New Rules for Vehicles and Bicycles
Good Morning Ball Ground:
The State of Georgia has enacted some new rules of the road when encountering bicycles on public roadways. The previous law stated you needed to move over and give the bicycle at least 3 feet of room when passing. The law now states that when safe and legal to do so motorists should make a lane change to give the cyclist even more room. In the event it is not safe or legal to change lanes then the motorist must slow down to at least 10 mph slower than the posted speed limit, or 25 mph, whichever is greater. At the very minimum, you MUST slow down the 10 mph under the speed limit AND provide at least 3 feet of clearance. Again, making a lane change is the goal, when safe and legal to do so. You can find more specifics in the Georgia Code Section 40-6-56 which became effective July 1st, 2021.
Groover Street may be closed a bit longer than anticipated. The weather doesn’t appear to be cooperating and the contractor must avoid opening up too large of a section at one time when rain is in the forecast, as the project could turn dangerous very quickly in heavy rains.
Have a great day Ball Ground.
Eric
Important Notice: Road Closure
Hello Ball Ground:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Beginning today (June 28, 2021), Groover Street will be closed between Old Dawsonville Road and Civic Drive (near the Senior Center).
Construction will take place in this area to replace the storm drain that runs under Groover Street. This storm drain is extremely old and has rusted completely thru – which is beginning to compromise the roadbed.
We anticipate the road will remain closed for approximately three weeks, as this drain is extremely deep, and given the road contains 4 water lines, 1 sewer line, 2 gas lines and underground fiber, cable and telephone, excavation will be a very slow and tedious project.
We apologize for any inconvenience and will do our best to get the project done quickly and correctly.
Have a great week.
Eric
Property Tax Millage Rate
Mayor Roberts and the Ball Ground City Council have tentatively set the property tax millage rate at 4.633 mills, down from the millage rate of 5.0 applied last year. This rate is the “revenue neutral” rate, which has rolled back the rate to offset the average increase in property values from inflation. Mayor and Council are set to formally adopt the official rate of 4.633 at their meeting on July 15th.
Plant Sale: Saturday, June 12
Please come out and support the Ball Ground Garden Club Plant Sale and Festival Saturday, June 12, 2021,
here on the grounds of City Hall at 215 Valley Street.
