 2025)

This was the most impassioned portion of the night, with several equestrian lovers sharing traumatic stories of scared, injured, and even dead horses due to amateur fireworks.

Here’s the scoop:

• New law allows counties to ban fireworks near horses

• Cherokee County adopted the 200-yard buffer rule

• Applies to barns, paddocks, and even pastures

• Violators could face fines (if caught)

Horse owners also offered:

• Suggestion to require signage at fireworks retailers

• Plans to spread awareness with signs like "Horses Nearby – Skip the Boom"

“A single bottle rocket could ignite 1,000 bales of hay.” —Resident Danielle Cook
“This is like firing a gun in the air and pretending the bullet doesn’t land.” —Jonathan Browning

Consider the motion... carried.

⛽ 6. Gas Stations & Car Washes Get Zoned

Topic: New Zoning Rules for Car Washes & Gas Stations
Result: Approved ✅

If you’ve noticed gas stations and car washes popping up like mushrooms in a cow pasture, you’re not alone.

Commissioners voted to:

• Require a special use permit in General Commercial zones

• Create official definitions for:

  • Car Wash (automatic or self-service)

  • Hand-Wash Car Services (excluded from new rules)

  • Gasoline Stations (including marine and truck stops)

Also, all those air pumps, vending machines, ice boxes, etc.?

• Now considered "ancillary equipment"

• Must be approved and in neutral/dark colors (no more neon eyesores)

One commissioner called it “gas pump gatekeeping.” OK, no they didn’t—but we’re calling it that.

7. Hotel/Motel Tax Increased to 8%

Topic: Local Tourism Tax Bump
Result: Approved ✅

Good news for tourism programs. Bad news for out-of-towners trying to save $4 on a Fairfield Inn.

The Commission voted to raise the tax from 6% to 8%, the state maximum. That puts Cherokee in line with 11 other nearby counties and cities.

Revenue will fund:

• Destination Cherokee marketing (via the Chamber of Commerce)

• History Cherokee and Woodstock Arts

• Parks and recreation

• Economic development

• Conference center support

No impact to locals unless you’re doing a “staycation at the Holiday Inn Express.”

“Let our visitors fund our fun.” —Vail Blackmon, Chamber of Commerce

BONUS: The Ice Rink Pitch

Topic: Public Comment Proposal
Decision: No action taken (yet)

A community member made a passionate case for building an ice skating facility in Cherokee County:

• Demand for ice time is rising

• Nearby rinks are closing

• Atlanta might be getting another NHL team

• Revenue potential from youth hockey, figure skating, adult leagues

It wasn’t an official agenda item, but the Commissioners nodded like, “Noted, citizen.”

Watch this space.

Final Thoughts

From horse-protection laws to golf cart revolutions, this meeting wasn’t your typical snoozefest. Cherokee County is clearly growing—fast—and the Board of Commissioners is walking the tightrope between preserving rural character and managing suburban sprawl.

Whether you're here for the open space, the horse trails, or the politics (we see you), 1 thing is clear:

Cherokee County ain’t boring anymore.

Want to See the Full Meeting?

Add a link here:
➡️ Watch the full June 17, 2025 Cherokee BOC meeting replay

Coming Next:

• Who gets to build the next liquor store? A lottery is happening July 15.

• Will your neighborhood soon be a golf cart district too?

• Does an 8% hotel tax mean better concerts? (Asking for a friend.)

Stay tuned.