The Walker County Board of Commissioners addressed several major issues during its latest meeting, including a proposed asphalt and concrete plant, the county’s spay and neuter ordinance, potential federal environmental funding, and the completion of a major road reconstruction project.
Ivy Street Reconstruction Project Completed
Walker County Chairwoman Angie Teems announced that the Ivy Street reconstruction project has been completed following 18 weeks of work.
Teems reported that the project finished slightly over budget. She recalled an initial change order of approximately $87,000, which was ultimately reduced to roughly $50,000.
County Pursuing $500,000 EPA Brownfields Grant
Teems also announced that Walker County intends to apply for a $500,000 Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment Grant.
If awarded, the funding would allow the county to identify and assess properties potentially affected by environmental contamination, helping lay the groundwork for cleanup and redevelopment.
Walker County is working with the municipalities of LaFayette, Chickamauga, Rossville and Lookout Mountain to identify properties that could benefit from the program.
Teems pointed to the former Crystal Springs Print Works property in Chickamauga as an example of the potential benefits.
The property was included in Walker County’s 2022 Brownfields Assessment Grant program. Following an environmental assessment, the City of Chickamauga successfully secured a $4 million EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant to address contamination and prepare the site for future redevelopment.
County officials say the program could help return underutilized properties to productive use while addressing environmental concerns.
Residents, property owners, businesses and community organizations are encouraged to suggest properties that may qualify for environmental assessments.
Teems emphasized that the proposed $500,000 grant would not require a local funding match.
Animal Services Provides Six-Month Update on Spay and Neuter Ordinance
Walker County Animal Services representative Tyler Bishop presented a six-month update on the county’s spay and neuter ordinance, which was approved in May to address ongoing animal overpopulation concerns.
Bishop explained that local animal shelters have struggled for years with overcrowding, limited staffing and financial constraints as the number of animals entering shelters continues to strain available resources.
He emphasized that the ordinance was not designed to punish responsible pet owners or create unnecessary financial hardships.
Instead, Bishop said the goal is to address one of the underlying causes of animal overpopulation and establish a long-term solution.
Bishop also addressed concerns about how quickly the ordinance was enforced.
He explained that officers spent approximately three additional months educating residents and issuing warnings after the ordinance passed. Citations were not issued until the annual licensing fee had been approved, resulting in approximately four months of grace period before enforcement began.
The ordinance includes exemptions for qualifying licensed breeders, animals with veterinary documentation, working and livestock guardian animals, and hunting dogs.
Owners who do not qualify for an exemption and choose not to have their animals spayed or neutered can instead purchase an annual license for $100.
Bishop acknowledged that the fee could present a financial challenge for some households but explained that spaying or neutering an animal can cost approximately $200 to $600, depending on the animal and veterinary provider.
He said the annual fee was designed to provide an alternative while still encouraging permanent sterilization.
Bishop also clarified that enforcement is primarily complaint-based, with officers typically encountering violations while responding to animals running loose, animal welfare complaints, bite investigations and aggressive animal incidents.
He disputed claims that the department targets residents who surrender animals to shelters.
Bishop explained that officers recognize circumstances such as financial hardship, illness and housing difficulties can force families to surrender their pets.
However, he said repeated surrendering of litters or multiple animals over time may lead to enforcement when continued breeding contributes to overcrowding.
Bishop emphasized that education and voluntary compliance remain the department’s priorities.
Officers routinely work with residents to correct violations involving vaccinations, veterinary care, unsanitary conditions, fencing and animal restraint before resorting to citations.
When commissioners asked whether the ordinance had reduced animal overpopulation, Bishop said it remains too early to determine its full impact.
“I think it will take some time to see, but I have seen a little bit of difference just being able to prevent some puppies being born,” Bishop said.
He also described encounters with residents whose dogs were pregnant and who were considering surrendering the puppies after birth.
Bishop said Animal Services sometimes works to help residents obtain spay and neuter services, and the department still plans to implement a voucher program to assist pet owners.
Commissioners Table Proposed Asphalt and Concrete Plant Following Public Concerns
One of the meeting’s most heavily discussed issues involved a proposed asphalt and concrete plant, along with quarry operations, near Oakton and Ridgeway roads.
Hanz Dawson, one of the owners of Walker County Stone, appeared before commissioners seeking a special use permit for the proposed operation.
Dawson told the board that Walker County consumes approximately 40,000 tons of asphalt annually and suggested that a local facility could save the county approximately $10 per ton.
Based on those figures, the potential savings could total approximately $400,000 annually if the county purchased that entire amount at the projected savings.
Dawson also indicated that the Georgia Environmental Protection Division would oversee environmental compliance, including runoff concerns.
However, several residents voiced opposition or concerns about the proposed operation.
Citizens raised questions about noise, air quality, road infrastructure and the potential effects of quarry and plant operations on surrounding properties.
Some residents requested the creation of a committee to help regulate or oversee the proposed facility and address community concerns.
The board voted to table Walker County Stone’s special use permit request for 30 days.
Commissioners indicated they would use the additional time to gather information and seek answers to questions raised by residents before making a decision.
The special use permit request remains pending.
Board Approves Additional Property and Road Requests
Commissioners also approved a request from a property owner identified as Mr. Cobb to add another residence to his property.
Under new business, the board approved Resolution R-070-26, authorizing the abandonment of a small portion of the Old Highway 27 right-of-way.
Officials clarified that the action does not involve abandoning the roadway itself, but rather a small section of right-of-way along its side.
Commissioners explained that the action would also allow the county to obtain a small piece of property near the industrial park entrance sign.
Sheriff’s Office Authorized to Seek Federal Funding
The board unanimously approved Resolution R-071-26, authorizing the Walker County Sheriff’s Office to apply for $17,517 through the Fiscal Year 2026 Memorial Justice Assistance Program.
The funding request requires no local matching funds from Walker County.
The resolution was approved without discussion.
Free Tire Amnesty Day Scheduled for November 14
Commissioners also reminded residents about Walker County’s upcoming Tire Amnesty Day.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at the Walker County Landfill.
The program will allow residents to dispose of eligible unwanted tires free of charge, providing an opportunity to reduce illegal dumping and promote proper tire disposal.
County officials encouraged residents to take advantage of the free event.
The meeting concluded with several matters moving forward, including the county’s pursuit of federal environmental funding and continued implementation of the animal control ordinance, while the proposed Walker County Stone asphalt and concrete operation will return for consideration following the 30-day delay.