SCBC approve Timber Harvesting Ordinance despite Commissioner Whitlock’s objection

The Stephens County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the County’s Timber Harvesting Ordinance during its meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting began with a public hearing and Second Reading of the ordinance.

County Attorney Brian Ranck opened the public hearing.

No one came forward to speak in favor of or in opposition to the amendment to the Timber Harvesting Ordinance.

Commissioner Debbie Whitlock asked how the county came about having the Timber Harvesting Ordinance.

“So, we have a state law that addresses this, right? Well how did this come about that we want this in our ordinances,” she asked?

County Administrator Phyllis Ayers explained that the state made changes and the County had to follow suit.

“Because the state changed their language. But yes, we use to issue permits, they would actually come to us to get a physical permit, but the state took that away and you cannot issue a permit or charge a fee. So, we had to make that change,” Ayers said.

“Why did they take that away,” Whitlock asked?

“They changed the statute,” Ranck said.

“So, what would someone do that wanted to cut some timber down” Whitlock asked?

“They would have to notify us, there is a form. If we didn’t do this, and they wanted to go cut timber, we would have no idea where they are, this is what happens, they start messing the roadbed up with mud, and people start calling me and complaining, and the road department has to go out there and clean it up,” Ayers said.

Whitlock asked what it had to do with the state level. Ranck and Ayers attempted to answer her question.

“It’s a county level action, its state law implemented by the county. This ordinance has been on the books longer than I’ve been county attorney. This just changes a few words. It’s really just semantics,” Ranck said.

Ranck says the notice requirements apply throughout the county, not just on county roads.

Commissioner Dean Scarborough made a motion approving the amended ordinance with Vice Chair James Addison seconding the motion.

The motion was approved 4-1 with Whitlock voting against the motion.