White County Government

09/03/2026

🇺🇸 Labor Day Office Closure

White County Government Offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

County offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/03/2026

TODAY! Come join us 👇🎊

09/02/2026

White County Outlines Public Input Process for Scenic Character, Property Rights and Future Development

CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County is beginning a months-long public review process focused on future development, scenic character and private-property rights. The process will provide multiple opportunities for residents, property owners and businesses to review information, share feedback and participate before any final decisions are considered.

The White County Board of Commissioners established temporary study periods to allow the County to gather information and hear directly from the community before determining whether changes to existing development regulations are appropriate. The work includes the Helen Highway Scenic Corridor Study and the White County Commercial Compatibility Study. No final regulatory solution has been selected, and maintaining existing regulations remains one of the options under consideration.

The study and review process is intended to evaluate how White County can balance several important interests: protecting the scenic and rural character, respecting private-property rights, supporting local businesses and tourism, and addressing potential impacts associated with future development.

The County's current work includes the review of commercial development along Helen Highway as well as certain commercial uses, including convenience stores with or without fuel pumps and specialty retail uses.

A major part of the process will be hearing from the public. Rather than relying only on traditional public hearings, the County will begin with three community public input sessions. These sessions are designed to allow participants to come and go, review maps and other information, consider development and property-rights scenarios, and provide feedback without having to make a formal presentation at a podium.

Current public participation and hearing schedule:

📆 Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – 4:30PM — Community Open House (Public Input Session), White County Board of Commissioners Board Room

📆 Thursday, October 1, 2026 – 11:30AM — Community Open House (Public Input Session), White County Board of Commissioners Board Room

📆 Thursday, October 8, 2026 – 6:00PM — Community Open House (Public Input Session), White County Board of Commissioners Board Room

📆 Thursday, December 10, 2026 – 5:30PM — Draft Reveal and Public Comment Session (Public Input Session), White County Board of Commissioners Board Room

📆 Monday, January 11, 2027 – 6:00PM — Planning Commission Public Hearing

📆 Monday, January 18, 2027 – 6:00PM — Planning Commission Public Hearing and Recommendation

📆 Monday, February 1, 2027 – 4:30PM — White County Board of Commissioners consideration and vote

Feedback received during the public input sessions and through the County's community survey will help inform the development of draft recommendations. Those recommendations will then be presented publicly in December, providing another opportunity for review and comment before the formal Planning Commission hearing process begins in January. The Planning Commission's recommendation will ultimately be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for consideration.

"We want the community involved before we get to the point of making a final decision," said Jessie Owensby, White County Economic Development Director. "This process is about asking some important questions: What should White County protect? And at what point do the impacts of development become a broader community concern? We want to hear from people with different perspectives as we work through those questions."

Residents who are unable to attend an open house will also have an opportunity to participate through an online community survey and by visiting the Community and Economic Development office located at 1241 Helen Highway, Suite 200, Cleveland, GA 30528. Additional information, study materials, updates and the survey will be available at whitecountyga.gov/publicsurvey.

White County Outlines Public Input Process for Scenic Character, Property Rights and Future Development CLEVELAND, Ga. — White County is beginning a months-long public review process focuse

08/29/2026

Before the sirens. Before the flashing lights. Before first responders arrive… there’s a voice. 📞

That voice could be yours.

White County 911 is hiring a Communications Officer to answer emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatch fire, EMS and law enforcement, provide critical information to responders, and help guide callers through some of their most difficult moments.

It’s fast-paced. It’s challenging. And what you do matters.

You may never meet the person whose call you answer — but you could make all the difference in what happens next.

Ready to answer the call?

📞 Join White County E/911.
➡️ Apply at whitecountyga.gov/jobs

08/25/2026

The White County Board of Commissioners is proud to recognize Tuesday, August 25, 2026, as White County Chamber of Commerce Day!

Since its establishment in 1984, the White County Chamber of Commerce has served as a unified voice for our local business community while working to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life throughout White County.

The Chamber’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated through the professional accomplishments of its leadership and its five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce... the highest ranking possible. The White County Chamber is part of an elite group representing the top 3% of chambers across the nation.

We congratulate Chamber President Beth Truelove, Investor Engagement Director Kayla Ellis, the Chamber staff, Board of Directors, and members for their continued dedication to advocating for, connecting, informing, and championing White County’s business community.

Please join us in celebrating the White County Chamber of Commerce and its many contributions to our community!

08/21/2026

📺 BROADCAST ALERT | 2026 PUBLIC SAFETY AWARDS

The White County Office of Public Safety will host its Inaugural Public Safety Awards this Saturday, August 22, at 3:00 PM.

We invite our community to join us online as we recognize the men and women who serve across White County Public Safety.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube, giving everyone an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, service, and accomplishments of our public safety personnel.

Tune in tomorrow at 3:00 PM!

08/12/2026

White County was pleased to host the Region 2 City & County Managers’ Meeting today at the Recreation Center at Yonah Preserve.

City and county leaders from across the region gathered for updates from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia City-County Management Association, and Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, along with an opportunity to share updates from their respective communities.

White County Parks & Recreation Director Kimberly McEntire also provided attendees with a presentation highlighting White County and our Parks & Recreation facilities.

We appreciate everyone who joined us in White County today and the opportunity to bring local government leaders together to share information, strengthen partnerships, and discuss issues impacting communities throughout our region.

A special thank you to Charles Black Construction Company, Inc. for sponsoring lunch for today’s meeting.

08/12/2026

UPDATE: White County Government phone systems have been restored and are operational.

PHONE / INTERNET OUTAGE — this has affected White County IT systems county-wide. 

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to restore normal operations. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

08/07/2026

🗳️ NOW HIRING: POLL WORKERS! 🇺🇸

White County Elections & Voter Registration is looking for dedicated community members to serve as Poll Workers for the November 2026 Election!

Poll workers play an important role in helping ensure a fair, secure, and smooth Election Day experience for White County voters — and these are paid positions with training provided.

📣 Poll Worker Recruitment Drive
📅 Thursday, September 3, 2026
⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 White County Elections Office
1241 Helen Highway, Suite 210, Cleveland, GA 30528

Poll workers may assist with:
✅ Greeting and assisting voters
✅ Issuing ballots
✅ Helping with voting equipment
✅ Supporting Election Day operations

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, White County resident, and able to pass a background check.

Interested in serving your community? Sign up today at:
🔗 whitecountyga.gov/pollworkersignup

For additional information, contact White County Elections & Voter Registration at 706-865-7812.

🇺🇸 Serve your community. Support your elections. Join our team!

08/07/2026

Today, August 7, we proudly observe Purple Heart Day and honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who were wounded or gave their lives in service to our nation. 🇺🇸💜

As a designated Purple Heart County, White County is proud to stand alongside the City of Cleveland, a Purple Heart City, in recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of Purple Heart recipients and their families.

To every Purple Heart recipient: we remember your sacrifice, we honor your service, and we thank you.

Freedom is never free.