ACC Commission

The Athens-Clarke County Commission will adopt the upcoming fiscal year’s budget on June 9th. The county’s mayor Kelly Girtz submitted a proposed budget to the commission on May 1st.

Clarke County Sheriff John Q. Williams has long advocated for increased funding from the Commission to combat chronic understaffing.

During a commission work session Tuesday, County Manager Bob Cowell said that the county expects to collect an extra $1.6 million. He said some of the money will go to funding county employee salary increases and police pensions. Manager Cowell said the remainder should go back into the county’s fund balance, or reserves.

Edward Tolley is an Athens lawyer running for the seat of Commissioner in District 7 of Athens-Clarke County, which stretches from South Lumpkin Street to Mitchell Bridge Road and beyond.

District 3 in Athens-Clarke County covers much of East Athens, stretching from Oak Street to Robert Hardeman Road. Tiffany Taylor has held the commission seat in District 3 since 2023.

Tammie Foote is a resident of District 3 in Athens and a long-time social services professional. She is running against Tiffany Taylor for the commission seat in District 3.

Terry Johnson is challenging Patrick Davenport for his seat as Commissioner of District 1 in Athens-Clarke County.

District 1 of the Athens-Clarke County Commission lies in the southeast corner of County, stretching from Whit Davis Road to Barnett Shoals Road.

The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is accepting applications to fill multiple openings on local boards, authorities, and commissions, offering residents an opportunity to participate in community decision-making.

May 19th is election day, when several Northeast Georgia races are on the ballot. Athens resident and chaplain Craig Topple is running to be the next Commissioner for District 5.