CountyLine
July 2025, Vol. 19, No. 7
 
ACCG News
  
The second round of County Legislative Forums begins this month. Register today to secure your spot and be a part of the conversations shaping the future of Georgia's counties. Connect directly with legislators in your district and the ACCG Governmental Affairs Team to ensure your county's voice is heard on important local issues
  
Registration for the 2025 Summer Policy Committee will open soon. Attend the meeting(s) of your choice to recommend policy priorities on which the association will focus next legislative session. Committee recommendations will be considered by the ACCG Policy Council before heading to the full membership for a vote during the Legislative Leadership Conference.
  
Join ACCG for a webinar on the Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) on Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m. Established by HB 581 in 2024, this new local sales tax option is linked to a floating homestead exemption, often referred to as a "freeze." Register to learn more about FLOST and best practices.
  
Join ACCG for a webinar on Wednesday, July 30 at 10 a.m. to learn how HB 85, Judicial Compensation Reform, may impact county budgets. This legislation reforms the compensation structure for Superior Court Judges and could impact any other county positions tied to the Superior Court Judges Salary.
  
There were 36 general bills that ACCG tracked during the 2025 legislative session that have one or more sections that became effective as of July 1, 2025. The following list of bills that may be of interest to your county are now available.
  
The new Annual Operating Budget Handbook Chapter is now available. This chapter provides an overview of annual operating budgets for local governments in Georgia, including the main legal requirements, budget document, types of budgeting and the budgetary process.
 
ACCG anticipates releasing the 2026 Salary Guide in mid-July. Read more for the latest update on what to expect for the new guide.
  
ACCG welcomes summer semester interns David MacDonald, Zoe Ryan, and Saferino Dour. Read all about these University of Georgia interns and discover how they'll assist various ACCG departments during their internships.
  
Learn how supporting the health of county residents and the environment helped three Georgia County Internship Program (GCIP) interns gain insight into public service operations and lay the foundation for their future careers.
  
The ACCG Partners & Sponsors Newsletter is a quarterly resource that showcases the services and programs available to Georgia's counties through the association's Partners Program. Read the latest issue to learn more about the companies that specialize in government procurement and are committed to helping county officials enhance their communities.
  
The future of local government procurement is shaped by cooperative purchasing and strong leadership. For Kathyrn Rippee, procurement is not just a career, but a lifelong passion. Learn how she helps local governments overcome challenges and access solutions through Sourcewell, boosting efficiency and benefiting communities.
  
Now, more than ever, counties are celebrated for their tireless work on behalf of their communities. Help ACCG highlight those efforts by sending in your photos to Georgia's Local Lens, the newsletter that provides a weekly snapshot of Georgia's counties. Visit the ACCG website for more information. 
 
Mauldin & Jenkins
 
State News
  
A special declaration and certification form for landowners seeking tax relief from Hurricane Helene's impact is now available. This form allows Georgia taxpayers to claim temporary relief from ad valorem taxes on eligible standing timber for the last quarter of 2024 and any quarter of 2025.
  
The Solid Waste Trust Fund (SWTF) Grant Program supports projects that reduce waste, abate and recycle scrap tires, and support statewide recycling initiatives. The program offers three separate grant tracks with information on requirements and eligibility. 
  
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is providing financial assistance through the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. Approximately $34 million is available to support the needs of working families and individuals relocating for employment. Pre-applications are required to submit a full application.
  
The Georgia Local Government Personnel Association (GLGPA) recently held its spring conference, where several Georgia county employees received human resources manager certifications. Join us in congratulating these recipients on their achievements.  
 
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Bo Phillips Company
 
Federal News
  
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) has opened the application period for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. Counties can apply through three distinct pathways: Readiness, Implementation, and Industry Transformation, with awards ranging from $250,000 to $50 million. 
  
Throughout July, join the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) in showcasing your county parks and recreation departments. This month's theme, "Build Together, Play Together," celebrates 40 Years of Park and Recreation Month, reminding us of the contributions of park and recreation professionals and volunteers who maintain our country’s close-to-home parks.
  
There's still time to register for the 2025 NACo Annual Conference & Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, happening July 11-14. Join ACCG staff and county officials from across the nation to discuss federal policies that impact counties, engage in general sessions, and attend mobile workshops.