Inaugural Class Completes Holly Springs 101

HOLLY SPRINGS, GA -- The city of Holly Spring has completed an initiative designed to expose citizens to various aspects of municipal government.

The first class of Holly Springs 101 wrapped up its lessons last week, and the 15 participants each received a certificate of completion May 10.

The city held four sessions that introduced and explained to residents how city departments operate in relation to each other and with the public.

“I often say that we are here to serve,” said Mayor Tim Downing. “I think part of our service should also include education. We took this opportunity to educate residents about the inner-workings of our government and gave them an opportunity ask questions of city staff.”

Each session provided an overview of a different department within the city of Holly Springs. During the first session, class members were able to talk with Mayor Downing, City Manager and Finance Director Rob Logan and City Clerk Karen Norred about general administration, finance, open records, alcohol licensing, records management and elections.

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The class also welcomed Misti Martin, president of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development, and Anita Summers, director of the Sequoyah Regional Library System, who each discussed the relationship the city has with their respective organizations.

Session two gave the class a chance to spend time with the city’s police department while the third installment took place off-campus at the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services Training Center.

The fourth and final session concluded the course with a presentation by the Community Development Department.

Community Development Director Nancy Moon explained the roles of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Appeals, permitting and the City’s Short-Term Work Plan.

Stormwater Coordinator Josh Rogers also educated residents about how stormwater utility fees are calculated and used, while Main Street Director Erin Honea shared what it means to be an accredited Main Street Community and presented the city’s special events calendar.

Rachel Meece, who resides and works within the city, said she gained a deeper understanding of the plan that is in place.

“I would encourage fellow citizens to trust the process of transition even though transition is often uncomfortable and messy," she said. "The end result will be excellent. Traffic issues are being addressed and a plan is in process. These large projects take a long time to be cleared and approved, then funded. If we understand the end vision we can be more supportive of the transition. I would encourage people to attend events that help residents to be more informed with the facts. It's going to be good. Let's be patient and supportive as we see the changes taking place.”

Dan Weisel echoed Meece’s sentiments.

“I highly recommend Holly Springs 101 to any residents wanting to learn more about how our local government operates,” he said. “The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, very professional, and presented the information in a way that we could relate to the things that matter to us as residents of this great community.”

Holly Springs hopes to host another session in the fall. While the dates have not been established, each class will be held during the evenings.

While priority is given to those that live within the city limits, Holly Springs will be accepting applications from those who work within the city as well. Applications can be found at www.hollyspringsga.us/hollysprings101.

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Photo: from left to right, front row: Colleen Callahan, Mamie Pierson, Louisa Vital, Paul Johnson, Donna Sanders; middle row: Mayor Tim Downing, James Long, Jennifer Wade, Rachel Meece, Kit Kitchens and City Manager Rob Logan; Back row: Randy Pierson, LaVerna Davis, John Wallace, Daniel Meece, Dan Weisel, Brandon Mitchell. Credit: city of Holly Springs.