Uber or Lyft

Taxi Service

• A & A Taxi 706-353-2424
• Your Cab 706-546-5844
• Top Dog 706-552-0744
• United Taxi 706-549-0808
• 5 Star Taxi 706-549-2224

Car Rentals

• Hertz 706-543-5984 or 800-654-3131
• Budget 706-353-0600
• Enterprise 706-546-8067
• Avis 706-543-3904

Limousines

• Bulldog 706-613-5206
• Lakeside 888-485-9111
• Ward 706-353-8099
• Music VIP 800-767-3705
• Touch of Elegance 770-267-5365

• UGA Conference and Hotel 706-542-7020 or 706-542-1932
• The Graduate (formerly the Foundry Park Inn) 706-549-7020

Athens-Clarke County picks up dead animals in the street or on the right of way. Animals must be the size of an armadillo, raccoon, opossum (or larger) to qualify for collection.

Contact Solid Waste by email or phone to request collection - collections@accgov.com | 706-613-3501 (Option 7)

Other collection locations:

• Parks & trails: ACCGov Leisure Services – 706-613-3801
• State roads (any road maintained by the state in Athens-Clarke County): GA Department of Transportation – 706-583-2644
• Private property: Contact a wildlife removal company or take animals to the ACC Landfill (fees apply)

No, there is no pet licensing in Athens-Clarke County. However, all dogs and cats must have current rabies vaccinations and must display a current rabies tag at all times. 

Rabies tags are obtained from the veterinarian’s office where the vaccination is given.

ACC Animal Services Adoption Process:

All adoptions are done on a first come, first served basis in the timestamped order that a potential adopter submitted the online application.

All animals that come in as ‘stray’ are placed on a 5-day hold in hopes that the original owner will come reclaim their pet. During this 5-day window, no animal on a stray hold may be adopted or transferred, however anyone interested in a specific pet may place an adoption application on this animal through their Petango profile on our webpage.

All available pets may be viewed here: https://www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets

When a potential adopter sees an animal they are interested in, they must click on the picture, and then click on the large orange tab that says: “Interested in this Animal? Click here!” That application will be submitted directly to us online and our Adoption Center Supervisor will call to set up an appointment.

When an animal comes off of their 5-day stray hold, they are made available to adopters and rescue groups. If an animal comes off of a stray hold with no previous applications, the pet will be available to the first interested adopter or rescue group. No available animals are held active once an adopter or rescue group has been approved and finalized the adoption/transfer process.

It is recommended to anyone interested in a highly adoptable pet, that already has adoption applications before theirs, that they call before their appointment to ensure that pet is still available.

All dogs and cats must be altered before they can leave with their adopter. ACCAS will transport the pet to and from the clinic for their spay/neuter surgery, and the adopter may pick up from the Adoption Center post-surgery.

Anyone interested in meeting a pet or walking through the Adoption Center must make an appointment first by calling 706-613-3540.

Animal Services handles complaints of barking dogs during regular business hours only. We respond to these complaints by issuing a written warning to the owner at the time of the first complaint. 

If we receive another complaint within 90 days, we will issue a citation to the owner provided that at least two adult witnesses sign a written statement and agree to appear in Municipal Court to testify about the complaint. 

View the Barking Dogs Complaint Form.

We recommend that you come to the Animal Shelter at 125 Buddy Christian Way and determine if the dog is here first. If not, Animal Services can take a detailed lost report that we can use to identify the dog if it is brought in to us later. 

The Athens Banner-Herald newspaper will run a free lost dog notice in their classified advertisement section if you call 706-549-0123. 

Before posting signs, check with the Code Enforcement Division at 706-613-3790 regarding where signs may be posted.

To begin the process, you complete a special event application and pay a $25 application fee. Permit fees are determined after review of your application. 

To begin the process, you complete a sidewalk café application and pay a $100 application fee. Once your application is approved, you will pay $1 per square foot to obtain your permit.

You can use your address to search an interactive map to find your commission district. 

You may also contact the Clerk of Commission office at 706-613-3031 or send an email to clerkofcommission@accgov.com. Please provide your street address when sending an email.

You can use your address to search an interactive map to find your commission district. 

You may also contact the Clerk of Commission office at 706-613-3031 or send an email to clerkofcommission@accgov.com. Please provide your street address when sending an email.

The commissioners may be contacted either by phone or email. Please refer to the Mayor and Commission contact list  or use the online interactive Commission District map to obtain those phone numbers and email addresses.

City Hall is located in downtown Athens at 301 College Avenue, Athens, GA 30601. 

You must complete a notary application online and submit in person to the clerk of superior court of the county in which you reside. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age, a resident of this state, and a resident of the county in which he or she applies. Applicants must be able to read and write the English language.

To obtain certified copies from the Clerk of Court you must visit the office during business hours Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.  If you unable to visit the office, please follow the steps below:

•  Go to www.athensclarkeclerkofcourt.com to find your case number. 
• The Clerk’s office will only process certified copies upon written request and payment.  Please include Name, Date of Birth, Case Number and Charges of the defendant in which you are requesting.  Also include your contact information. 
• Each Certified disposition packet is $5.00 and includes the Accusation/ Indictment, Plea paperwork and sentencing information.  If you are not needing the full disposition, certified copies are $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for any additional pages. 
• Please mail written request, a MONEY ORDER (no cash), and a SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE to:  Athens-Clarke Clerk of Court, P.O. Box 1805, Athens, GA 30603

Yes.  On July 1st, 2024 the office became a department and changed its name from Public Information to Communications. 

Yes. Much of the information can be found on this website. However, if you can't find the information you are seeking, contact us through phone at 706-613-3795 or by email at info@accgov.com and we'll assist you with getting in touch with the right place.

Athens-Clarke County cannot regulate any level of cable pricing. This is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) directive.

We cannot regulate internet service through cable providers. This is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) directive.

Cable service in Athens-Clarke County is not a granted monopoly. The Cable Ordinance (Chapter 6-16 in the Athens-Clarke County Code) states unequivocally that there is no such thing as an exclusive cable franchise for the community and state that franchises also allow for multiple cable providers. Athens-Clarke County and Georgia can and will review any cable company's local franchise applications to provide competition in the community. In 2008, a statewide law in Georgia went into effect that allowed companies to apply - if they choose - for a statewide franchise agreement in lieu of multiple local ones. Only Charter (now Spectrum) and AT&T have applied for statewide video franchises and have notified the local government of intention to provide services in Athens-Clarke County. 

Additionally, there is no requirement where services must be provided in a community, so it is entirely up to individual companies as to where they provide any services. To date, no other cable companies have asked Athens-Clarke County for a franchise in Charter/Spectrum's service area, although satellite television providers also provide services without a franchise. The communities around the country that have multiple cable providers tend to be large cities and, even then, overlaps in services areas are rare to nonexistent.

First, you must contact that company's customer service directly (888-GET-CHARTER or online). If that fails to resolve the problem or you have further complaints, please address your concerns to the Athens-Clarke County Public Information Office through email to info@accgov.com or by calling 706-613-3795.

• The grouping of all community PEG channels on channel 99; individual PEG channels cannot be accessed directly
• Users must navigate to channel 99, wait for software to load, then select the community and then the channel; the process can take from 20 seconds to over one minute, compared to near instantaneous viewing of all other channels
• PEG channels cannot be recorded through U-Verse's recording system (either by scheduling or watching live)
• Going from channel 99 to another channel requires 'backing out' instead of simply typing in a channel number directly
• Content quality is not delivered at the same quality as other channels

 A death certificate may take 1-2 weeks to be signed in an average case where the funeral home has been chosen and the Coroner will be signing. This time allows us to subpoena any necessary medical records and review them. If the deceased died due to unusual circumstances that warranted an autopsy, a death certificate may take 3-6 months to be completed. In the event that does happen, a pending death certificate can be requested through the funeral home which will allow the next of kin to handle most obligations of the deceased except life insurance. Those certificates would have to be purchased; and when a cause of death has been confirmed the certificate will be changed and the amended death certificates will also have to be purchased.

 A request for death certificates should be made at the Clarke County Health Department, office of Vital Records located at 345 Harris Street, Athens, Georgia 30601. Their phone number is 706-389-6871. They will instruct you on the procedure to obtain a death certificate.    

The GBI Crime Lab decides, based on information from the Coroner's Office, which cases will be accepted for autopsy according to Georgia Statues. Most Child deaths, Homicides, Suicides and Natural deaths that meet certain criteria will require autopsies. In the event that the GBI declines an autopsy request, the family of the deceases may request a private autopsy through our office with a licensed pathologist. The cost for a private autopsy can run between $2000 to $5000 depending on the extent of the exam and any additional testing.  

In most cases the Coroner’s report is available within seven business days and can be obtained from this office upon open records request. 

Autopsy, Toxicology and Alcohol reports can take from 90-120 days to obtain.

“Pending” simply means that the cause and manner of death are still under investigation. Pending cases may be cleared in as little as two days or may remain pending for several months. The average pending case in Georgia is cleared in 6-8 weeks. 

If you move or change your phone number, it is imperative you inform our office at 706-613-3999 so the next of kin can be notified FIRST when pending cases are completed.

Next of Kin is defined in the following order:  

1. Spouse - is a husband or wife who are legally married, separated but not divorced.
2. Children of the deceased who are over 18 years of age.
3. Parents
4. Siblings

The deceased will only be released to a Licensed Funeral Director.  It is important for the Next of Kin to select a Funeral Director as soon as possible and notify this office of their selection. Contact by a funeral home is not sufficient. 

Offender visitation is held on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Visitation is also held on approved Athens-Clarke County holidays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Only individuals on the offender’s approved visitation list are permitted to visit. Visitation lists are updated only in May and November of each year. For additional information, you may contact the counselor at 706-613-3400. The counselor is responsible for approving all visitors.

Send money orders only (no personal checks) to: Athens-Clarke County Corrections Offender’s Name, Offender’s GDC Number 2825 County Farm Rd. Athens, GA 30605

Only specific items can be sent to an offender with prior approval. Once the family member receives an approved package sheet from the facility for the specified items, the package can be sent. The approval form must be returned with the package. For additional information, you may contact the administrative officer at 706-613-3400.

Adult men who have been sentenced to the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) may be housed at the Correctional Institution. Prior to approving an offender housing at this facility, GDC will review criminal and behavioral histories, release dates, and ability to participate in rehabilitative programs, and assign each one either a medium or minimum security level. Once approved by GDC, the offenders may be transferred here to begin their journey as returning citizens.

Sentences are imposed by a Judge and calculated by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC). In some instances, the State Board of Pardons and Paroles may impose an earlier release date based on the individual’s criminal history, and program participation and behavioral conduct during a sentence. For additional information, you may contact the State Board of Pardons and Paroles at 404-656-4661.

For security and risk reasons, the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) carefully considers an offender’s housing location in regards to proximity to their county of conviction and release plan. An offender may work with their Counselor at their present location to request a transfer closer to home. If the offender’s request is approved within the facility, the request will be forwarded to GDC’s Offender Administration for review and action. 

If you have a concern about the proximity of an offender’s location, you may contact the Georgia Department of Corrections Offender Administration at 770-504-7312. If you have a concern about an offender housed at the Athens-Clarke County Corrections Institution, please contact the facility at 706-613-3400.

You can report a suspected code violation 24/7 by doing any one of the following:

 Call: 706-613-3790 If you are calling beyond our normal business hours which are 8 am - 5 pm, please leave a detailed message on our voice mail 

Fax: 706-613-3792 

Email: codeenforcement@accgov.com 

Send a letter or come in the the office: 

Athens-Clarke County Building Inspections Department
Code Enforcement Division
120 W. Dougherty Street Athens, GA 30601

Any vehicle that does not have a current license plate or is in some state of disrepair and not operable. This does not apply to a legally licensed auto repair facility.

You are eligible to vote in Georgia if you:

• Are a citizen of the United States
• Are a legal resident of Georgia
• Are at least 18 years old
• Have not been found to be mentally incompetent by a court
• Are not serving a sentence for a felony of moral turpitude
• Are registered to vote in the county where you live
• Meet all other state requirements, such as showing or submitting acceptable identification to vote in person or by absentee ballot

To Register to vote you must:

• Be a citizen of the United States and a legal resident of Georgia
• Be at least 17 1/2 years of age (you may vote in the next election after turning 18)
• Not serving a sentence for a felony conviction of moral turpitude
• Not have been found mentally incompetent by a court
• Show proof of residence in the county where you are registering
• Provide the last 4 digits of your social security number and/or Driver's License number.

Voters do not register with a political party because Georgia is an open primary state. This means during a primary election you can choose which party's ballot you wish to vote - Republican, Democrat, or Nonpartisan. If you want, that choice can be different each time you vote in a primary election.

A Nonpartisan ballot does not include any of the party races, only races that are not determined by party such as judges.

Voters will be automatically registered to vote as they obtain or renew their Georgia driver’s license. If you do not want to register to vote or update your current voter registration you must OPT OUT by checking a box on the driver's license form.

You can also register to vote online or complete a voter registration application. 

An application may be obtained:

• Online at the Elections Office website
• From the Secretary of State’s Elections Division at 404-656-2871 or the Secretary of State’s toll-free Voter Information Hotline at 888-265-1115
• From the Athens-Clarke County Elections Department at 155 East Washington Street - 706-613-3150
• At the Athens Regional Library
• At the Clarke County Tag Office

You may check your voter registration status, sample ballots, absentee ballot requests and more at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov. 

You should receive a voter precinct card in the mail two to four weeks after submitting your application. You are not officially registered to vote until your application is approved. If you do not receive your voter registration card, or to find out if your registration is current, you should contact our office at 706-613-3150.

Yes. When you move, you must register at your new address at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in precinct location in your new neighborhood.

If you do not update your address in time, you are still assigned to the precinct for your previous address and should go there to vote on election day.

A precinct card is a record of your current registration information. It contains your voting districts and the precinct location where you must vote on election days. You should receive a precinct card in the mail two to four weeks after submitting a registration application. If you do not receive the card, or to find out if your registration is current, contact our office at 706-613-3150.

If you move, there is space provided on the card for your new address and instructions for returning the card. This will update your registration.

You can also view and download your precinct card online by using Secretary of State's My Voter Page website at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/. 

Video: How To View Your Voting Districts and Download Your Precinct Card

Yes, your registration can become inactive if - 

• you change your place of residence and do not update your registration
• if our office sends mail to your address on file and it is returned undeliverable
• if you have not voted in three or more years.

If you have not voted in three or more years, it is important to confirm your registration. You can check your registration status online at My Voter Page (MVP). If MVP is unable to find your information, you should contact the Athens-Clarke County Elections Department at 706-613-3150.

Voters can cast their ballots in one of three ways:

• Absentee by mail (see more information on absentee voting at accgov.com/absenteevoting)
• Vote in person during early voting (absentee in person) at one of the many locations around the county. Early voting begins on the fourth Monday before every primary and general election. Early voting ends on the Friday before each election. A list of locations and hours will be posted on our website before each election at accgov.com/advancevoting.
• Vote in person on Election Day

Early voting (absentee in person voting) is held at several locations around the county. Early voting begins on the fourth Monday before every primary and general election. Early voting ends on the Friday before each election. A list of locations and hours will be posted on our website before each election at accgov.com/advancevoting.

Acceptable identification is:

• A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired
• A valid driver's license from another state or US territory
• Any valid state or federal issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar’s office or by the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority or other entity of this state
• Valid U.S. military photo ID
• Valid tribal photo ID

If you are currently enrolled in a public state college, university, or technical college in Georgia, you may use your school photo ID. If you attend a private college or university in Georgia, you must show one of the other acceptable forms of photo identification. For more information, call our office at 706-613-3150.

If you simply forgot your photo identification and time permits, you can retrieve it, return to the polling place, and vote. Otherwise, you can still vote a provisional ballot. You will have up to three days after the election to present appropriate photo identification at your county registrar’s office in order for your provisional ballot to be counted.

Voters without proper photo identification can obtain a free Voter Identification Card from the Athens-Clarke County Elections Department, located at 155 E Washington Street, or from any Georgia Department of Driver Services office.

A voter identification card is issued only for use as identification for the purpose of voting. 

When you arrive at your precinct (find the proper location on your precinct card or go to https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/), you'll check in with a poll worker by showing photo identification. The poll worker will give you a voter access card and direct you toward the voting booths.

Inside the booth you will find a ballot marking device and a printer. Insert the card into the ballot marking device. Your ballot will appear on the screen. Make selections by following the instructions on the screen and touching next to the candidate of your choice.

When you've followed all the instructions your ballot will print. Remove the card from the ballot marking device. Take the ballot from the printer and review it carefully. Make sure it is correct.

Walk your paper ballot and voter access card to the next station by the exit door. Here you will return the card to a poll worker and insert your paper ballot into the ballot scanner. When the ballot has been scanned the poll worker will offer you an "I VOTED" sticker. Congratulations! You have cast your ballot!

If you have questions or need help, always ask a poll worker. They are there to guide you through the process.

Several months before every election we post the poll worker job application on the Athens-Clarke County jobs page, https://www.accgov.com/6547/Current-Jobs

Complete the online application and our office will contact you for a short phone interview. Poll workers are paid by the hour and required to attend paid training sessions. Typically, a poll worker will work 14 hours on an election day. There are also opportunities to work for up to three weeks prior to an election staffing one of our early voting locations. 

If you have great attention to detail, enjoy working with the public, and want to contribute to the community in a positive way, this job is for you. You must be at least 16 years old, live in Clarke County or one of the adjoining counties, and be able to speak, write, and read fluently in English.

The ACC Board of Elections meetings are open to the public. They are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 PM. Visit the online calendar for information on upcoming meetings. 

Currently, the meetings are held virtually and broadcast for the public live and on-demand on YouTube. Watch videos of previous meetings on-demand on the Board of Elections webpage. The links for live viewing are posted to our website and Facebook page before each meeting. In the future, the Board will return to in-person meetings. The Board encourages the public to attend.

Official election mail will come directly from a county election office or the Secretary of State's office in Atlanta. It will need your attention. Do not throw it away without reading. We are contacting you for a reason. 

During election season, political parties, candidates, and other interested groups will send items to your residence. Do not be alarmed. Take note of the sender's address. If it is not from a county election office or the Secretary of State's office, you are under no obligation to respond.

Feel free to call our office at 706-613-3150 if you have questions or concerns about a mailing you've received.

If you would like to request a fire truck visit to your school or organization, schedule a visit to one of our fire stations, or have one of our educators talk to your group about a fire safety topic, please complete the Fire Safety Education Program Request.

You can request a copy of a Fire Incident Report by completing the Fire Incident Report Request. 

We are now offering one of our fire trucks to come out to your birthday party or event.  If you would like a fire truck to come to your birthday or event please complete the Birthday Party or Event Request Form

As a result of an analysis by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) of the structural fire suppression system, Athens-Clarke County received a new Public Protection Classification (PPC) of 01/1X as of May 1, 2019. In Georgia, only 24 out of 159 counties have the highest Class 1 rating, while in the United States only 348 communities out of 41,177 rated have a Class 1 rating (0.8%).

In each community, the ISO analyzes data and assigns a grade of 1 to 10. Class 1 represents an exemplary fire suppression program, while Class 10 indicates that the area's fire suppression program does not meet minimum criteria. The PPC evaluations are based on criteria that use standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the American Water Works Association.

A community's PPC grade depends on: 

• emergency communications systems, including facilities for the public to report fires, staffing, training, certification of telecommunicators, and facilities for dispatching fire departments;
• the fire department, including equipment, training, staffing, operations, and distribution of fire stations and personnel; and
• the water supply system, including the inspection and flow testing of hydrants and a careful evaluation of the amount of available water compared with the amount needed to suppress fires; and
• community efforts to reduce the risk of fire, including fire prevention codes and enforcement, public fire safety education, and fire cause investigation.

The PPC plays an important role in the underwriting process at insurance companies. Most insurers in the United States use community classifications as part of their decision-making process to determine coverage to offer and prices for personal or commercial property insurance. Although the new classification may not affect rates for residential insurance coverage, it is expected to have a positive effect for many business policies.

Each insurance company independently determines the rates it charges its policyholders based on a variety of factors. In general, the price of fire insurance in a community with a good PPC grade is substantially lower than in a community with a poor PPC grade, assuming all other factors are equal.

The ISO used a comprehensive questionnaire, along with meetings with staff from the Fire and Emergency Services Department, Police Department, and Public Utilities Department, to collect data on Athens-Clarke County. The PPC grade is based on a 10-point scale, with Class 1 designation for those grades of 90.00 or above. Athens-Clarke County received a 90.21. 

Only features related to reducing property losses from structural fires are evaluated as part of this process. Life safety and other non-fire suppression responsibilities of fire departments are not evaluated as part of this process. The program evaluates the fire protection for small to average size buildings, while specific properties that require a larger fire flow are evaluated separately and assigned an individual PPC grade.

For a split classification such as a 1/1X, the first number is the class that applies to properties within five road miles of the responding fire station and 1,000 feet of a creditable water supply, while the second number is the class that applies to properties within five road miles of a fire station but beyond 1,000 feet of a creditable water supply.

The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is an independent company that serves insurance companies, communities, fire departments, insurance regulators, and others by providing information about risk. For more information about the PPC program and their Community Hazard Mitigation Program, visit www.isomitigation.com.

For more information about the Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services Department, visit www.accgov.com/fire or call 706-613-3360.

• Station 1: 700 College Avenue
• Station 2: 265 Cleveland Road
• Station 3: 1198 South Milledge Avenue
• Station 4: 900 Oglethorpe Avenue
• Station 5: 1090 Whit Davis Road
• Station 6: 580 Athena Drive
• Station 7: 2350 Barnett Shoals Road
• Station 8: 3955 Jefferson Road
• Station 9: 1650 Danielsville Road
• Training Center: 155 Paradise Boulevard

CHARM is the Athens-Clarke County Center for Hard-to-Recycle Material. Address: 1005 College Avenue, Athens, Ga 30601. Visit accgov.com/charm for current days and hours of operation.

Athens-Clarke County Purchasing encourages companies to seek contract opportunities. To begin the process, companies should register to do business by completing the Vendor Registration Form. Registration provides Athens-Clarke County Unified Government departments with information about the products and services available from your company.

For more information, contact the Purchasing Division at 706-613-3088.

Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, age, or disability is illegal. If you believe your rights have been violated you can file a fair housing complaint by using an online form or you can call the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity toll-free 1 (800) 669-9777.

• ACTION Inc. - Ph: 706-546-8293 ext. 25
• East Athens Development Corporation - Ph: 706-208-0048
• Hancock Community Development Corporation - Ph: 706-546-1154
• Athens Land Trust - Ph: 706-613-0122

No, please call 706-369-5636 or 888-318-0354 or see the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

• ACTION Inc. - Ph: 706-546-8293
• Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation Inc. / Hands on Athens - Ph: 706-552-0753
• Athens Area Habitat for Humanity - Ph: 706-208-1001

• Athens Housing Authority: 706-425-5300
• Athens Land Trust: 706-613-0122
• Athens Area Habitat for Humanity: 706-208-1011

No. You can view HUD homes for sale from the HUD website.

All available information regarding the status of your application and the position vacancy will be available by logging into your account. The system will notify you via e-mail as appropriate during the selection process. Click on "History" for each active application to see its updated status information. It is your responsibility to check your account and e-mail for updates, invitations to scheduled testing, and invitations for interview.

New positions may be posted at any time. We recommend that you check daily for newly-listed positions or sign up for one of two different kinds of electronic notifications about positions.

The first notification is based on specific job categories. You may sign up for these by visiting the Job Interest Card by going to 'Notify me when this position becomes available' link on any job listing or the Job Interest Card menu item on the Athens-Clarke County employment pages.

The second notification is a weekly notification of all current positions. You may sign up for this at www.accgov.com/notifications.

Please report all dump sites to Code Enforcement so they can investigate the site for the offenders’ contact information. Code Enforcement will coordinate the clean-up efforts with Landscape Management once it has been reported.

The Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) office is located at the ACC Solid Waste Department at 725 Hancock Industrial Way. Our office can be accessed from the 10/441/129 Loop. On the East end of the loop turn onto Olympic Drive at the red light. Go 1.1 miles and Hancock Industrial Way will be on your right (past Carrier Transicold). Travel 1/4 mile and the ACC Solid Waste Department is the first building on the right.

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful is proud to support home composting by offering the Earth Machine compost bin for sale to the public. The compost bin can be purchased for $50 and includes a kitchen compost pail. For more information about the bin, please visit Earth Machine. Compost bins can be purchased in person by cash, check, or PayPal at KACCB Shopping Cart

Adopt-A-Highway is a local litter prevention program sponsored by Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) that works to involve community volunteers in local roadside clean-up efforts. The goal of the program is to reduce roadside litter in an effort to keep our community clean and beautiful. Community organizations and/or volunteers accept the responsibility of regular litter pickups on their “adopted” local roadway. Adopt-A-Highway is part of the larger Adopt Athens Program. Any civic-minded organization, such as garden clubs, church groups, scout groups, student clubs, businesses, corporations, families, etc. can adopt a stretch of county roadway. Visit KACCB's Website for more information, an application, to request tools, or report a pickup. Or call 706-613-3501 ext. 309 for an application.

An individual can participate in the monthly Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) clean-ups called “The Down and Dirty of Keepin’ Athens Clean.” The KACCB Program takes citizen recommendations to determine the down and dirty site locations. 

Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) and Habitat for Humanity have partnered to bring you the Athens Area ToolShed program. This community resource offers a large inventory of tools ranging from gardening tools to renovation tools to assist you and your volunteers with community improvement projects. To reserve tools, complete and submit a Tool Reservation Form as far in advance of your project as possible. This form is available at KACCB's Toolshed.

• A special event is any organized public activity having as its primary purpose entertainment, recreation, and/or education, and which provides a substantial public and community benefit.

A special event permit is needed: 

• for any event which takes place in whole or in part on a public street or public property; or
• occurs on private property and impacts government services on public rights-of ways.

Events held in parks or properties managed by the Leisure Services Department:

• should be coordinated through the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department (706-613-3800). 
• are not required to obtain a special event permit from the Central Services Department if the event is entirely in a property management by the Leisure Services Department.  

The application fee is:

• $25 if application is submitted 60+ days in advance of the date of the event. 
• $150 if application is submitted less than 60 days in advance of the date of the event. 

Additional fees that may be required after the application is approved:

• Festival Zone Fee: $600 
• Beer Garden Fees:
  • $150 per beer garden not exceeding 2,000 square feet (up to two per block are allowed).
  • $300 per beer garden exceeding 2,000 square feet (only one per block is allowed).
• Electrical Fee: Electrical fees are based on the estimated electricity use for your event, which will be determined after review of your application.
• Public Safety Fee: The fee is $60 per hour per Police Officer, with a minimum of 4 hours per Police Officer.The total number of Police Officers required for your event will be determined after review of your application. This fee will be paid directly to the Police Officers assigned to your event and will not be included in your final permit fee.

The approval process:

• The Central Services Department will route your application for review by various ACCGov departments and external agencies. 
• This review normally takes 2 weeks for smaller events and up to 4 weeks for larger events. 
• You may be contacted during this process to meet with staff or to provide additional information.

The following information should be included on the event diagram page depending on the nature of the event:

• Location of street closures 
• Location of stage(s)
• Location of Vendors
• Location of temporary public restroom facilities (port-a-potties) 
• Location of electrical outlets you hope to access for your event 
• Location and size of any beer gardens
• Location of the festival zone
• For parades, runs/walks, bike rides, etc. a written narrative of the routes is also required

Additional documents required for a festival zone are:

1. A list of businesses within one block of the festival zone that you have notified of the event.  
2. A copy of the flyer/handout that you will distribute to participants to notify them of the rules regarding consuming alcohol in the festival zone.  
3. Draft copies of signs that will be posted to designate the festival zone and where they will be posted. 

Full details are in the Festival Zone Approval Requirements document.

Special events on College Square in downtown Athens have the same requirements as any other special event in Athens-Clarke County. There are 3 options for tables when using College Square:

1. Leave the tables as they are at no additional fee. At a minimum, half of the table must remain available for public use.
2. Keep all tables on the square but rearrange them - a refundable deposit of $100 is required for this. It is the event sponsors' responsibility to return the tables back to their original layout on the square at the end of the event.
3. Remove the tables.  Removing and storing the tables is the responsibility of the event sponsor - a refundable deposit of $500 is required for this. ACCGov staff will remove and store the table umbrellas. It is the sponsors' responsibility to return the tables back to their original layout on the square at the end of the event.

Please see the document "Special Events Held on College Square" for further details

The program guide is no longer printed. Residents can review the current listing of programs at www.accgov.com/myrec

Yes, dog parks are located at Memorial Park, Sandy Creek Park, and Southeast Clarke Park.

Pools are located at Bishop Park, Heard Park, Lay Park, Memorial Park, and Rocksprings Park. View pool information.

The pools will open Memorial Day weekend and will operate Tuesdays-Sundays until August.  All pools are closed on Mondays for maintenance.

Splash pad and pool admission is $1 per person, cash only. Pool passes are available for purchase and may be used at both splash pads and at all of the Department’s five public pools.  Individual pool passes are $20 and Family of Four pool passes are $40.  Passes may be purchased onsite with forms of payment accepted including cash and check

View more pool information to see individual operating hours.

The splash pads, located at Walker Park (formerly Trail Creek Park) and Rocksprings Park. Both Splash Pads will open July 4 weekend.  The splash pad is open 10:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. The fee is $1 per person. The Rocksprings Park Splash Pad has hours of 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (All splash pads are closed Mondays for maintenance)

Leisure Services summer camp information is posted online in late February at www.accgov.com/myrec.

Registration takes place online in the spring.

Summer job opportunities are posted in January. Applications are accepted online at www.accgov.com/jobs 

Yes, dogs are allowed in the parks; however, they must be on a leash and under control.  Pet owners must clean up after the dogs.

Sandy Creek Dog Park has a fee of $1 per dog per hour. Reservations are accepted up to 48 hours in advance and may be made by calling 706-613-3631.

Any maintenance concern can be reported by calling 706-613-3801 during normal business hours.

All program and camp registration takes place online. Prior to registration, if they have not done so already, individuals must create a free online account.

Yes, program registration is available at www.accgov.com/leisure.

In order to withdraw from a program, participants need to contact the facility where the program is taking place.

Yes, refunds are available. View the Leisure Services refunds policy.

Leisure Services use volunteers in a variety of roles. Learn more about volunteer opportunities through Leisure Services.

Please call 706-613-3800.

Picnic pavilions are available at several sites throughout the department, including Memorial Park and Sandy Creek Park. View locations and rental information.

Meeting rooms are available at several department facilities, including the East Athens Community Center, Lay Park, Sandy Creek Nature Center, and other locations. View locations and rental information.

In order to request the mobile stage (formerly Showmobile) please complete the Special Event Equipment Rental Request Form and email it to registration@accgov.com 

For more information, please call 706-613-3800..

Yes, scholarships are available to qualifying Athens-Clarke County residents under the age of 18. View the list of document requirements.

Individuals must visit a Leisure Services facility office during regular hours of operation and bring the required documentation. Applicants must apply at least five business days prior to registration. Applicants must have a valid email address.

The Walker Park (formerly Trail Creek Park) Splash Pad, located at 200 Trail Creek St, will be open weekends only, Saturday, May 1-Sunday, May 23, 2021 and will then operate under regular seasonal hours from Saturday, May 29 -August 1.  The splash pad will be open weekends only, August 7-September 6.  Splash pad hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.  The splash pad is closed on Mondays for maintenance.

The Rocksprings Park Splash Pad, located at 291 Henderson Ext, will open for the season May 29, 2021.

The splash pads, located at Walker Park  and Rocksprings Park. Both Splash Pads will open July 4 weekend.  The splash pad is open 10:00 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. The fee is $1 per person. The Rocksprings Park Splash Pad has hours of 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (All splash pads are closed Mondays for maintenance)

All requests for a continuance must be submitted to the court in writing for the Judge’s consideration. In some cases, the Clerk may contact the opposing party to determine whether they object to the request. Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee the hearing will be postponed. The decision to grant or deny a continuance rests solely with the Judge. Be sure to follow up with the Clerk to confirm whether your request has been approved.

You may file an Answer by mail, in person, or by fax. Please note that the court must receive your Answer by 5:00 PM on the last day to answer—not just postmarked or sent. This applies to all methods of filing, including mail and fax.

If you choose to file by fax, you may send your Answer to the Magistrate Court Clerk’s office at 706-613-3314. However, it is your responsibility to ensure the fax is successfully transmitted and received by the court no later than 5:00 PM on the deadline. 

If you have any questions, please contact our office at 706-613-3310.

If the Magistrate Court closes due to inclement weather, a notice will be posted on our website and the Athens-Clarke County Sheriff’s Office will be notified. You can check for updates by visiting the Magistrate Court homepage or by calling the Sheriff’s Office at 706-613-3250.

No, attorneys are not required in Magistrate Court. Individuals may represent themselves, but you may choose to consult an attorney for legal advice or representation.

Our office accepts exact cash, check, or money order.

If you need language assistance for your court appearance, you must submit a written request to the Magistrate Court's Office. Requests can be submitted in person or by fax to 706-613-3314. Please make your request as early as possible to allow time for accommodations to be arranged.

View the charges payable before a court date.

View the charges requiring a court appearance.

View the information on pleading not guilty.

Learn how to change a court date.

Read more about failing to appear in court.

View your right to an attorney.

Learn how to request a trial.

Read more about pleading guilty or nolo contendere.

Download the Domestic Partnership Form.

The Planning Department relies upon a variety of media to issue public notice. For public notices required by local ordinance and state statutes, a legal advertisement is placed in the Athens Banner Herald and a sign is posted on the subject property. Notification letters are mailed to all property owners within 400 feet of a proposed rezone, special use, or planned development, and within 400 feet of some demolitions (if the district commissioner requests a 90 day review of a proposed demolition, notices are mailed). Email notifications are sent out via the Neighborhood Notification Initiative.

Applications for rezoning, planned developments, special use permits, variances and certificates of appropriateness require public notification via legal advertisements and sign postings at the subject properties. By adopted policy of the Mayor and Commission, all of the above except variances and certificates of appropriateness also require mailed notices to surrounding property owners. Demolition proposals require a mailed notice and sign posting if the district commissioner requests a 90 day review. Preliminary plat applications also require public notification via legal advertisement.

Call the Planning Department at 706-613-3515, email planning@accgov.com, or visit us at 120 W. Dougherty Street from 8 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday.

The Hearings Board, Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission all have monthly public hearings for projects placed on their agendas. Meeting agendas are posted online and information about the projects is sent out through required legal notice procedures and through the Neighborhood Notification Initiative. Anyone may attend a board or commission meeting and comment on record about a proposed project, as follows:

• Hearings Board Any person may address the Hearings Board concerning the item under consideration for up to three minutes. The petitioner may speak for up to ten minutes. A person may register with the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting to speak for up to ten minutes.
  
  Written comment: Can be submitted any time prior to the meeting.
• Historic Preservation Commission Any person may address the Historic Preservation Commission concerning the item under consideration for up to three minutes. The petitioner may speak for up to ten minutes. All speakers must state their name and home address upon approaching the podium to speak.
  
  Written comment: If you are not able to attend the public meeting, you may submit comments in writing. In order to have written comments reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to their vote on an item, submit 10 copies of your letter or other document, including your name and address, to the Planning Department no later than one week before the meeting.
• Planning Commission Any person may address the Planning Commission concerning the item under consideration for up to three minutes. The petitioner may speak for up to ten minutes. A “specified interest group”, such as a representative for a neighborhood, may speak for up to ten minutes only if they register with the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting. All speakers must state their name, home address and occupation upon approaching the podium to speak.
  
  Written comment: If you are not able to attend the public meeting, you may submit comments in writing. In order to have written comments reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to their vote on an item, submit 15 copies of your letter or other document, including your name and address, to the Planning Department no later than noon the day before the meeting.
• Because projects submitted for Plans Review are reviewed under existing zoning regulations, a public hearing is not required. Anyone may attend a Plans Review meeting to observe.

Yes. Approval of a Zoning Permit from the Planning Department is required prior to construction of a fence. Section 9-15-1 of the Zoning & Development Standards lists the maximum height and other standards for fences and freestanding walls.

Yes. Approval of a Zoning Permit from the Planning Department is required prior to construction or installation of an accessory structure, including sheds, gazebos, swimming pools, detached garages, etc. Standards for maximum allowable lot coverage, building setbacks and maximum height depend on the zoning designation of the property, but the standards in Section 9-15-12 apply to most residential accessory structures. A Building Permit may be required from the Building Permits and Inspections Department, depending on the structure.

Some businesses may be approved as home occupations. Approval of a Home Occupation Application from the Planning Department is required prior to issuance of a Business Occupation Tax Certificate from the Finance Department to legally operate a business from your home. Section 9-15-16 of the Zoning & Development Standards lists the zoning provisions for home occupations.

A mobile food vendor unit may operate anywhere permitted by Section 6-6-8 of the Athens-Clarke County Code of Ordinances. To operate a mobile food vendor unit, you must apply for a permit with Central Services (for street merchant-assigned locations) or with the Finance Department (for itinerant merchants). Additional permits/approval/inspections may be needed from the Solid Waste Department, Health Department, and the Fire Department. Contact those departments for further assistance.

Click here for the mobile food vendor permit application.

• The heirs may unanimously select the person who will serve. If all the heirs agree on who should be the Administrator, then fill in that person's name on page 1 (Part 2) and on page 4 of the Standard Form 3. Also all the heirs must sign the Selection by Heirs portion on page 4 of Standard Form 3. If the heirs live in different places, you may make several copies of page 4 and have each heir sign a copy and have the signature notarized and file all the separate copies.
• If the heirs can't agree on who should serve, the Probate Court will choose the administrator. In making this selection, the Probate Court will consider, but is not required to choose, the decedent's spouse, heirs, a person selected by a majority of the heirs, a creditor, or other eligible persons. Even if the heirs cannot agree unanimously, the person who files the petition can fill in a suggested name on page 1 of Standard Form 3, but the Probate Court is not required to appoint that person.

Anybody may sign up to receive notices for any of the registered neighborhoods or overlay areas through the Neighborhood Notification Initiative.

Email notifications are sent for projects placed on agendas managed by the Planning Department. These include Hearings Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission and Plans Review agendas. Notices are also sent for proposed demolitions and relocations.

Notices list the project address, a description of proposed work, contact information for the applicant, and information about the property (zoning, location map, historic district, NNI categories). The date and time are listed for the monthly Hearings Board, Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission public hearings and the weekly Plans Review administrative meetings.

This varies depending upon the application deadline. The Hearings Board, Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission have monthly deadlines. Plans Review deadlines occur every Tuesday. Projects that are submitted by a deadline are placed on the appropriate agenda and notices about projects on that particular agenda are emailed at that time, typically several days after the deadline. Demolition and relocation notices are sent as applications are submitted.

NNI neighborhoods are formed when a neighborhood registers to participate in the NNI and a contact person is designated for the group. The contact person receives early notification for projects that submit applications to the Planning Commission. Overlay areas include commission districts, road corridors and the downtown area and do not have a designated contact person.

Fill out a registration form and turn it in to the Planning Department along with a map of the neighborhood boundaries and a copy of your neighborhood's organizational documents (articles of incorporation, by-laws, covenants, etc.). If your neighborhood does not have an established organizational structure, a petition signed by at least 20% of property owners or residents endorsing the group formation and the designated contact person substitutes for the organizational documentation. The GIS staff in the Planning Department can help create the boundary map. The NNI coordinator will forward this information to the ACC Commissioner representing the district the neighborhood falls within. With their endorsement, the Mayor and Commission will vote on the official registration and mapped boundaries of your neighborhood organization. Once the neighborhood is mapped, anyone may sign up to receive notices for projects within and adjacent to the neighborhood's boundaries.

It will depend on the size of your lot, where the tree(s) are located and what your zoning is. Please refer to the Tree Removal Flowchart to determine if a permit is necessary to remove trees from your property.

Athens Clarke County does not have the ability to mandate tree removal. If the tree poses a threat to streets, sidewalks, or utilities, the Community Forester can evaluate the tree and issue a notification letter via certified mail. If public property is not at risk, the Community Forester can provide a limited evaluation, but a notification letter will not be issued. Additional information:

The Community Tree Program offers tree management consultations to Athens-Clarke County residents to help with their management objectives. There is no charge for our staff to come meet with you as these consultations are a tax-funded service. Please contact Landscape Management staff to schedule a consultation.

At this time, only trees in the Tree Preservation Area located along Milledge Avenue between West Broad Street and Lumpkin Street are protected. The Tree Preservation Area is located between the front facade of the principal building on the lot and the front property line and any tree 8" in diameter or larger are protected. These trees require a separate permit and approval from the Planning Department prior to removal.

Athens-Clarke County does not endorse any particular tree service; however we do recommend that you consider using a Certified Arborist for work on living trees. Check out the ISA website to find a Certified Arborist in our area:

Yes, utility line clearing is necessary to keep service reliable, trees healthy and people safe. Pruning methods are regulated by Athens-Clarke County. 

Tree species selection depends on a number of factors including your location and your objectives. Use our ACC Tree Species list to find a tree that best fits your needs and have fun with it!

Currently, we accept only money orders or certified funds bank checks in the office. You may use your credit card or debit card online to pay:

https://payments.myfivepoint.com/portal/modules/payment/payment.aspx?s=4&t=14 - Probation payments

https://payments.myfivepoint.com/portal/modules/payment/payment.aspx?s=4&t=12 - Pretrial Diversion Program payments

https://app.fivepointpayments.com/portal/modules/payment/payment.aspx?s=4&t=326   DUI/Drug Court payments

Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Our lobby is open to the public starting at 9:00 a.m. for reports or as directed.

We are located at 110 Bray Street, Athens GA 30601 (used to be the Advantage Behavioral building). We are just past the Department of Labor off of North Ave if heading from Downtown Athens and just before DFACS if heading towards Hull. Turn off of North Ave onto Bray Street. You will see our sign on the right. Please park in the parking area to your right. Parking in the front of our building is reserved for handicap use only and it is heavily enforced.  

Make your money order or cashier's check payable to Athens-Clarke County Probation or ACC Probation. Print the full name and address of the probationer below on the lines provided on the money order, especially if you are mailing the money order to our office. If you do not specify a probationer's name, we will not know where to apply the funds.

Athens-Clarke County Probation Services, 110 Bray St, Athens GA 30601

Go to GA Dept of Behavioral Health which is also on our quick links. You can search for a qualified evaluator and treatment provider by geographic location.

We are not open on holidays recognized by the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County. Please visit the Athens-Clarke County website for current listing of holidays.

We are Athens-Clarke County Probation Services and handle all misdemeanor cases within the county. Felony State probation/parole (Dept of Community Supervision) is located at: 171 Old Epps Bridge Rd. Athens, GA 30601 678-783-4337 Turn right off of Broad Street onto Hawthorne Ave and turn behind Walgreens onto Old Epps Bridge Rd. 

We are not affiliated with the felony office and cannot respond to any of your inquiries regarding your supervision with this agency. 

No. Probation Services does not make any recommendations of required schools such as the Risk Reduction Program which is also known as a DUI school. These are privately owned companies that are certified by the state to teach these classes. 

Water & Sewer
The Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department provides water and/or sewer services to more than 40,000 customer accounts, including 24/7/365 emergency on-call services to support our water and sewer systems.
The Public Utilities Department’s Engineering Division provides guidance and review for new construction projects, as well as assistance in establishing new water and sewer development.

Trash Service
The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department collects refuse in the downtown district and Urban Service District, which encompasses the old Athens city limits. Anything beyond these areas is serviced by an outside company.  
ACC Solid Waste Residential Garbage and Recycling Service is set up at the Water Business Office when you sign up for your water.  Charges for trash service are included on the water bill.
Commercial curbside services are dependent on where your business is located. Call 706-613-3501, ext. 302 to find out if your business can receive commercial curbside services.
For questions regarding ACC Solid Waste trash and/or recycling service, including trash pick-up schedule, leaf & limb pick-up, or delivery of bins, call their main office at 706-613-3501, Press 5. Otherwise, contact your private collector directly.

Power & Gas
Athens-Clarke County Government does not provide power or gas services for customers.  GA Power or Walton EMC  are two companies providing power for customers in Athens, GA area.  

Stormwater Utility
The Stormwater Utility is managed by Athens-Clarke County Transportation & Public Works Department. The stormwater utility fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on each property, which is calculated using aerial images of the county. The utility fee pays for stormwater infrastructure maintenance within the public right-of-way, as well as a comprehensive Stormwater Management Program.   For more information about Stormwater, visit the Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Division.

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  Athens-Clarke County has no lead service lines in our transmission or distribution system.   

The ACC Public Utilities Department (PUD) cannot control the variety of plumbing materials used in constructing homes, including lead pipes, solder, fixtures, and fittings.  Lead can enter (leach) into the water through corrosion caused by contact with the home’s plumbing. 

The PUD is committed to providing high-quality drinking water to our customers.  In 1991, Athens-Clarke County began using an Ortho-Phosphate blend as a means of corrosion control to significantly reduce the possibility of lead leaching into tap water, even in the oldest of homes. 

The PUD collects quarterly metal corrosion coupons, which are pre-weighed and measured metal strips, mounted at selected locations within our distribution system to gauge the corrosion control chemical dosage’s effectiveness.  The metal coupons are collected and sent to an independent lab that measures the amount of corrosion to the coupons and determines our dosage/treatment effectiveness. 

Maintaining the pH level in our distribution system is another step the PUD takes to protect your drinking water.  We aim for a pH between 7.5 and 7.75 to further minimize the possibility of our water being corrosive. The pH is a measure of acidity, and the lower the number, the more acidic and corrosive the water. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. We have never exceeded EPD Action Levels during decades of sampling.

For more information, please review our annual Water Quality Report/Consumer Confidence Report.

Residential and commercial accounts are read approximately every 30 days using Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Customers receive a monthly bill for water and/or sewer usage.  Visit our Water Business Office to learn more about Public Utilities’ billing.

The ACC Public Utilities Department offers customers several options to make payments for water and sewer services.

1. Pay online with a credit or debit card with no fees.  Through the online system, customers can also set up auto-pay with a credit/debit card or set up automatic bank withdrawals.  
2. Call the Water Business Office to pay with a credit card over the phone:  706-613-3500.
3. Mail a check or money order made out to ACC WBO and mail to The Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County, Public Utilities Water Business Office, PO Box 106058, Atlanta, GA 30348-6058
4. Bank draft by completing and returning the Bank Draft Application.
5. In-person at 124 E. Hancock Ave, Athens, GA  30601. We accept cash, credit/debit card, or check or money order made out to ACC WBO.  Please check for updates to our Water Business Office hours.  Dropboxes are available in the front and back of the building for after hours payments made with check or money order.    

The Stormwater Utility is managed by Athens-Clarke County Transportation & Public Works Department. The stormwater utility fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on each property, which is calculated using aerial images of the county. The utility fee pays for stormwater infrastructure maintenance within the public right-of-way, as well as a comprehensive Stormwater Management Program.   

For more information about Stormwater, visit the Athens-Clarke County Stormwater Division.
Customers may pay the Stormwater Utility Fee online using the ACC Transportation & Public Work’s billing system.

In 2010, Governor Perdue signed The Georgia Water Stewardship Act (GWSA) into law.  Athens-Clarke County’s non-drought Outdoor Watering Schedule is consistent with the guidelines required by the GWSA.  

The non-drought Outdoor Watering Schedule is in place at all times unless the GA Environmental Protection Division requires additional restrictions as in times of drought.  Notification of outdoor watering changes will be posted on the Public Utilities Department website, social media, in News Flash alerts, and through other communication outlets.

General Rule of Thumb for Daily Watering
Using an automated watering system or lawn sprinkler for planting, growing, managing, or maintaining ground cover, trees, or shrubs is allowed between 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. 
For exceptions, visit our Outdoor Watering Schedule webpage or click for a pdf version.

In alphabetical order (Inmates Last Name), “Visitation Days” will be on Tuesday & Wednesday and Saturday & Sunday of each week.  
(Note: Beginning on Sunday of each week, per inmate, only x4 visits permitted each week unless special circumstances dictate otherwise)

Visitation Day & Time Scheduled as follows:

A thru J
Tuesday (0900am to 10:45am - 1:00pm to 4:00pm - 6:00pm to 7:30pm)

K thru Z
Wednesday (0900am to 10:45am - 1:00pm to 4:00pm - 6:00pm to 7:30pm)

A thru J
Saturday (0900am to 10:45am - 1:00pm to 4:45pm - 6:30pm to 7:30pm) (Late Feeding)

K thru Z
Sunday (0900am to 10:45am - 1:00pm to 4:00pm - 6:00pm to 7:30pm)

Inmate Workers

Video Visitation for Inmate Workers during the week coincides with his/her last name in conjunction with the above schedule as well.
However, on Saturday of each week, Inmate Workers are permitted to receive a one-hour contact visit.  This is held in the Central Programs Classroom from 1:00pm to 2:00pm, and to register, visitors should arrive 15 minutes before visitation begins.

** NOTE ** The inmate must be processed through intake and the orientation unit and placed in a housing unit before they can have visitors. This may be up to 72 hours from the time they are booked into the jail.

• All weapons and/or sharp objects, including guns, knives, box cutters, scalpels, razors, scissors, metal nail files, and self-protection items
• Cameras, camcorders, or audio recording devices unless pre-authorized

Available periods for attorney and professional visits: Weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday and Holidays 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. All attorney and professional visitors must provide and display valid photo identification to gain entrance to the jail.  Attorneys must show their Georgia bar card, or in the case of attorney staff, legal aid staff or students, an ID from that organization or a listing on formal correspondence from the organization. Professional visitors must display photo identification from their agency or organization.

USD is the Urban Service District, which encompasses the old Athens city limits before the unification of the city and the county.  View on map.

GSD, or General Service District is anything beyond the USD but is still in Athens-Clarke County. 

If Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste is your collector, call the main office at 706-613-3501, Press 5. Otherwise, contact your private collector directly.

A collection bin is located at the following locations:

• ACC CHaRM, 1005 College Ave
• ACC Landfill, 5700 Lexington Road
• North Oconee Water Reclamation Facility, 150 North Oconee Access Road
• Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility, 400 Will Hunter Road

No, all batteries (alkaline and rechargeable) can be recycled at the CHaRM (1005 College Ave.) Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 AM - 1 PM and Wednesdays from 12 PM - 6 PM. For large quantities, fees may apply.

The CHaRM (1005 College Ave.) accepts these bulbs. Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 AM - 1 PM and Wednesdays from 12 - 6 PM. They are also recycled at The Home Depot and Lowe’s. For large quantities, fees may apply.

Yes, egg cartons, meat trays, and block styrofoam found around many items can be taken to Publix Supermarket. There are bins out front for small items; larger pieces can be taken to the Customer Service Desk. 

We also accept styrofoam at CHaRM (1005 College Ave.) Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 AM - 1 PM and Wednesdays from 12 PM - 6 PM.

No, the bags pose a litter issue and become contaminated when mixed with other plastics that can drip (like soda cans or vegetable cans). Take bags back to any area Publix, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, EarthFare, Walmart, Target, Ingles, Daily Co-Op, or the Athens-Clarke County Recycling Facility.

You can take old televisions to the CHaRM (1005 College Ave)  Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 AM - 1 PM and Wednesdays from 12 PM - 6 PM. More information at accgov.com/charm. Fees may vary.

No, take these broken items to the Athens-Clarke County Landfill Electronics section for free. You can also take those items to the CHaRM (1005 College Ave) Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 AM - 1 PM and Wednesdays from 12 - 6 PM. More information at accgov.com/charm. For large quantities, fees may apply.

If it is in clear bags that are clearly marked "RECYCLABLES", then it will be collected. If in black or white bags, they will be mistaken for trash and you will be charged additional collection fees. The preferred method for extra recycles is loose in another bin or cart.

Shredded paper cannot be collected at the curb or at any drop-off sites. It is too small for the single-stream processing facility equipment to sort and the pieces get wet and stick to the glass bottles and/or jars. Shredded paper needs to be handled separately from other recyclables. Shredded documents can be dropped off in paper bags, boxes or clear plastic bags for recycling at the following locations: 

• ACC Recycling Facility - 699 Hancock Industrial Way
• CHaRM - 1005 College Ave
• lower parking lot across the street of ACC Human Resources Office - 375 Satula Avenue

All locations have a large dumpster labeled for shredded paper only. 

Documents for shredding can be dropped off at the CHaRM. Please see the CHaRM website for hours and fees, http://accgov.com/charm. We store the documents in locked, secure roll carts within the CHaRM. Lindsay Group’s mobile document shredding units come by the CHaRM on a regular basis to destroy the documents and transport them to the recycling facility for proper recycling. There is a charge of $2.00 for each Bankers-size box of documents to be shredded.

Hard Drives can also be dropped off for destruction for $10 each, or can be donated to FREE IT Athens, a local non-profit, who will wipe the hard drive for secure reuse in their refurbishing operations.

Place leaves and limbs out no later than 8:00 a.m. on the Monday of your pick-up week. Put leaves, grass, weeds, etc., in paper lawn bags and place at the curb. Stack limbs, brush, and small branches in a pile at the curb. Per Athens-Clarke County Ordinance, residents cannot place leaf and limb debris at the curb [public right-of-way] more than 10 calendar days prior to the Monday of the pick-up week.

• 25 paper lawn refuse bags
• One 3/4 ton pickup truck load of leaves / limbs
• A pile six feet long by six feet wide by 4.5 feet tall

Pick-ups are once every six weeks and may be altered by major weather events and staffing and/or truck maintenance issues. You must have your leaf and limb debris out by 8:00 a.m. on the Monday of your pick-up week. Find your pick-up week on the leaf and limb webpage or by calling 706-613-3501, and if using a touchtone phone, press 2 to hear a recording of the schedule. 

The material is chipped into mulch at the Athens-Clarke County Landfill. Currently, the mulch is being used as the carbon source (brown) for composting operations at the landfill. Compost can be purchased at the ACC Landfill for $20/cubic yard from Monday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

As of Monday, December 7, 2015, the Solid Waste Department collects leaf and limb material once every six (6) weeks curbside from participating residents of Athens-Clarke County. The schedule maybe altered by major weather events and staffing and/or truck maintenance issues. 

Please contact the Athens Drug Lab at 706-613-3206.

The Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission voted to create a stormwater utility fee in December 2004. The utility fee raises the revenues needed to fund Athens-Clarke's Stormwater Management Program. This program brings us into compliance with federal regulations and safeguards our community through improved drainage and protection of local waterways. The stormwater utility fee charges properties in Athens-Clarke County based on that property's contribution to the need for stormwater management. The utility uses the amount of impervious surface, or surface that water is unable to soak into, on a property as the primary basis for the fee. This user-fee system represents a way to raise revenue for the program by charging those who directly contribute to its need. This method presents our community with an alternative to an across-the-board tax hike.

The stormwater utility fee pays for the operations and maintenance costs of the stormwater management program. Some of the services tied to the stormwater program include:

• Federal regulatory compliance
• Construction inspections to ensure that erosion prevention methods are being utilized
• Flood protection through capital improvement projects
• Water quality monitoring of local waterways
• Public education and outreach
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination
• Shoulder and ditch maintenance within the publicly owned right-of-way
• Storm drain and storm pipe cleaning and repair, not including private driveway pipes
• GIS mapping

The stormwater utility bill is structured to be paid by the property owner, who might not be the same person who receives the water bill. Property owners make decisions about how the stormwater from their property is managed. In Athens-Clarke County, nearly 50% of properties are occupied by someone other than the owner. Typically, the occupant receives the monthly water bill but it would be inappropriate for a tenant to receive the stormwater utility fee as well.

Stormwater utility bills are based on the amount of impervious surface that is present on the property. The impervious surface is now calculated from 2013 aerial images of every property in the county. If you believe that the area of impervious surface has been calculated incorrectly or has changed since the 2013 images were produced, please contact the Stormwater Management Program at 706-613-3440 or email stormwater@accgov.com.

On the date of a closure, the closing attorney generates a Property Transfer form (PT-61) that is filed with the deed for the change of ownership.  The closing attorney has 90 days to file this paperwork.  The state receives the paperwork and sends it out to the stormwater utility, the Tax Assessor, and any other parties who subscribe to the forms. Once the stormwater utility receives notification of the transfer, Billing Staff will close the account under the old owner's name and begin an account in the new owner's name. A prorated final bill (based on the closing date) will be mailed to the old owner, and a prorated first bill will be mailed to the new owner with the next billing cycle. 

Stormwater credits are given to properties with installed and maintained stormwater systems that meet the requirements of the Athens-Clarke stormwater management ordinance and the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual. Stormwater ponds, wetlands, infiltration trenches, and other management systems reduce the velocity or rate of the runoff or clean up the pollutants found in stormwater. When properly maintained and installed, these systems can qualify for a reduction in fee for the property that they serve. 

If you have a drainage issue and would like to have your property reviewed by the ACC Drainage Inspector, please email stormwater@accgov.com. In certain instances, Athens-Clarke County Stormwater may be able to offer assistance through a drainage improvement agreement. This program aids property owners in resolving drainage problems on private property. The program provides labor for the engineering design and the installation of stormwater facilities needed to alleviate the drainage problem. The property owner is responsible for the cost of materials for the project. For more information about the drainage improvement program, contact Stormwater Management at 706-613-3440.

Athens-Clarke County Stormwater offers free rain barrel workshops for the public every fall and spring. To make sure you never miss a workshop, sign up for the Stormwater Education calendar or newsflash. We always post upcoming workshops on the calendar and in our monthly newsletter. If you have any questions or would like to make a container donation, contact us at stormwater@accgov.com.

If you cannot wait for one of our workshops, check out this list of rain barrel retailers in Athens. You can also bid on a one-of-a-kind painted rain barrel at Roll Out the Barrels, an annual event that raises funds for the ACC Green School Program.

You can change your mailing address by calling the tax commissioner at 706-613-3120.

Get your driveway or parking permit right here at the Transportation and Public Works Department. Please call us at 706-613-3440 or visit the Forms and Documents Page to make sure you have what you need to apply for your permit. You can apply on-line or in person at our office located at 120 W. Dougherty St.

Call the Athens-Clarke County Streets and Drainage Division at 706-613-3465 for potholes on a public street. We will issue a work order and go out to fix the problem as soon as possible. If the pothole is on a privately owned street or parking lot, contact the property owner or property management company to have it repaired.

Athens-Clarke County does not allow the placement of dumpsters or "Pods" in the public right of way. If the property is in the downtown district, call the Downtown Parking Authority to inquire about renting parking spaces, 706-613-7978. 

Any time that you are working within the ACC right of way. If you need to work within the right of way, please fill out a permit application, submit a drawing of proposed work within the right of way as well as the $115.00  permitting fee (cash, check or credit card).

Our office has a listing of the right of ways for each street within Athens Clarke County; however, for your particular address ,a survey or recorded deed documents are the most accurate.

Yes, Athens-Clarke County does pick up dead animals in the street or on the right of way. If the animal is not in the street or on the right of way, it is the citizen's responsibility. For dead animals in the right of way contact the Solid Waste Department at 706-613-3501 x 7. Dead animals that are located on a State Highway in Athens-Clarke County will be picked up by the Georgia Department of Transportation, please contact them at 706-583-2644.

To report a tree blocking part or all of a street during normal working hours (Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, excluding holidays), please call 911 or the Landscape Management Division at 706-613-3561. After hours, please call 911

Who you contact depends on where the drainage issue is located:

• For flooding due to construction, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works Department / Land Development 706-613-3440, Ext 6719.
• For flooding in the right of way, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Streets & Drainage Division at 706-613-3465
• For flooding outside the right of way, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Stormwater Division at 706-613-3440, Ext 6701.
• For water quality issues regarding streams, creeks, etc. your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Stormwater Division at 706-613-3440, Ext 6701.
• If you are unsure whether the drainage issue is inside or outside of the right of way, contact the Transportation and Public Works at 706-613-3440, Ext. 6701, and we will be able to properly direct your call.

Yes Athens-Clarke County Streets and Drainage has increased our level of service to include driveway pipe cleaning. The cleaning service provided is non-mechanical and only for residential driveways. For more information or to submit a work request, contact the Streets & Drainage Division at 706-613-3465.

If you notice an issue on a non-residential road causing safety concerns for vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists, you can contact the Vision Zero Specialist (shirelle.hallum@accgov.com). When staff receives a notice about a safety concern from citizens, ACC staff or Commissioners, a Road Safety  Audit is scheduled where staff from various departments conduct a field review. During this review, staff walks the area in question to look for issues such as site distance, vehicle speed, trip hazards or poor storm drainage then makes recommendations to the appropriate ACC department/division to remedy the problem. 

If you are installing a new driveway or repairing a driveway within the right of way, you will need to submit a Residential Driveway Permit Application. To view the technical standards and application, visit the Forms and Documents page. The fees for permit applications are $85 for a new driveway and $79 for repairs to an existing driveway.

In order to obtain a Driveway Permit, you must complete a permit application. This application must be accompanied by a scaled site plan and the application fee ($85 for new driveway, $79 for repair to existing driveway). Visit the Forms and Documents page to see the technical standards for driveways and the permit application. 

The application can be emailed to engineering@accgov.com or dropped off at 120 West Dougherty Street (lower level). The permit is reviewed and approved/disapproved within 2-3 business days. (Cash, check or credit card accepted)

In order to obtain a Right-of-Way encroachment permit, please fill out a permit application. The application, along with a drawing of how you plan to encroach in the Right-of-Way, can be emailed to engineering@accgov.com or dropped off at 120 W. Dougherty Street. The application fee is $115 (cash, check or credit card). Your permit application will be looked at within 2-3 days..

Streetlights are leased by the Unified Government from the individual power providers and maintained by each power provider.  

To report a street light outage or to request glare shields, contact the provider: 

• Georgia Power online form or call 1-888-660-5890
• Walton EMC online form  or call 770-267-2505
• Jackson EMC info page or call 1-800-462-3691
• Rayle EMC online form or call 706-743-8107

Please have the following information ready when you contact the provider about a streetlight concern:

• Name
• Email
• Phone Number
• Street Address 
• Pole Number

Traffic signal and pedestrian crossing outages may be reported to the Traffic Engineering Division at solretta.barnes@accgov.com 

Pedestrian lantern/light along a sidewalk outages may be reported to the Central Services Department at beth.smith@accgov.com 

For further information regarding Streetlights please contact publicworks@accgov.com.

Please call the Transportation and Public Works Department’s Engineering Division 706-613-3440.

Who you contact depends on where the drainage issue is located:

• For flooding due to construction, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works Department / Engineering Division 706-613-3440.
• For flooding in the right of way, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Streets & Drainage Division at 706-613-3465
• For flooding outside the right of way, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Stormwater Division at 706-613-3440.
• For water quality issues regarding streams, creeks, etc. your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Stormwater Division at 706-613-3440.
• If you are unsure whether the drainage issue is inside or outside of the right of way, contact the Transportation and Public Works / Engineering Division at 706-613-3440 and we will be able to properly direct your call.

A property owner can visit FEMA’s website at www.msc.fema.gov with their address and get a good idea of where the floodplain lies. For more detailed information that will show the location of the floodplain with respect to their particular property, the property owner should visit the Planning Department’s GIS office. For a nominal charge, a printout can be obtained if the property does lie in the floodplain, or they can simply verify that it does not.

Any time that you are working within the ACC right of way you need  to submit a permit application, a drawing of proposed work within the right of way, as well as the $115.00 permitting fee (cash, check or credit card). The application can be emailed to engineering@accgov.com or dropped off at the office at 120 W. Dougherty Street.

A FEMA Elevation Certificate is a form available on FEMA's website that is used to certify building elevations in order to demonstrate compliance with the A-CC Flood Protection Ordinance. It is also used to determine the flood insurance premium rate, and/or to support a request to FEMA to remove a property from the regulated floodplain.

• New construction or substantial improvement of an existing structure within or adjacent to the floodplain generally requires an Elevation Certificate. An initial certificate based on plans is required for the Building Permit, and another one, based on finished construction, is required for the Certificate of Occupancy. An Elevation Certificate is also needed whenever a property owner disputes the location of the floodplain on their property and wishes to request that FEMA remove their property from the floodplain.
• A property owner must secure the services of a professional engineer, land surveyor, or architect licensed in Georgia in order to execute an Elevation Certificate.

A Stormwater Management Permit is needed for any land development that: 

• creates 10,000 square feet or more of impervious cover
• replaces one acre or more of impervious cover
• involves other land development activity of one acre or more.

The permit is obtained from the Transportation & Public Works Department and requires an application, fees, and a stormwater management plan prepared by a professional engineer or landscape architect licensed in Georgia. The plan must meet ACCGov requirements, and must be reviewed and approved by the department prior to permit issuance.

Call Athens-Clarke County Streets and Drainage Division at 706-613-3465 for potholes on a public street. We will issue a work order and go out and make the repair as soon as possible. If the pothole is on a privately owned street or parking lot, contact the property owner or property management company to have it repaired.

Yes, Athens-Clarke County does pick up dead animals in the street or on the right of way. If the animal is not in the street or on the right of way, it is the citizen's responsibility to remove it. For dead animals in the right of way in the Urban Service District (inside the former Athens City limits) contact the Solid Waste Department at 706-613-3501. For dead animals in the right of way in the Rural Service District (outside the former Athens City limits) contact the Streets & Drainage Division at 706-613-3465. Dead animals that are located on a State Highway in Athens-Clarke County will be picked up by the Georgia Department of Transportation, please contact them at 706-583-2644.

To report a tree blocking part or all of a street during normal working hours (Monday - Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, excluding holidays), please call 911 or the Landscape Management Division at 706-613-3561. After hours, please call 911

The Streets & Drainage Division cleans residential driveway pipes.  We use non-mechanical tools to clean and inspect the pipes.  If there are any issues that need to be addressed, we will notify the resident.  For more information, please contact us at 706-613-3465.

Call Traffic Engineering for the replacement of downed or missing signs. Provide information on the location of the sign, including the street block or intersection, side of street, color of sign and what the sign says. 

During daytime work hours M-F (6:00 AM - 4:30 PM), call (706) 613-3460. For after hours, weekends, and holidays, call the Athens-Clarke County Police dispatch (706)-546-5900.

Athens-Clarke County does not install these signs. Nationwide studies have shown no evidence that these signs help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents or lower travel speeds. Furthermore, Federal standards do not support these signs because the signs are suggesting that it is acceptable behavior for children to play in the streets. The Federal Highway Administration has revised the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices to no longer include "Children at Play" signs which makes installation of such signs a violation of 23 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 655, Subpart F.

During daytime work hours - M-F (6:00 AM - 4:30 PM), report a damaged or malfunctioning traffic signal to the Traffic Engineering Office (706) 613-3460.

After hours, weekends, and holidays, report the signal to Athens-Clarke County Police dispatch (706) 546-5900.

PLEASE NOTE: in the event a traffic signal is not operating correctly, the intersection should be treated as a 4-way stop.

The Hearings Board, Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Commission all have monthly public hearings for projects placed on their agendas. Meeting agendas are posted online and information about the projects is sent out through required legal notice procedures and through the Neighborhood Notification Initiative. Anyone may attend a board or commission meeting and comment on record about a proposed project, as follows:

• Hearings Board Any person may address the Hearings Board concerning the item under consideration for up to three minutes. The petitioner may speak for up to ten minutes. A person may register with the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting to speak for up to ten minutes.
  Written comment: Can be submitted any time prior to the meeting
• Historic Preservation Commission Any person may address the Historic Preservation Commission concerning the item under consideration for up to three minutes. The petitioner may speak for up to ten minutes. All speakers must state their name and home address upon approaching the podium to speak.
  Written comment: If you are not able to attend the public meeting, you may submit comments in writing. In order to have written comments reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission prior to their vote on an item, submit 10 copies of your letter or other document, including your name and address, to the Planning Department no later than one week before the meeting.
• Planning Commission Any person may address the Planning Commission concerning the item under consideration for up to three minutes. The petitioner may speak for up to ten minutes. A “specified interest group”, such as a representative for a neighborhood, may speak for up to ten minutes only if they register with the Secretary prior to the start of the meeting. All speakers must state their name, home address and occupation upon approaching the podium to speak.
  Written comment: If you are not able to attend the public meeting, you may submit comments in writing. In order to have written comments reviewed by the Planning Commission prior to their vote on an item, your letter or other document, including your name and address, must be received by the Planning Department no later than noon the day before the meeting.
• Because projects submitted for Plans Review are reviewed under existing zoning regulations, a public hearing is not required. Anyone may attend a Plans Review meeting to observe.

The Planning Department relies upon a variety of media to issue public notice. For public notices required by local ordinance and state statutes, a legal advertisement is placed in the Athens Banner Herald and a sign is posted on the subject property. Notification letters are mailed to all property owners within 400 feet of a proposed rezone, special use, or planned development, and within 400 feet of some demolitions (if the district commissioner requests a 90 day review of a proposed demolition, notices are mailed). Email notifications are sent out via the Neighborhood Notification Initiative.

Applications for rezoning, planned developments, special use permits, variances and certificates of appropriateness require public notification via legal advertisements and sign postings at the subject properties. By adopted policy of the Mayor and Commission, all of the above except variances and certificates of appropriateness also require mailed notices to surrounding property owners. Demolition proposals require a mailed notice and sign posting if the district commissioner requests a 90 day review. Preliminary plat applications also require public notification via legal advertisement.

Call the Planning Department at 706-613-3515, email planning@accgov.com, or visit us at 120 W. Dougherty Street from 8 AM – 5 PM Monday through Friday.

1500 gallons is the minimum.

We have several ways to schedule a tour. 1) Visit the Tours page online. 2) Email a request to savewater@accgov.com. 3) Contact the Water Conservation Office at 706-613-3729. We will respond to your request within five business days.

Neither the Drinking Water Treatment Plant nor Water Reclamation Facility is equipped to handle large groups for lunch. However, both facilities are only a short drive to Athens-Clarke County parks offering picnic areas. Memorial Park is a good choice for those visiting the Drinking Water Treatment Plant. Please contact 706-613-3580 to reserve a pavilion. For those who tour the Water Reclamation Facility, Southeast Clarke Park's World of Wonder Playground offers a conveniently located pavilion for groups to eat. Please contact 706-613-3871. Both parks request at least two weeks advance notice if you plan to bring a large group for lunch.

Programs are currently available on-site for the Drinking Water Treatment Plant only. Large school groups visiting the Drinking Water Treatment Plant automatically receive a program along with the tour. Please visit our program menu to see our program choices or ask us to recommend one appropriate for your group. If you have a particular topic of interest, please indicate so when requesting a tour.

Through funding raised by Athens-Clarke County Green School Programs, assistance is available for transportation costs to our sites for Athens-Clarke County schools. The financial assistance applies to costs associated with a bus driver's hours and mileage from the bus depot to school, school to our site, site to your school, and school to bus depot. We cannot assist with costs incurred for additional mileage or bus driver hours if the school group visits other locations (e.g. visit a park for lunch). Please contact the Water Conservation Office for more details. A copy of the transportation invoice received by the individual Athens-Clarke County School should be sent to the ACC Water Conservation Office, 124 E. Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601 to receive assistance following the field trip.

We accept documents to be shredded at our Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) at 1005 College Avenue. Please visit accgov.com/charm for facility hours, pricing, and material details.

To cover our costs of processing, we do charge a fee of $2 per bankers box (or equivalent size) for document shredding. We charge an additional facility fee of $3 per visit for ACC customers and $8 per visit for out of county. If you have a different size container, box or bag, we will charge accordingly based on the estimated size, relative to a bankers box.

At the CHaRM, your documents will be placed in a locked roll cart in the facility, where they will be collected and shredded on site by Lindsay Group document destruction company. They then bring the shredded paper material to our recycling facility for processing, baling, and shipment to the paper market to be recycled into new products.

If you have further questions, please email recycle@accgov.com or call 706-613-3501 x8. 

A: For customers who live in the Urban Service District, it will be collected on the same day as garbage. If you are in the general service district, contact your private hauler for your pick-up schedule, as some private haulers have bi-weekly collection.

A: Bags and stretchy film plastic, like the bubble wrap and pillows that come in packages are not recyclable in your household recycling, but they can be taken to our Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) to be recycled separately. They can also be included in the grocery bag recycling bins at most grocery stores, just pop the air out and include it with your plastic bags.

CHaRM is located at 1005 College Avenue. Please visit www.accgov.com/charm for the most updated hours and operations.

NOTE: The reason that we can not accept stretchy film plastic such as bags, bubble wrap, and film pillows in the regular recycling is because they are considered "tanglers" in our recycling facility. They get caught and wrapped in the rotating machinery that sorts the materials, and can jam and break the machines. While these materials are technically "recyclable," they need to be processed separately for this reason.

A: Shredded paper needs to be handled separately from other recyclables. Smaller pieces of paper stick to other materials and/or blow around and make a mess. Shredded documents can be dropped off at the following locations: 

• ACC Recycling Facility - 699 Hancock Industrial Way
• CHaRM - 1005 College Ave
• lower parking lot across the street of ACC Human Resources Office - 375 Satula Avenue

All locations have a large dumpster labeled for shredded paper only. Shredded paper should be in a clear plastic bag, or a box. 

Documents for shredding can be dropped off at the CHaRM. Please see the CHaRM website for hours and fees, http://accgov.com/charm. We store the documents in locked, secure roll carts within the CHaRM. Lindsay Group’s mobile document shredding units come by the CHaRM on a regular basis to destroy the documents and transport them to the recycling facility for proper recycling. There is a charge of $2.00 for each Bankers-size box of documents to be shredded.

Hard Drives can also be dropped off for destruction for $10 each, or can be donated to FREE IT Athens, a local non-profit, who will wipe the hard drive for secure reuse in their refurbishing operations.

A: Single stream recycling collection means that accepted recyclables in ACC can be collected mixed together in one container and collected by one truck. Primarily, we are looking for bottles, cans, containers, paper, and cardboard. This DOES NOT mean that trash is mixed with recyclables.

A: We would prefer that recyclables be placed in the cart or dumpster loose, because bags cause processing issues and damage to the machinery within our facility. Please dump recyclables out of the bag into the cart or dumpster if your materials are already bagged. If absolutely necessary to bag your recyclables, you may use a clear trash bag only. NOTE: Plastic bags and any other kind of film plastic, stretch wrap, or packing bubbles should go to the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) or back to your grocery store for specialized recycling.

A: You can recycle batteries, light bulbs, and a long list of other items at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM), located at 1005 College Avenue. Please visit accgov.com/charm for the most updated hours and operations.

A: Yes please, just make sure they’re not contaminated with food – no cheese, crusts, dipping sauce or those little peppers. If you have a box that is greasy on the bottom half, but perfectly clean on the top, rip it in half at the fold and recycle the clean part. We would rather have half the amount of material and clean, than the whole material but dirty.

A: Applaud yourself for being a super recycler! Then, put any extra recyclables in a container clearly marked “RECYCLABLES”, preferably a box. If you must bag them, make sure the bag is CLEAR so it is not confused as trash. Overflow trash costs, make sure collection crews know it is recyclables and not trash.

A: Film/stretch plastic (which is what we call bags and wraps) is made to stretch. When bags/wraps come through the recycling facility sorting process they often wrap around conveyor belt rollers, potentially causing thousands of dollars in damage to the equipment.

A. Follow the recycling rules wherever you are – the rules are not always the same. In fact, city to city, they rarely are the same. You should encourage colleagues, co-workers and friends to do the same. Make sure your neighbor is at least recycling all those cardboard boxes! If you do a pie chart of all the various materials going into American landfills these days, plain old cardboard, non-recyclable paper and food scraps are the only items in the double-digit percentages. Cardboard is super easy to recycle; food scraps and most non-recyclable paper can be composted.
Like most expensive equipment, the recycling facility operates most efficiently at large scale. So the more they recycle, the better. But no cheating! – only recyclable items please.
Many other items can be recycled at our Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM). Styrofoam and plastic bags are perfectly recyclable, but not in the regular recycling stream.
Look ‘upstream’ to reduce the amount of scrap you generate in the first place. Buy in bulk, reuse items when you can, and compost what cannot be recycled.

Thank you for recycling! You can pick up recycling bags at any of our locations:

A:
1. This goes to the heart of recycling – nothing gets recycled until it gets turned into new product and purchased. So while it may seem a bit removed, purchasing materials with recycled content is a great way to ensure long-term stability of recycling programs. Look for post-consumer recycled content in the products you buy – the higher the percentage, the better.

2. Follow the rules. Containers should be clean and empty, and cardboard should be flattened. Place all items loose into your recycling roll cart, dumpster or drop-site container (no bags). Caps can be left on, tape does not have to be removed.

A: Clean and empty, rigid plastic containers such as cups, bottles, jugs, food trays, tubs, toys, buckets, and bins are accepted in the regular recycling. For a more detailed list and photos, visit accgov.com/recycle or email recycle@accgov.com

We do NOT accept stretchy or flexible plastics such as bags, wraps, bubble packaging, Styrofoam, chip bags or snack wrappers. Disposable plates and cutlery are also NOT recyclable.

Styrofoam and stretchy plastic (bags, wraps, etc) can be recycled separately at the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM). CHaRM is located at 1005 College Avenue. Please visit accgov.com/charm for the most updated hours and operations.

Email recycle@accgov.com if you have questions.

A:
Plastic lid on plastic container: Yes. Empty and rinse container and place the cap or lid back on the container.
Metal lid on glass container: No, please remove lid before recycling.
Plastic lid on glass container: No, please remove lid and dispose of before recycling.

Lids and pop-tops are also accepted as a donation at our Teacher Reuse Store for arts and crafts reuse. Teacher Reuse Store is located at our CHaRM facility, at 1005 College Avenue.

A: Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) (also called unit pricing, variable rate pricing, user-pay or volume based garbage systems) is a usage-pricing model for disposing of municipal solid waste. Athens solid waste service providers (both public and private) provide the following trash container sizes with appropriate rate differential between each level of service provided. •20/25 gallon container; base rate •30/35 gallon container; 10% minimum increase over 20/25 gallon container •60/65 gallon container; 20% minimum increase over 30/35 gallon container •90/95 gallon container; 30% minimum increase over 60/65 gallon container •Higher generators of garbage with combination bins; service fee should be higher than the 90/95 gallon container price and set by franchised solid waste service provider. If you are an avid recycler, we added the 20/25 gallon trash roll-cart just for you! Contact your hauler today and ask about this cart size. NOTE: The 20/25 gallon trash roll-cart will need to be provided by you, the customer and can be purchased at Lowe’s or Home Depot. The ACC Solid Waste Department will provide a sticker to indicate the 20/25 gallon size.

A: Putting recyclables in a bag causes a lot of problems for the recycling facility. Keeping the material loose allows the staff and equipment to process it faster, and more safely. Bags are also one of the worst "tanglers" within the facility, getting caught and tangled in sorting equipment. Additionally, if material is in a black trash bag, the sorters will assume (usually correctly) that the contents are trash, and will send them to the landfill.
Another common mistake is sending mixed materials, or non-like materials inside one another. For example, a cardboard box full of packing foam or bubble wrap makes it very difficult to process the cardboard, and the foam and stretchy plastic are two of our worst contaminants. Cardboard should be flattened, with the packing contents removed. Plastic bags and other tanglers, food residue and Styrofoam should not go in the recycling.

A: Most feed bags for pets and livestock are made of woven Polypropylene plastic (PP, or #5 plastic) and often carry the recycling symbol, but are NOT recyclable. While we accept #5 cups and containers, we cannot accept the #5 bags, for the same reason we cannot accept any film plastic bag, shrink-wrap, bubble-wrap etc. - when processed, the stretchy plastic gets wrapped around the sorting equipment. Even paper feed bags usually have a plastic liner that makes them unrecyclable in the Athens single-stream process. The only large bags we can process are those made ONLY of paper, like a charcoal bag or empty lawn/leaf refuse bag. If your large bag tears easily with no stretching, it can be included for recycling.

A: In many communities, a Waste Minimization, Education or Franchise Fees are fees levied upon solid waste service providers (both public and private) to help defray the cost of the waste reduction programs in their community. Regardless of the name, these fees are typically used to help local governments fund waste reduction infrastructure and education. The ACCUG Waste Minimization Fee was approved in Oct., 2011 and is used to defray costs associated with program management of the waste reduction goals approved by the Mayor and Commission. The ACCUG Waste Minimization Fee is collected quarterly from the franchised solid waste service providers, both public and private, in the USD and GSD for both residential and commercial customers. The fee is $0.60/month/residential unit and $1.60/month/commercial entity and is shown as a separate line item on the garbage bill.

Yes, you can. However, please note: there is a $30,000.00-per-transaction limit. The merchant fee on EChecks is a flat fee of $5.00, which will save folks some money when they pay bigger tax bills.

Powered by Froala Editor

Any principal balance that remains unpaid after the due date will accrue interest each month as prescribed by law. A 5% penalty will be assessed on any remaining principal balance 120 days after the due date and each 120 days thereafter not to exceed 20% for the tax year.

Yes. In most cases, the entity currently paying for waste collection services will be responsible for paying for recycling collection services. If the landlord is responsible for providing trash services then they are also responsible for providing recycling services. However, the individual businesses within the building must recycle within their business and must each complete the form to show they are compliant. Each business licensed in Athens-Clarke County is responsible for completing a Commercial Recycling Plan. The landlord cannot oversee your business relations and ensure that you are recycling so it is up to the individual business to follow compliance, complete a recycling plan and recycle. If your property owner/manager does not offer recycling services, discuss this requirement with them and refer them to the Commercial Recycling Ordinance and website http://accgov.com/cro. 

Yes. Businesses that are run from your primary residence are exempt, but otherwise businesses must submit a plan that ensures compliance with the ordinance. It is perfectly acceptable to take your collected trash and recyclables home with you, or take your recyclables to any of the 9 convenient drop-off sites located throughout Athens-Clarke County. However, these activities should be documented on the Recycling Plan Form. If your business creates no trash or recycling, you may contact the Commercial Recycling Specialist to discuss being exempt.

Check with your current waste hauler. All of the haulers operating in Athens-Clarke County are familiar with the requirements, and should be able to assist. Shop around to get the service that best suits your needs. You can also check out our Getting Started page.

Lots!

• ACC staff can help you determine your recycling collection needs, regardless of who your existing waste hauler is. We can visit your business, conduct a waste audit, and suggest a service level and type and quantity of collection containers.
• ACC Recycling Division has a limited supply of previously loved recycling bins available for businesses and organizations free of charge. To request bins, flyers or stickers please complete this form.
• ACC can provide stickers (English and Spanish language) to distinguish recycling containers from garbage containers. We can also assist in developing signage specific to your business with detailed instructions on what can and cannot be recycled in ACC’s single-stream collection process. 
• Staff can conduct trainings and presentations for employees and tenants.
• Staff can conduct tours of the ACC Recovered Materials Processing Facility.

Generally, whoever pays the garbage service bill is responsible for complying with the ordinance. If you pay individually for your trash service then the ordinance will not apply. If your property manager pays the bill on behalf of tenants in your property, the ordinance does apply and they are required to offer recycling.

No. The intent of the ordinance is to provide a collection system and education resulting in a successful recycling program. Every business and non-profit in Athens-Clarke County must make a concerted effort to recycle the items listed on the Recyclable Items Poster: mixed paper, cardboard, plastic bottles & containers, metal cans and glass bottles & jars. We do not expect you to correct customer or staff errors in recycling but they should have access to recycling. However, you should take note and offer additional education if it seems to be a continual problem. The Commercial Recycling Specialist is available to assist you with any problems you encounter with improper recycling. 

Your garbage company probably doesn’t pay for trash cans inside your home or business either. Check to see if your hauler will assist with your recycling program.  ACC Recycling Division can provide stickers that can be used to convert most containers (or cardboard boxes) into a useful recycling container. A simple cardboard box can work perfectly for years. ACC Recycling Division does have a limited supply of previously loved recycling bins available for businesses and organizations free of charge. To request bins, flyers or stickers please complete this form.

Yes. However, they can share the same hauler and educational material.

Every Friday at noon is a submittal deadline. We send out the agenda (the plans we received that week) to all of the reviewers, and then post the plans digitally into the computer system. Then, staff from reviewing departments (Building Inspections, Public Utilities, Public Works, Planning, Transit, etc.) looks at the plans and make sure that what is proposed meets the different codes and requirements for each reviewer. Comments from the reviewers are sent out to the contact person for the project and then discussed at the Plans Review meeting.

Plans Review is for any commercial, institutional, industrial, or multi-family residential project that requires three (3) or more reviewers. For instance, if you are renovating a commercial building and changing walls (structural), electrical, and plumbing—the project would require Plans Review.

No. While coming to the meeting can be very informative and help you understand what the reviewers are looking for, attendance is not mandatory. We do ask that you notify Samantha Eberhard or John Rogeberg at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting time to confirm if you will be attending.

Many projects require resubmittals. Have your plans revised to satisfy the comments from the reviewers and then submit the revised plans with a completed Revision Form and a narrative. Follow the instructions on the form for resubmittal requirements. Revisions follow the same Submittal Deadline Schedule as initial submittals, but they do not have a new plans review meeting. 

There are a number of resources available to help you through the review process. First, read the ACC Plans Review Handbook. It is full of information about the requirements of every reviewing department and contains an overview of the Plans Review process. Also, feel free to contact the Planning Department (706-613-3515).

Use this interactive map to type in your address and find out who your commissioner is and how to contact them.

A Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) is a sales tax used to fund capital outlay projects proposed by the county government and municipal governments. A Transportation SPLOST (TSPLOST) is a sales tax where the outlays are intended for transportation purposes only.

No. The code specifically states that the proceeds of this tax are not subject to any balancing of state or federal funds allocated to any of the local governments formulas used by GDOT. The Code also clearly states that the funds raised by TSPLOST shall in no way diminish the percentage of state or federal funds allocated to the Athens-Clarke County and COA. (See O.C.G.A 48-9-269.95 and O.C.G.A 48-8-269.9992)

Since the intergovernmental agreement is executed with Bogart and Winterville, thus allowing the maximum 1% tax, then a minimum of 30% of revenue generated must be used on projects consistent with the Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan (SSTP). The SSTP is a policy document and does not include an exhaustive list of projects. The SSTP outlines a series of statewide priorities and identifies several programs and/or plans which directly support those priorities. 

A handful of key projects are identified in various places throughout the document to illustrate how a program or plan may ultimately result in implementation of a specific project. Because the SSTP identifies a broad range of supportive strategies and programs, many projects will be consistent with the SSTP. For example, projects that would be considered consistent include interchange projects, safety projects, and operational improvement projects. [see O.C.G.A 48-8-269.(c)920(D) and 269.995(b)(2)(D)]

Yes. Also published at www.accgov.com/tsplost, is the Athens-Clarke County TSPLOST - Program Goals, Project Selection Criteria, and Charge to the Advisory Committee that was approved by the Mayor & Commission.

No. The law allows a lot of flexibility in project selection. Additionally, each jurisdiction was responsible for their own public involvement.

Nearly all of funds will go to projects, including funds for Project Engineering and acquisition of Rights of Way. However, there will be money set aside for program management. Program management costs typically are in the range of 3%. Please note that the law does require that 1% be paid to the general fund of the state treasury in order to defray the cost of administration at the state treasury (See O.C.G.A 48-8-269.94 and 269.9991).

Yes, there are six items that are exempt from taxation on the law. (See O.C.G.A 48-8-269):

• (1) The sale or use of any type of fuel used for off-road heavy-duty equipment, off-road farm or agricultural equipment, or locomotives; 
• (2) The sale or use of jet fuel to or by a qualifying airline at a qualifying airport;
• (3) The sale or use of fuel that is used for propulsion of motor vehicles on the public highways; 
• (4) The sale or use of energy used in the manufacturing or processing of tangible goods primarily for resale;
• (5) The sale or use of motor fuel as defined under paragraph (9) of Code Section 48-9-2 for public mass transit; or 
• (6) The purchase or lease of any motor vehicle pursuant to Code Section 48-5C-1

ACCGov 101 is an educational Community Government Academy that teaches residents, business owners, and community partners how ACCGov operates. The 10-week course introduces participants to a variety of local government functions, showcases what departments are responsible for what services, and educates residents on how to get involved moving forward. 

With the exception of the final session (graduation) on Tuesday, April 7, all sessions will run from 5:30 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings from Wednesday, January 28 - Tuesday, April 7. Sessions will be held in different ACCGov facilities and offices with locations rotating around each week. Topics of discussion will include city-county history, unification, budget, transportation, water, planning, public safety, and more. 

Applications for the Spring 2026 cohort are due Sunday, January 4, 2026.

To be considered for participation in ACCGov 101, an applicant must be 18+ years of age, currently residing within Athens-Clarke County, and able to secure reliable transportation as meeting locations vary week to week.

The deadline for applications is Sunday, January 4, 2026. The program is limited to 25 people, but applications will also be accepted for a waitlist. Accepted participants will receive a confirmation email in early January.

ACCGov 101 is a ten-week program. With the exception of the final session (graduation) on Tuesday, April 7, all sessions will run from 5:30 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday evenings from Wednesday, January 28 - Tuesday, April 7. Sessions will be held in different ACCGov facilities and offices with locations rotating around each week. Topics of discussion will include city-county history, unification, budget, transportation, water, planning, public safety, and more. 

The Spring 2026 cohort will meet from January 28 - April 7.

ACCGov 101 covers a variety of local government functions, showcases what departments are responsible for what services, and educates residents on how to get involved moving forward. The session topics include:

• ACCGov Overview - Manager’s Office, Communications & Budget & Strategic Analysis Departments
• Planning for the Future - Planning, Housing & Community Development Departments
• A Healthy & Sustainable Community - Solid Waste & Sustainability Departments
• Real Life Parks & Recreation - Leisure Services Department
• Think at the Sink - Public Utilities & Economic Development Departments
• Moving Around Athens - Transportation & Public Works & Transit Departments
• A Safe Community - Police Department
• A Resilient Community - Fire & Emergency Services Department

Each session will be conducted by department representatives and will provide both an informational and interactive learning approach.

ACCGov 101 is designed to provide participants with a better understanding of:

• The relationships between residents, the Mayor & Commission, and government departments
• The process for deciding why and how government projects are implemented and services are provided
• The ways government projects support Mayor & Commission goals and objectives as well as the Athens-Clarke County Unified Government's Strategic Plan
• Ways to access local government services, functions, and activities
• Ways to be involved in the local government process
• How to communicate more effectively with local government officials

It is a planned, partially constructed, multi-purpose path for pedestrian, bicycle, and other non-motorized uses that will stretch 39 miles from Athens to Union Point, Georgia. It will be built on or near the historic corridor of the Athens Branch of the Georgia Railroad. One mile is open and nine more are in progress.

Rail-trails are paths that follow the routes of abandoned or otherwise out-of-use railroads. They provide a safe, off-road resource for walking, running, bicycling, skating, and other non-motorized uses. Being wide, level (railroads need gentle grades), and connected to communities, they are perfectly suited to people of all ages and abilities, providing tangible benefits for health, safety, historic preservation, active transportation, community pride, and economic development. Rail-trails may be paved, made of crushed rock, or even left as dirt. They range from half a mile to more than 240 miles long.

Its northern terminus is on East Broad Street in Athens and its southern terminus will be in downtown Union Point. The trail will pass through three counties – Athens-Clarke, Greene and Oglethorpe – and connect, from north to south, Athens, Winterville, Arnoldsville, Crawford, Stephens, Maxeys, Hutchins, Woodville and Union Point. It will also connect numerous businesses, churches, parks and schools to nearby neighborhoods, creating safe routes for active transportation.

Trails are safe places for exercise and active transportation, so they help people of all ages combat cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and other effects of inactive lifestyles. By separating bike and pedestrian traffic from roadways, trails can improve safety. Trails bring foot and bicycle traffic, which is good for business, and long trails often attract significant tourism. Trails can be resources for historic preservation and education, as well as corridors for nature. Trails tend to reduce crime in the areas they serve and increase nearby property values. They help the poor by making car-free transportation safer and more comfortable. Ultimately, they make communities more attractive places to live and work, which helps recruit and retain investment in new businesses, industries, and residents.

Athens-Clarke County has completed a 0.8-mile segment of the Firefly Trail from East Broad Street to Old Winterville Road, including bridges over the North Oconee River and Peter Street. Athens-Clarke County voters approved a Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (TSPLOST) in 2017 that will provide $16.7 million toward creating the trail in Winterville, crossing Trail Creek, and building as much of the trail as possible between Athens and Winterville. 

Also, Maxeys and Union Point have secured $100,000 recreational trails grants to build Model Miles, and Firefly Trail Inc., has raised more than $200,000 to help them and other communities provide local matching funds. Riverview Foundation, W&A Engineering, and the National Park Service have come on board as major sponsors, and Firefly Trail, Inc. has recruited a part-time Trail Development Coordinator to spearhead work on building the trail. The Georgia Department of Transportation commissioned an economic impact analysis in 2016 that estimated the trail, when completed, will attract about 1.1 million users per year with a total economic impact of $14.7 million annually.

The Georgia Railroad, Georgia’s first state-chartered railroad, opened in 1841 to connect Athens to Augusta by way of Union Point. Originally, it terminated in Athens at Carr's Hill, but in 1888, bridges were added over Trail Creek and the North Oconee River to bring trains into downtown. The Athens Branch was abandoned in 1984 by CSX Transportation, which finished removing rails and other structures by 2000. Public outcry over the demolition of the Trail Creek trestle, made famous by the band R.E.M., led Athens-Clarke County to buy the trestle in 2001.

No. While some portions may still be owned by CSX, most of the corridor has reverted to original/adjoining landowners. For some portions, ownership is unclear. Firefly Trail, Inc. has heard from a number of property owners who are eager to help make the trail a reality. 

For information on the Firefly Bridge Over Trail Creek please visit the project web-page at /8843/Sub-Project-4-Firefly-Trail--Trail-Creek

Cost depends on how much of the corridor is donated, what surface material is used (concrete, asphalt, or crushed cinders) and how much grading is required. The hope in ACC is that $16.7 million in TSPLOST funds will complete much of the trail through Winterville. In rural areas, the per-mile cost likely will be much lower. The 2016 economic impact study estimates total construction cost will be about $24 million.

Lots of sources over time. Most long trails are built in segments as funding becomes available. Funding for the first ACC segments came from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes and federal and state grants. Possible future sources include private donations; transportation sales taxes; special purpose local option sales taxes; gifts and grants from private businesses, industries and foundations; public fundraisers, and a variety of state and federal programs.

Yes. The big vision is that the Firefly Trail will be the first part of a network of trails serving the entire region, including Watkinsville, Madison and Greensboro. Also, we are in the process of improving the bicycle and sidewalk infrastructure within Athens-Clarke County and expanding the Greenway network (a Greenway extension that is accessible from the Firefly Trail’s Old Winterville Road trailhead opened in 2018).

Firefly Trail, Inc. needs volunteers, advocates and donors! For more information, please visit their website or send them an email. Firefly Trail Inc., is a 501(c)3 organization, so donations are tax-exempt to the full extent allowed by law. Thank you for your support! Contact Firefly Trail, Inc. at fireflytrail@gmail.com

Please Note:  In November 2020, the Leisure Services switched to a new online registration system.  If you have not created a new online registration account since November 2020, you will need to do so at www.accgov.com/myrec 

Once you have established a free online account it is active forever. It does not need to be renewed. You can make changes to your account by logging in and editing it.

Parents/legal guardians must apply in person by taking the required documentation to any ACCGov Leisure Services facility office during regular hours of operation. Please note that scholarship applications may take up to five (5) business days to process.  Documentation must be submitted at least five (5) business days prior to registering for a program or camp.

Yes, the scholarship program is only available to qualifying ACC residents under the age of 18.

Required Documentation:

• Utility bill from the last 90 days
• IRS Tax Form 1040 (with children listed)
• Photo ID

Hardship procedures are in place for those who do not have the necessary paperwork.  Please call the ACC Leisure Services Administrative Office at 706-613-3800 to schedule an appointment.  This process may take up to three weeks.  The hardship procedures address the lack of necessary paperwork, not to appeal the amount of the scholarship award issued.  The amount of the award cannot be appealed. 

Those applicants who do not have the required documents, please call 706-613-3800 to schedule an appointment to determine other accepted documents.

Scholarship discounts are based on dependency, income, and residency verification and the amount awarded follows the Federal Poverty Guidelines information produced annually.

Scholarships are available in 25%, 50%, and 75% amounts. 

Yes, all scholarships expire December 31 and must be renewed.

Please call 706-613-3800.

The 2022 Star Spangled Classic will take place on Saturday, July 3!   Fireworks will be launched at approximately 9:30 p.m. from Athens Ben Epps Airport. The display will be viewable from many locations around the Lexington Road, Cherokee Road, & Gaines School Road intersection as well as two locations provided by Athens-Clarke County. 

Limited, first-come, field parking will be available near the airport and at Satterfield Park. These locations will open at 7:00 p.m. and all ACCGov park rules will be enforced including no alcohol, fireworks, grills, or smoking.  The community is encouraged to leave pets at home.

 In these parking areas, vehicles will not be allowed to move during the show for the safety of fellow spectators. Guests are encouraged to enjoy a socially distant view of the celebratory display safely from a parking space of their choosing. All spectators are reminded to respect private property when choosing a viewing location and not to park on the side of roads to view the fireworks. Traffic updates will be available on Bulldog 93.3.  Traffic patterns in the area will shift at the conclusion of the show.

Everyone is reminded to follow CDC guidelines to enjoy this community celebration from a socially distant area between groups.  Spectators are encouraged to stay arm’s length from their vehicles. 

In the event that inclement weather causes a fireworks cancellation, information will be posted on the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department's Facebook page and Twitter account. 

All county ordinances are in effect during the event.

Yes, the "Lost Child Station," and First Aid are located in the in the parking area off of Buddy Christian Way.

No drones! FAA guidelines forbid the flying of drones within five miles of aerial entertainment - in this case fireworks. Leave your drone at home!

Please leave pets at home. Fireworks and pets are not always a good combination.

Pay grades are determined using a variety of factors.  A formal job evaluation methodology, labor market value, and organizational relationships all play a role in determining an appropriate pay grade for a position.

MAG uses a proprietary job evaluation methodology called a Job Analysis Questionnaire (JAQ) to gather information about the nature of jobs.  Specifically, jobs are evaluated based on varying degrees of the following elements:

• Data Responsibility
• Judgment
• People Responsibility
• Complexity of Work
• Assets Responsibility
• Impact of Decisions
• Education Required
• Equipment Usage
• Physical Demands
• Communications
• Math
• Unavoidable Hazards
• Safety of Others
• Experience Required

The JAQ is completed for each position by the employee(s) who holds that position (i.e. the incumbent) as well as the supervisor who oversees the work performed by that position.  Together, the employee and supervisor serve as the subject matter experts for that position.  Ultimately, each job is scored based upon the combined responses to the JAQ.

This was accomplished through the use of a market survey.  MAG surveyed comparable jurisdictions for pay information for a sample of about 80 different job titles that exist within ACCGOV.  While not all jobs are surveyed, the sample of 80 jobs serve as a benchmark to assist in the placement of other comparable jobs within the organization.

• City of Atlanta, GA
• Augusta-Richmond County, GA
• Chatham County, GA
• Clarke County, GA School District
• Cobb County, GA
• Columbus-Muskogee County, GA
• Dekalb County, GA
• Fulton County, GA
• City of Greenville, SC
• Gwinnett County, GA
• City of Knoxville, TN
• Macon-Bibb County, GA
• The University of Georgia

Generally, the jurisdictions were selected because they were similar geographically, similar size, similar in terms of the services provided, or considered a competitor for talent.

Each pay grade has a minimum and a maximum rate of pay.  Employees were placed within the pay range for their position using two factors:  time in current position, and time between hire and appointment to current position (ex. service in positions held prior to current appointment).  Employees were given full credit for each day in their current position, and partial credit for each day between hire and their current appointment.  Prior service credit was credited at 40%, or 2 days of credit for every 5 days worked.  Based on available funding, the pay formula assumed 35 years of experience credit to reach the maximum of the pay grade.

Example:  Joe was hired 15 years ago.  After serving in his first position for 5 years, he was promoted to his current position.  Joe would receive experience credit for all 10 years since being promoted into his current position, plus 2 years of additional experience credit for prior service (40% x 5 years = 2 years).  In total, Joe received experience credit for 12 years.

Having 12 years of experience credit, Joe’s pay was calculated as 34% (12/35) of the way between the range minimum and the range maximum.  Based on a range minimum of $34,000 and a range maximum of $52,000, Joe’s projected pay was calculated to be $40,120.

If Joe’s current salary was less than $40,120, his pay would be increased to $40,120.  If Joe’s current salary was more than $40,120, he would simply maintain his current salary.

In no case was an employees pay calculated below the minimum or above the maximum.

Current Hire Date:  The most recent date that an employee was hired as a full-time employee.  If an employee leaves the government and is later rehired, their current hire date would be their rehire date.  This is true regardless of how long the employee had been employed before separating from employment, and regardless of how long they were separated before rehire.

Promotion Date:  The date on which the employee was appointed to their current position, either as a new hire, or through a promotion or demotion.  The promotion date was not “reset” in the case of reclassifications or lateral transfers to positions in the same pay grade.

While a great deal of care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of our records, mistakes can happen.  If you suspect an error has been made concerning your promotion or hire date, please notify your supervisor.  Human Resources will verify the accuracy of our records, and if an error is confirmed, we will recalculate your projected pay rate.

No. Any adjustments in pay resulting from the transition to the new pay plan were based purely on time in current position and, to a lesser extent, prior time with the organization. While pay for performance remains an important component of our compensation philosophy, the classification and compensation study was not intended to recognize performance differences. Human Resources will continue to pursue funding for the Performance Management Program (PMP) which allows supervisors to recognize and reward employees with higher levels of performance.

Athens-Clarke County has a commitment to generate 100% of its electricity from clean and renewable energy by 2035. As a large, high use facility, the library utilizes a significant amount of electricity. In 2022, the library spent approximately $123,000 to purchase 1,333 megawatts of electricity. Using the data provided by the U.S. Energy Information Agency, this is equivalent to the annual electricity use of approximately 100 homes in our area.

Beyond just being a high energy user, the library is well suited to be a solar energy consumer as the facility is used seven days per week and often has hours that extend into the evening. This aligns energy use in the afternoons when solar is highly productive.

Initially, the project proposed to install solar on the roof, as that is the preferred location for solar in a community as small as Athens-Clarke County. Regretfully, as the project moved from the concept to design phases, ACCGov staff determined that the seams on the metal roof were not structural, so a traditional non-penetrating metal roof installation was not feasible. Instead ACCGov could either adapt non-structural roofing components to hold solar racking, install flat roof penetrations, or utilize thin-film solar that is glued to the roof.

The adaptation of non-structural roofing components for solar racking was eliminated because the equipment was not designed or rated for use in this manner. Additionally, a roofing consultant working on behalf of ACCGov recommended against this technique because it increases the chances of roof leaks in the library.

The use of flat roof penetrations was eliminated as it would void the warranty on the library roof.

The use of thin film solar was eliminated because it too would void the warrant on the library roof. Additionally, two different solar installers advised ACCGov that there is a high risk of delamination within 5-10 years of installation.  Finally, it would be nearly impossible to reutilize the existing thin film solar as the library roof is upgraded and maintained in the future.

This option was evaluated as well. Unfortunately the majority of the parking at the library is installed in a semicircular manner that is not readily adapted to the straight run installations of solar canopies. A singular linear parking area is located on the north side of the parking lot. A solar canopy installed at this location would necessitate the removal of at least four large canopy trees from the parking lot perimeter, while possibly also requiring the removal of four additional trees from parking lot islands located just south of any possible canopy. Because this canopy is fixed and does not move with the sun, it would generate just a fraction of the renewable energy produced by the proposed solar trackers.

The design team explored installing a solar canopy at the unloading zone south of the library entrance, but this option was eliminated because of cost and the relatively small amount of renewable energy it would generate.

The design team explored installing the solar trackers in parking lot spaces rather than the existing islands. This option was eliminated because any removal of parking lot spaces will result in the site coming out of compliance with minimum parking requirements outlined in ACCGov code. More importantly, the library has recently lost access to the overflow parking lot located to the south on property owned by the Clarke County School District. As a result, the parking pressure on the library is expected to increase, and potentially exceed available capacity during large events.

The design team considered the installation of trackers in the stormwater area located to the east of the library. Approximately three trackers could be installed in this area and an installation here would likely necessitate the removal of 3-5 maturing large canopy landscape trees. While this area had merit, representatives for the Library expressed a preference that it not be utilized, as it would obscure the views from the multipurpose rooms and patrons entering the library would only have views of the back of the tracker units.

Staff have modeled the trees that are proposed to be removed using the MyTree tool provided by the U.S. Forest Service. Over the next twenty years, the trees are projected to directly sequester nearly 14,000 lbs of CO2, which results in the equivalent of approximately 51,000 lbs of CO2 removed from the atmosphere. The solar trackers are proposed to generate approximately 380,000 kWh of renewable energy per year. According to the U.S. Energy Information Agency, 1.01 lbs of CO2 is generated for each kWh of electricity produced in Georgia. Thus, over the same 20 year period, the solar trackers will reduce library-associated CO2 production by more than 7,800,000 lbs. As a result, the trackers are approximately 150X more efficient at reducing CO2 than the trees in this parking lot.

The trackers will produce shade, offsetting the shade and associated energy savings expected from the parking lot trees. While the parking lot islands will remain pervious and be revegetated, the combination of the solar trackers and parking lot islands will not be as efficient in generating the approximately 1,000 gallons per year of stormwater runoff reduced by these trees. To offset this, plus the other ancillary social and environmental benefits provided by trees, ACCGov staff propose to replant at least 9 large canopy trees to account for the loss of trees at this location. As a result, this project will result in net environmental benefits to our community.

Some, but likely not all of them. The library property is highly constrained and most available planting spaces are utilized. Once all available onsite spaces have been utilized, staff will evaluate additional locations such as Rocksprings Homes, Rocksprings Park, or along streets in adjacent neighborhoods. The goal of any replanting will be to select trees and locations that result in the replanted trees outperforming the growth and resulting environmental benefits of what we would anticipate if the parking lot trees were retained.

Yes, but also no. Section 8-7-19 (I)(2)(i) of the Community Tree Management Ordinance permits the removal of a protected tree that has an unresolvable conflict with infrastructure that is creating an unsafe condition or poses a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare. Section 8-7-16 (d) further identifies that the Landscape Management Division Administrator of the Central Services Department has the authority to approve the removal of an ACCGov tree. Lastly, section 8-7-16 (e) requires the replacement of removed trees if such removal results in the decrease of the tree canopy cover on the site or lot less than that required.

Using the canopy calculation methodology of the tree ordinance, the library site has credit for 47% future canopy coverage where 40% is required. After the trees in question are removed, the site will have credit for 42% future canopy coverage. As such replanting is not required, but will be facilitated where possible.

Bigger challenges exist when parking lot trees are considered. Section 8-7-15 (J) outlines the requirement for one parking lot tree per seven spaces, with no more than fourteen contiguous spaces without a tree. While 8-7-16 (e) does not necessitate the perpetual protection and replacement of parking lot trees, ACCGov has a track record of ensuring parking lot tree survival for a period of 3-5 years, with the assumption that after five years the trees are likely to remain in place. Should this project or any future development trigger the reapplication of the Community Tree Management Ordinance, additional parking lot islands and trees would have to be established, resulting in a net loss of parking spaces at the library. In short, it is legal to remove the trees today, but doing so may create substantial design challenges in the future.

The library is not the only location where solar canopies/trackers and parking lot trees will come into conflict. As energy costs increase, solar costs steady, and businesses continue to adopt climate goals, it will be increasingly likely that businesses seek to incorporate solar into their properties, including within and above parking lots. This challenge is already occurring across the nation. As such, staff will review the subject to determine what, if any, modifications to local ordinances should be considered to address this issue. If modifications to the tree ordinance are recommended, they will be presented to the Community Tree Council and Planning Commission for recommendation, before being brought to the Mayor and Commission for consideration. If modifications to local ordinances are not recommended or no action is taken, the library will continue have to address this challenge in the future as this site is modified or expanded.

The library was able to secure a commitment for $140,000 in matching funding for the installation of solar at this facility. This creates the financial incentive to make this project a priority over other public sites. Without this incentive, staff would recommend the funding be deployed elsewhere where fewer challenges exist.

This external funding is a dollar-for-dollar match, so a total of $280,000 must be invested if ACCGov is to maximize outside funding. This can be achieved with the implementation of Option 1 from the agenda report, where a total of four solar trackers are installed to supply approximately 11.6% of the facility’s energy from renewable sources. The implementation of Option 1 would necessitate the removal of 3-4 parking lot trees. Ultimately, the SPLOST 2020 User Group recommends the implementation of Option 2 to install ten trackers supplying approximately 28.9% of the facility’s energy from renewable sources, because it works more aggressively to meet ACCGov’s climate goals while maximizing financial savings for the library. Option 2 necessitates the removal of 9-10 trees.  Option 1 has a simple rate of return on local investment of 10.3 years, while Option 2 has a simple rate of return on local investment of 15.8 years. If the Mayor and Commission would like to maximize the use of outside funding while minimizing impacts to the parking lot trees, they may want to reconsider Option 1.

Accidents involving Athens-Clarke County employees, vehicles, equipment and property shall be reported immediately.  During normal work hours they should be reported via phone to 706-613-3101 or email at risk@accgov.com and after-hours via phone to 706-202-5869.  

For some departments and positions, Safety and Risk randomly selects employees for drug and alcohol testing.  In addition, any employee involved in a workplace injury, a vehicle or equipment accident, or is cited with a traffic violation, is required to be tested.  When selected, the employee must report to the testing facility within two hours. For more information,  call Safety and Risk at 706-613-3101.  More details of drug testing requirements is outlined in Georgia Code Title 34 (Labor and Industrial Relations), Chapter 9 (Workers Compensation), Article 11 (Drug-free Workplace Programs)

Safety and Risk regularly offers Defensive Driving and First Aid/CPR/AED training.  In addition, other courses may be offered either via an on-line service or instructor-led.  Materials such as PowerPoint presentations are also available for selected training topics.  For more information, call Safety and Risk at 706-613-3101.

No, guests are not included on this day.

For the Staff Appreciation Day, the park is closed to the public until 4:00 p.m. and will be only open to ACCGov employees and retirees.

Parking is available onsite at the park. Please carpool. Staff will direct you to parking.

A special parking area is designated for on-duty cars, fire trucks, and other large vehicles.   A parking area is reserved for retirees, as well. 

Please see event map for parking areas.

No, all meals are free of charge. You simply have to RSVP by the deadline.

No, staff and retirees are exempt from the park’s entrance fee during the ACCGov Staff Appreciation Day event.  Please remember that throughout the year, staff and retirees are admitted free of charge any day with their valid ACCGov ID.  

For the Staff Appreciation Day, the park is closed to the public until 4:00 p.m. and will be open only to ACCGov employees and retirees.

No, pets are not allowed at this event.  Service animals and ACCGov K9 officers will be permitted to enter the park.

t is simply keeping stuff out of the landfill by offering items that can be either recycled or composted and collecting them appropriately.

Help us keep waste out of the landfill. Thanks to the Solid Waste Department and Leisure Services, you will see three bins for your waste; trash, recycle AND compost. Each bin will have a sign posted that specifies what belongs in each. Please be mindful of the appropriate bin for your waste.

Located near the pavilion, this 125-gallon container serves as a portable water dispenser for large events.  Be sure to stop with your water bottle and take a little bit of Athens H2gO.

The Public Utilities Department unleashes the Water Monster to provide everyone with high-quality drinking water produced locally in Athens. Only the best for our ACCGov employees!   

Attendees can expect fun with friends, special guest speakers, enrichment activities with local experts, music, games, sports, giveaways, prizes, and most of all FUN!

Grand Slam is a program exclusively for Athens-Clarke County middle and high school students.

Grand Slam is a program presented by Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services. This program will take place at Lay Park Community Center, so attendees are expected to abide by the Leisure Services Department Code of Conduct.

We want to provide better habitat for native vegetation and animals. At the same time, we want to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our community about wildlife, forest succession, forest products, and wise forest management practices. The permanent changes that go hand-in-hand with this project also enable us to be better stewards of our land and the natural resources entrusted to us.

Approximately 30 of our 225 acres, or just over 13 percent of our total acreage.

At the north end of the nature center property, between the Education & Visitor Center and the northern property line.

No. Four of the five tracts will be pine; the fifth will be hardwoods. Three of the pine tracts will be planted; the fourth will be allowed to naturally reseed from shelterwood trees left during harvest.

This property, like most of Piedmont Georgia, was used for intensive cotton production beginning in the early 1800s, which led to severe erosion and degradation of the soil. By the 1940s, the soils were depleted and barely able to support the sharecropping families who lived here. Very little of this part of the site was actively involved in the brick production that dominated other parts of the nature center property, but waste bricks and other debris were dumped here. Starting in the early 1950s, row crop agriculture was slowly abandoned, with the last farming ending around 1980, leaving the nutrient-poor land fallow. Eventually grasses, shrubs and pines began the process of returning to a climax forest. In the 1970s, when Sandy Creek Nature Center was founded, portions of this part of the site were still a mix of meadows and young pine trees. In the more than 40 years since, the pines have shaded out the meadows, creating an overcrowded, monocultural second-growth forest with low diversity.

• First, the present second-growth pine forest is overcrowded and in poor health. Many of the individual trees are spindly or stunted. These problems are natural and expected at this stage of succession, but it means the forest provides little food or shelter and few nesting cavities, rendering it unattractive to wildlife and leaving trees vulnerable to parasites and pine beetles.
• Second, dense stands are stressful for trees, resulting in elevated rates of limb loss and premature tree death. Copious amounts of dead and down wood increase the danger of wildfire. 
• Third, because the canopy is dense, little sunlight reaches the forest floor, restricting what can live in these areas. With few plants at ground level, there is little food for animals other than pine seeds, resulting in low diversity of animal species and a low population even among the species that can subsist in these environments. 
• Finally, large portions of the pine woods are all the same age, giving visitors a look at only one stage of forest succession.

• First, optimum space will be left between trees to give them plenty of light and room to grow. Wider spacing will improve the health of the individual trees and of the entire stand, reducing the risk of pine beetle infestations and parasite outbreaks.
• Second, wider spacing between trees will reduce premature limb loss and tree death. With healthier trees and fewer dead limbs, there will be less fuel on the forest floor, reducing the risk of wildfire.
• Third, trees will be planted at optimum spacing and thinned periodically to keep the canopy open. The mixture of sun and shade will allow healthy ground vegetation to thrive, providing food and shelter for a wider variety of animals such as ground-nesting birds.
• Fourth, A 15-20 year rotation will be established among the pine stands, allowing visitors in the future to see 60 years’ worth of succession – and the variety of plant and animal life that each stage engenders – in the space of a few acres.

Yes. The goal is to encourage the right amount of growth at the forest floor, and the right kinds of vegetation. In a Piedmont ecosystem unaltered by humans, low-intensity fires would sweep through every few years. Studies show these fires limited the height and density of ground-level vegetation. Fires happened frequently and kept fuel levels low, and typically remained too close to the ground to ignite the canopy. Many native plants evolved to depend on fire and cannot thrive without it. This project recreates this important aspect of Piedmont forest ecology using carefully supervised prescribed burns where and when appropriate.

Yes. Fire is a natural part of Georgia’s Piedmont region, historically sweeping through sites every few years. Fire suppression efforts from the late 1800s until now have, along with some other factors such as invasive species, dramatically changed the ecology of our forests. 

Sandy Creek Nature Center is working in partnership with the Georgia Forestry Commission, the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to conduct controlled burns in our managed forest. Appropriate timing and close attention to conditions are effective at keeping controlled burns under control. These fires clean out dense vegetation and dead wood at ground level without harming trees or spreading into adjacent areas. Controlled fires are slow-moving and of low intensity, allowing animals to burrow to safety or escape. Public notice will be provided. Controlled burns have been conducted annually in the center’s Piedmont Prairie.

Yes – but not all at once. 

Each of the three planted pine sites will be cut once every 50-60 years. Cutting will be staggered so that only one plot is cut at a time, at roughly 15-year intervals. Harvesting will take place in the late winter and the harvested tract will be replanted, encouraging seedlings and other vegetation to flourish.

For the pine shelterwood site, the oldest trees are removed once every 50 years. Starting about 5 years before the final harvest, trees are thinned to around 30- 50 of the best trees per acre and natural reseeding is encouraged. When the final harvest takes place, the seedlings are about 3-5 feet tall, thus the site is never really “clear cut.” Some clearing will be necessary initially to get the desired spacing between trees. 

For each of the four pine sites, whenever possible, a minimum of five large trees (12 inches or more in diameter) will be left per acre when sites are cleared or trees are cut. These large standing trees, along with the stumps remaining after harvest, provide much-needed wildlife nesting and foraging sites.

On the hardwood site, the shelterwood harvest method is used. It will take about 12-18 years for the planted mast-producing trees to become established. Some thinning will take place over time to encourage healthy tree growth and wildlife food/shelter production. The site will not be cleared again for another 80-120 years. Current plans are to stagger the final cut so it takes place in the years between clearing of either of the adjacent pine tracts.

All five sites will be burned this fall/winter to eradicate invasive plants, remove dangerous wildfire fuels, and provide nutrients needed for plant growth. One 5- acre tract – the first of the planted pine tracts – will be cleared. The other four tracts will be thinned and the hardwood forest will have the understory removed.

Yes. The tracts are relatively flat and not prone to excessive storm water runoff, making them well-suited to these forest management techniques. Thinning opens the canopy to allow the forest floor to receive sunlight, helping promote the re-establishment of Piedmont forest meadows that were once common. Harvestable timber will be sold to offset the cost of the project and to put the wood to good use. Fire-breaks will create access corridors which will limit the impact of operations on the forest floor. These firebreaks will be used as access and recreational trails. The demonstration project will follow and teach best forest management practices to minimize impact and promote healthy regrowth.

The project leaves forest buffers in place around the managed tracts to reduce the visual impact of the initial clearing, especially north of the Education & Visitor Center. In addition, the border zones where managed forest tracts transition into buffer areas will provide excellent habitat.

We have conducted surveys of the future managed forest area and have found no evidence of rare or endangered species there. We will make adjustments if any are found in the future.

Species such as Chinese privet, Elaeagnus (autumn olive), Nandina, English ivy, honeysuckle, and fire ants present a challenge at Sandy Creek Nature Center. In some parts of the site, they have crowded out native vegetation, changing the nature and ecology of the forest and limiting important sources of food for year round and migratory animals. This project utilizes prescribed fire, handcutting, mechanical mulching, and targeted application of herbicides to remove non-native species. The creation of a more diverse habitat allows native plants and animals to thrive at Sandy Creek Nature Center. This provides educational opportunities to understand the importance of control and eradication of exotic invasives.

Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., has already raised over $67,000 needed for the project, including startup and three years of management. Funding for this project is a significant, long-term commitment, especially since the managed forest will require at least 80 years to reach maturity.

Yes. Among the groups and organizations submitting letters of support and working as partners on the project are Oconee Rivers Audubon Society, the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service, the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the United States Forest Service, and a number of Athens-Clarke County staff and organizations, including the county forester, environmental coordinator, Landscape Division, and Oconee Rivers Greenway Commission. We have also received the support and guidance of professional foresters who have served on the Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., Board of Directors.

Yes. Because the project represents a significant change in the management of county property, it was approved by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission on October 7, 2014.

• Visit the Education & Visitor Center: View detailed plans and other materials about the site during normal operating hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Staff will be available to provide information and answer questions as other duties allow.
• Website: Extensive information, including plans, PowerPoint presentations and site maps, are available at the Sandy Creek Nature Center webpage: accgov.com/ManagedForest
• Additional questions: Please call or email Sandy Creek Nature Center, Inc., at 706.613.3615. scncinc@gmail.com.

Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities Department has partnered with WaterSmart Software to offer our customers a resource to help you better understand and manage your water use.  It provides you with a social comparison, helps you track water use, and offers personalized recommendations for the most effective ways to save water.  For instance, if your outdoor water use is high, you will see suggestions related to irrigation practices.

To register, visit this link: https://accgov.watersmart.com. Enter your ACC PUD water account number located on your water bill and your zip code.  Once you register, you can create a username and password based on an email of your choice. 

If you forget your account password, look for the Forgot Password link on the Login Page. Once clicked, you will receive an email with instructions for resetting the password.

Customers who manage multiple properties or meters can link their accounts by registering the accounts using the same email address and password.  Alternatively, a customer can log into  WaterSmart with a single registered account, click on the drop-down menu under “My Account," click on “Add Account” and enter the account number and zip code of the account to be linked.  

The primary account holder can add additional users to their Water-Smart account.  Click on the drop-down menu under “Settings," click on “Account Settings," then scroll down to “Additional Users”.  Select the user’s role, then enter the user’s name and email.  

To improve the accuracy of your recommendations and household comparisons, customers can personalize their profile by answering specific questions about your household:  How many people live there?  How big is your yard? 

Complete your Household Profile one of two ways:

1.  On the drop-down menu of “My Account”, select “Update Occupants”

2.  Locate “My WaterScore” on your home page, select “Who am I compared to?”

The data you see is “near-real-time.”  Data is transmitted to WaterSmart twice per day and usually takes a few hours to process and show on your account.  You should be able to see data from the prior 12-hour time frame.  If you have a question about how much water you are using right now, you can look at the register on your water meter.   Visit www.accgov.com/ami for more information on how to read your water meter.

When a customer is missing over 50% of their expected hourly data for the past 7 days, the Hourly View is disabled.  Instead of seeing the Hourly View heading, a customer will see Real-Time.  When this happens, a customer can no longer click on the bar to see hourly use.  Once the customer account is receiving over 50% of the expected hourly data, the Hourly View is again enabled.

To see the hourly water consumption data available in the meantime, a customer can go to "Settings" and click on "Download Data".  

It this problem persists, please contact Meter Management at 706-613-3479 to report a potential antenna issue.  

When you use your email to create your WaterSmart account, you are automatically entered to receive leak alerts unless you opt out of this notification.  An alert indicates an irregularly high water usage, which may have been caused by a leak or other situation, such as a person leaving a sink or hose running.  Leaks are also indicated in orange on the graph when viewing your water use.

WaterSmart offers step-by-step instructions on how to find your leak. If you need further assistance, you may need to call a plumber to help identify the cause of higher than normal usage. 

Customers automatically enroll in leak alerts by registering for a WaterSmart account.  To discontinue leak alerts, customers must opt out of this notification. 

• Leak alert notifications can be customized by choosing the "Settings" tab drop-down menu and selecting "Communication Preferences."  
• Under "Communication Preferences," you can select how you would prefer to receive notifications (email, text, voice), set "normal" water use for your property, and opt-in or opt-out of messages.
  
• If your property uses water continuously, tell us how much by specifying the "Gallons Per Hour" (gph) in the "Leak Alerts" section.  This amount will be considered normal for your account and will not be flagged by the leak detection system.  
• Another way to adjust the baseline for notifications is to indicate within the leak resolution process that the water use is typical for your property.  When a leak alert is received, follow the steps within the leak resolution process to indicate regular service for your home.

The leak alert notification parameters are as follows:

• Single Family Residence:  Continuous Leak alert sent when water use exceeds 3 gph for 48 hours. 
• Single Family Residence:  Burst Leak alert sent when water use exceeds 30 gph for 8 hours.
• Commercial*:  Burst Leak alert sent when water use exceeds 10 gph for 168 hours.

*Commercial Accounts:  Due to the fluctuations in water use and the needs of commercial accounts, leak notifications are sent only for suspected Burst Leaks.  ACC Public Utilities Dept. recommends commercial accounts interested in additional monitoring set "Daily Use Notifications," so if water use is higher than "normal" for your specific business, an alert is sent.

Daily Use Notifications are opt-in and initiated by the customer to set personal notification thresholds.  For both daily use and billing period Notifications, thresholds are set relative to the customer’s typical seasonal use, when available, or simply their typical use when seasonal use is not available.  Typical seasonal use is defined as the average of the last two years of data for the relevant billing period. For example, if your average use for the January billing period is 175 gallons per day, and your notification is set at 2X your normal seasonal use, then you will be notified if you use more than 350 gallons per day. Once we move into the April billing period, you will be notified if you use more than 2X your normal April use.  For customers that have less than two years of usage data, we use one year of historical data for the relevant billing period to identify their typical seasonal use. Customers with less than one year of billing history (ex. new customer) are compared to their average use up to that point in time, defined as their normal use.

A customer may receive notifications for a few days, then experience a period of time when they no longer receive notifications.  If your daily water use does not go over your normal seasonal use of your selected threshold, you will not receive a notification.  When you go over the threshold again, another notification is sent.  On days a customer is not notified of water use, the data can be accessed through your WaterSmart account.

. 

If you plan to go on vacation or have a time your house will be vacant, the "Unplanned Water Use" notification is a useful tool.  Set your account to send an alert if water use occurs while the house is empty.

Similar to how you might place a hold on your mail with the post office, you select a time period when there should be a "hold’ on your water.  Have an ice maker, auto-fill swimming pool, or self-filling pet bowl?  No problem!  Set a daily threshold for the number of gallons expected to be used.  When water use goes above this amount, you will receive an alert. 

How to set the "Unplanned Water Use" notifications:

1. Open the drop-down menu for "Settings" and select "Communication Preferences."
   
   
   
2. Scroll down to "Unplanned Use Notifications."  Click the box to turn on notifications, then select the start and end dates for the time period in which you expect no water use on your property.  If you anticipate minimal water use (ice maker, self-filling pet bowl, etc.), enter the expected number of gallons per day for the "Daily Threshold."  Select how you would like to receive notifications.
   
   
   
3. The "Unplanned Use Notification" will expire on the chosen end date or by unchecking the box for "Unplanned Use Notifications."

You are being compared to households in the Athens-Clarke County service area with similar attributes, such as the number of occupants and irrigable area. Answering the questions in the Household Profile helps us to compare you with similar households, not necessarily your next-door neighbors. 

The system uses property data along with information provided in the Household Profile to estimate the number of occupants in a property. The model predicts the number of occupants for each household based on property data alone. Use data is intentionally excluded in the occupant estimate. Despite being a strong predictor, doing so would skew the efficient and inefficient households to the low and high occupant bins, respectively.

Please note that if you change the number of occupants in your household through the WaterSmart system, this information is not applied to the billing side of the ACC Public Utilities Department.  If you have a change in the number of occupants in your home and would like to know if this affects your Winter Average, please contact the Water Business Office at 706-613-3500. 

Efficient use is generally calculated as the twentieth percentile of water use within a cohort.

Average water use is generally calculated as the median, or fiftieth percentile, of water use within a cohort.

Customers may pay their water bill through WaterSmart by clicking the "Billing" tab and selecting "Payment" from the drop-down menu.  Next, choose "Pay Bill." 

Customers are redirected to Click2Gov, the payment processor for the ACC Public Utilities Department.  Customers may choose to make a one-time payment or can create a New User account to set-up auto-pay, make a partial payment, or see balances in real-time. If using this payment system for the first time, have the account number available for the initial setup or when making one-time payments.  Please note, the User ID and Password for payment are not linked to the Username and Password used for your WaterSmart account, as these are two different systems.  Customers can use credit cards to make online payments with no fees.

Customers who want to view their WaterSmart Account in Spanish can do so with one click. There is a dropdown menu in the top right corner of the portal that lets users select their language.

Please call 706-613-3580 for the most recent party time options. Please note that birthday parties may not be available during holiday weekends, special zoo programs, or during the summer for zoo camp. Please check the website for these updates, or call the Memorial Park Office at 706-613-3580.

You may book a birthday party by visiting or calling the Memorial Park Office, which is open Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm at (706)613-3580. Please have payment ready at the time of booking. You may also request the birthday party online using our reservation software.

We recommend that you book your party AT LEAST one month in advance in order to ensure your desired date. However, we REQUIRE a 2-week notice for all parties. Our most popular months for parties are March through May and August through October.

Unfortunately, we cannot grant access to the birthday party room earlier than the time that it is reserved. If you arrive early, the room may be locked or there may be another party going on. We recommend that you tell your guests to arrive 15 – 30 minutes past the hour should you need the set up time.

Arrive at your designated time to begin set up. Bear Hollow staff will greet your group and provide assistance with party set up. Bear Hollow staff lead a 30 minute animal presentation in the birthday party classroom (if weather permits, it may be done outside). Then, the group will be given a personalized map for your walking self-guided zoo tour, which you can do at any point during your party time (or even after your party time if you have removed all belongings from the zoo classroom). You will then have the remaining time to hold your party (games, cake, presents, etc.) in the building. Be sure to allow a few minutes for cleanup of the area (we just ask that you put your trash in the provided receptacles) for your departure.

If there is inclement weather, the parties may be held inside for the duration of the rental. It is up to the staff and the party hosts to determine the course of action. If severe weather conditions cause a party to be cancelled, you may be able to reschedule the party. Please call 706-613-3580 if this is a concern.

Typically, the room will have three 8 foot tables (with 8 chairs at each table). We have two other 6 foot tables, as well as counter space, for cake, presents, and other decorations. We just ask that you leave the room as you found it. We will take out the trash and sweep.

The Birthday Party room will accommodate up to 30 guests—this includes children and adults.

The Birthday Party room is located in the Zoo Operations Building. To access this building, please park in the main lot of Memorial Park. Then walk around the basketball courts and the butterfly exhibit and you’ll see the Zoo Operations Building. Many people have found it helpful to place balloons at the corner of the basketball courts as a signal to their guests. We will also have an A frame sign outside guiding your guests to the classroom.

Guests are allowed to bring food and drink to the Zoo Operations Building. We have a standard size refrigerator and freezer that guests may use, as well as a sink and a microwave. We do not have an ice machine. We do request that you wait until after the animal presentation to eat (because the animals may be hungry)!

You are welcome to bring games. Soft music may be played at an appropriate level, with consideration to the animals that may be occupying the same space. Just as a reminder, NO BALLOONS are allowed in the classroom or Bear Hollow Zoo

Any ambassador animal may be used at the Program Assistant’s discretion. We do allow guests to decide if they are comfortable with a snake being one of their ambassador animals or not.

You are welcome to tell us your requests for animals. However, we cannot guarantee their appearance. We have a strict program animal policy that keeps our animals safe and healthy. Please understand this when booking a zoo birthday party.

You are expected to put the trash in the trash cans, but please—recycle when you can. We will have green bins available in the room for this purpose. If you borrowed cutlery, you may place it in the sink when you leave the room.

The Human Relations Commission (HRC) is an advisory board that will provide policy recommendations regarding ACC work on diversity, equity and inclusion of residents of all characteristics to the Mayor and Commission based on active relationship building, community dialogue, listening, data, and research and review of policies in other communities. 

The HRC will also work to educate the community about the local non-discrimination ordinance and how to file complaints.

The HRC will also seek opportunities for community outreach and education that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, representation, and equity. More details are available in the ordinance that established the HRC.

The HRC will include 15 members who represent a diverse array of ACC residents across bands of characteristics, including race, color, creed, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, ethnicity, ability, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, ancestry, veteran/military status, familial status, marital status, expertise, lived experience, and their intersections.

 All members will be appointed by the Mayor and Commission. 

Initially, eight members will serve four year terms, and seven members will serve two year terms; upon conclusion of those initial terms, all members will serve for four year stints.

The HRC will meet at least ten times per year, with the first meeting in the winter or spring of 2022. The members will determine the days and times of meetings. 

The HRC will be supported by the ACCGov’s Inclusion Office, with an expansion of the office to include a designated staff member who will support the HRC.

Yes. HRC members receive a stipend of $25.00 for each regular meeting that they attend and are eligible for reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, not including travel to and from meetings.

This group will review, evaluate and make recommendations regarding policies and procedures of the ACCGov Police Department, Probation Services, Sheriff’s Office, and Corrections Department. They will also process and ensure investigation of complaints lodged by members of the public regarding alleged abuse of authority, appropriate action required, abusive language, conduct unbecoming, discrimination, failure to provide identification, false arrest, false imprisonment, harassment, use of excessive force, misconduct, retaliation, serious body injury, violation of department standard operation procedures, and/or death that is alleged to be the result of the actions of a sworn employee of one of the public safety units noted above. 

The group will initially work to prepare a recommendation to the Athens-Clarke County Commission’s Government Operations Committee detailing staffing levels necessary to support this work. More details are available  in the ordinance that established the board.

The board will include nine residents selected by the Mayor and Commission through an interview process, and will include ex-officio support from the ACCGov Attorney’s Office, the Chief of Police, the Sheriff, the Warden of the Corrections Department, the Chief Probation Officer, and a member of the Athens-Clarke County Commission. 

Training for the board will include – but not be limited to - the ACCGov Citizens Police Academy, as well as additional training regarding ordinances governing the board, a range of law enforcement practices and procedures, confidentiality requirements, ethics training, and public records and public meetings laws.

Under Georgia Code, direct hiring and firing and supervisory authority for public safety units rests with the head of each of those units (Police Chief, Warden, etc.). The board may provide recommendations regarding incident responses, but does not hold personnel management authority.

The board will generally meet monthly, with the first meeting in the winter or spring of 2022. The members will determine the days and times of meetings. Pending hire of the supporting staff, the board will be supported by the ACCGov Manager’s and Attorney’s office.

Yes. Public Safety Civilian Oversight Board members receive a stipend of $25.00 for each regular meeting that they attend.

During two landmark cases (Graham v. Connor and Tennessee v. Garner), the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) set the standard for use of force by police.  SCOTUS ruled that police use of force constitutes a "seizure" of a person and is, therefore, subject to analysis under the "objective reasonableness standard" of the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution.  This means that an officer's decision to use force must be weighed against the "totality of the facts of the circumstances" known to the officer at the time force was used (not with the advantage of 20/20 hindsight bias), and it must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer confronted with similar facts and circumstances. 

For more information on these cases and other important SCOTUS decisions impacting policing, please see the following article: Five Supreme Court cases the police and the public should know.

ACCPD Directive 6.01.05 (K) prohibits the use of neck restraints and choke holds unless deadly force is justified.   The Department does not teach or train officers to apply pressure to someone’s neck. This level of force would be considered deadly force and would not be permitted in situations unless the use of deadly force can be articulated and justified. This level of force is not used in situations to gain compliance or control over an individual.

Yes, ACCPD officers are required to de-escalate interactions and situations when possible. One of the most important tools officers have at their disposal is their ability to communicate. Providing clear commands and explaining the actions that are being taken can aid in defusing a situation. Ensuring officers can properly communicate and articulate actions is reinforced through ongoing training.  ACCPD officers are trained in de-escalation, Crisis Intervention (CIT), and Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT).  ACCPD also incorporates a 40-hour CIT class into its New Officer Basic Course to meet recommendations of The President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.  New officers must complete the 40-hour CIT class prior to being released from training.

Directive 6.01.05 (C)  requires warning but only when time and circumstance allows.  Shooting a firearm is considered a deadly force situation and must be properly articulated and justified. Per policy, where feasible, a verbal warning will be given prior to the use of deadly force. The Department does recognize that there are some situations where a warning is not feasible and is therefore not required. The circumstances surrounding that decision must be articulated.

The Department implements and trains our officers on using force through a model developed in conjunction with the Police Executive Research Forum entitled, "ICAT:  Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics. The Department incorporates this use of force model and not a use of force "continuum", as a continuum implies a progression of force similar to a line. Our current model is circular with no beginning or end.  Rather, it calls on the officer to continuously assess the situation at hand and gather information to determine the type of individual the officer is encountering (cooperative, resistant, or assaultive), as well as, the appropriate level of force, if any, to use to defuse the situation. Officers have many tools they can use and knowing when and how to use them is a critical component to the training. The ICAT model also shows how time and distance can be advantageous to de-escalating an incident by gathering information to aid in assessing the proper action.

Yes,  ACCPD officers have sworn an oath to protect human life and uphold the Constitution. This applies to not only our own individual actions, but also the actions of our peers. Pursuant to Directive 6.01.03 (F), it is the duty of every officer to intervene if they observe excessive force and report the incident to their supervisor.  Additionally, ACCPD Directive 1.04.03 (C) requires every employee who knows of other employees violating laws, ordinances, department rules, or disobeying orders to immediately report it to a supervisor who will take appropriate action.

Directive 6.01.04 (C) prohibits ACCPD officers from shooting at or from a moving vehicle except as a last resort to avoid immediate and clearly foreseeable danger of death or serious injury to the officer or citizens.  The substantial risks generated by using gunfire against moving vehicles, in combination with the likelihood that such gunfire may fail to achieve its goal, demand that officer’s resort to firing only in the most extreme and exceptional circumstances. The use of deadly force in these encounters must be articulated and justified.

Yes, Directive 6.01.08 requires officers to submit a report to their supervisors for every time they use force against a citizen.  This includes anytime an officer shows force through presentation of a taser or firearm.  Officers must thoroughly document and properly articulate in their report the reason for using force and the level of force used.  All uses of force by department members are thoroughly investigated and further documented by a supervisor regardless of the circumstances or type of force.  As part of the investigation, the supervisor will seek to speak to all parties involved and any witnesses to the encounter and review any available evidence.  Each investigative report is reviewed through the appropriate chain of command to determine if the officer’s actions were or were not within department policy.  Any policy violations concerning excessive force require the supervisor to initiate a formal complaint against the officer that is submitted to the Office of Professional Standards.  Upon completion of the investigation and review process, the Office of Professional Standards conducts a review of the supervisor’s investigation to ensure that it was thorough and properly conducted, as well as a secondary review of the use of force itself to confirm the policy findings.  For more information about Departmental use of force, please view our Annual Compliance Reports Page. 

Yes, ACCPD Directive 6.01.04 requires officers evaluate the use of other reasonably effective alternatives before resorting to the use deadly force.  However, it is also recognized that each and every case is unique and requires careful attention to the particular facts and circumstances known to the officer at the time deadly force is used, as opposed to the benefits of 20/20 hindsight bias. ACCPD policy only permits the use of deadly force when the officer reasonably believes that the action is in defense of human life or there is imminent threat of serious physical injury to the officer or another person. 

Yes.  Pursuant to Directive 6.01.11, ACCPD produces annual reports and compiles annual data concerning use-of-force.  The reports and data are available on our Transparency in Policing page.  Even though each use-of-force incident is individually investigated and reviewed through a standard process, the annual review process is a secondary means of oversight and accountability.   It allows us an opportunity to assess departmental use-of-force activities from a broader perspective and publish this information to the public.  

Often times individual cases involving force are within policy and justified.  However, we recognize that by taking a broader look at our activities we may identify trends, patterns, or areas of concern related to force.  Through this process we learn from our collective experiences and real data to continually improve our policies and practices.  In doing so, our hope is that we can implement changes, when appropriate, to decrease how often officers need to use force and reduce the levels of force used when force is necessary.

Yes.  ACCPD uses an Early Intervention Program (Directive 2.20) as a proactive, non-disciplinary way to identify and positively influence officers’ conduct and performance before it becomes problematic.  This includes use-of-force activities.  If an officer is involved in a certain number of use-of-force incidents within a specified timeframe, an automatic Early Alert is generated and sent to the Office of Professional Standards.  The Office of Professional Standards forwards the alert to the appropriate supervisory personnel for review.  As part of the review process, the supervisor looks at the individual force incidents giving rise to the alert as well as any other relevant performance or behavioral issues concerning the officer.  The supervisor may refer the case to the Chief of Police, and the Chief of Police will determine whether or not to recommend the officer for the Early Intervention Program.  If recommended to the Early Intervention Program, the officer receives an individualized remedial action plan in order to correct potentially problematic behavior and positively address other issues that may be negatively impacting the officer’s performance.      

Anytime an officer uses deadly force there are generally two separate, parallel investigations that occur.  First, there is a criminal investigation.  Pursuant to our policy (Directive 6.01 and Directive 6.07), ACCPD requests an independent, objective investigation from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for all incidents involving the use of deadly force.  The GBI investigates these incidents and submits its investigative case file to the Office of the District Attorney for criminal review.  It is the purview of the District Attorney to determine if the use of deadly force was legally justified and whether or not to pursue criminal charges.

Additionally, our Office of Professional Standards conducts an administrative investigation for all incidents involving the use of deadly force.  The administrative investigation determines whether or not the actions of the officer(s) during the use of force were within the policy limits of the department.       

VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) helps keep communities safe and informed by providing crime victims access to information about offenders’ custody status and notifying them about any changes in that status. You may register online: Athens-Clarke County VINELink and by phone :Athens-Clarke County VINE service: 1-800-467-4975.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office for assistance.

The Athens-Clarke County Solicitor-General’s office, located in the downtown Athens-Clarke County courthouse at 325 E Washington St, Suite 550 (5th floor), is open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. You can reach our office by calling 706-613-3215. If you are not sure who you need to speak with when calling, it is helpful to have as much information pertaining to your case as possible (ie: name of person charged/offense date, police case report number (CRN #), a court docket number, etc.) so that we may connect you without taking up too much of your time. You may also use our staff directory for a list of staff and their email addresses.

If you are experiencing an emergency, we urge you to call 911 as soon as possible. 
Violations of bond conditions / order can be reported to your local police. You may also contact our office with any questions or concerns. Your victim advocate and/or the prosecutor handling your case will assist you. 

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or received a traffic citation in Athens-Clarke County, the Solicitor’s office will be handling your case for the State of Georgia*.

If you are not currently represented by a public defender and/or you have not hired a private attorney, please be prepared to discuss your questions and/or concerns with the Assistant Solicitor-General assigned to your case at your scheduled court date.   

*If your misdemeanor offense(s) are resulting from the same incident in which you’ve also received felony(ies), the Athens-Clarke County DA’s office will be handling your case.

Please visit ACC Coronavirus Updates

The Athens-Clarke County Solicitor-General’s office, located in the downtown Athens-Clarke County courthouse at 325 E Washington St, Suite 550 (5th floor), is open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm. You can also contact our office by calling 706-613-3215. If you are not sure who you need to speak with when calling, it is helpful to have as much information pertaining to your case as possible (ie: name of person charged/offense date, police case report number (CRN #), a court docket number, etc.) so that we may connect you without taking up too much of your time. You may also use our staff directory for a list of staff and their email addresses.
 

If you are experiencing an emergency, we urge you to call 911 as soon as possible. 
Violations of bond conditions / order can be reported to your local police. You may also contact our office with any questions or concerns. Your victim advocate and/or the prosecutor handling your case will assist you.

VINE (Victim Information Notification Everyday) helps keep communities safe and informed by providing crime victims access to information about offenders’ custody status and notifying them about any changes in that status. You may register online: Athens-Clarke County VINELink and by phone :Athens-Clarke County VINE service: 1-800-467-4975.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office for assistance.

Please contact our office to speak with your victim advocate/the prosecutor who is handling your case for information regarding the modification of special conditions of bond.

If you are a victim requiring restitution, please contact your victim advocate to find out which out-of-pocket expenses you can recoup and what documentation will be required. 

You may submit your documents in whichever way is most convenient for you. Either drop it in the mail (325 E Washington St Ste 550 Athens GA 30601) or stop by our office in the downtown Athens courthouse. You may also email your victim advocate and/or the office administrative assistant, or fax to 706-613-3229.

If you have evidence pertaining to your case, please contact your victim advocate and/or the prosecutor. They will discuss with you what it is you have and coordinate how to retrieve the evidence for your case. 

In most states, kitten season begins around spring and lasts through early winter. Cats start reproducing and continue to have several litters during this time period. During this time, Athens-Clarke County Animal Services experiences a massive influx of intakes of kittens and mother cats. Underage kittens without their mothers are at high-risk being brought into shelters due to the vulnerability of their health.

Before jumping to the rescue, please considering the following recommendations:

• Quietly observe from a safe distance to determine if the mother is present.
• If the kittens are clean and sleeping in a heap, mom is most likely out looking for something to eat and will be back to care for them.
• If you sense the kittens are in immediate danger, move them to a safe area nearby where the mother can still find them.
• Place them in a sheltered area, away from the direct sun, rain or traffic and continue to watch for the mother.
• If you have observed the kittens for 24 hours and the mother has not returned, then pick them up, and care for them.

Be aware that sometimes, no matter what you do, some neonatal kittens do not survive and can fade very fast. You can only try to be the best surrogate guardian possible and hope for the best.

Athens-Clarke County Animal Services is an open-admission shelter. That means we do not turn any animal away. However, kittens less than eight weeks old are at extremely high risk being brought into shelters. Due to large amount of animals housed at the animal shelter, underage kittens are more susceptible to diseases that can spread quickly and affect these vulnerable animals heavily, and often fatally. Underage kittens would be in need of foster care with constant monitoring and feedings. Animal Services can never guarantee that a pet will be fostered or adopted from the shelter, although every effort is made.

Due to the vulnerability of kittens in a shelter environment, Athens-Clarke County Animal Services has asked citizens in the community to help through the Wait Until 8 program. Through this program, Athens-Clarke County will provide some resources to care for the orphaned kittens until they are at an age, safe enough to survive in a shelter and become a potential adoption candidate to find their new loving home.

Wait Until 8 means to wait until kittens are eight weeks old before turning them into a shelter. This program is designed to empower you to care for kittens in your home until the kittens are old enough to return for sterilization and adoption.

To qualify for the program you must be an Athens-Clarke County resident, age 18 or older that agrees to the following:

• Be able to safely house kittens and/or mama cat with nursing kittens for the duration of the program - typically until the kittens are 8 weeks of age and weigh at least 2 pounds.
• Give adequate and age appropriate food, and fresh water, every day.
• Provide clean bedding and litter box.
• Spend time each day socializing the kittens. In order to be an ideal adoption candidate, kittens need to be socialized and friendly.

If you’ve found a kitten or a litter of kittens and aren’t sure if they are old enough, to exist in a temporary shelter environment. You can call the Athens-Clarke County Animal Services and one of our Milk Officer can deliver a kitten kit to your home.

In the starter kit you will receive the following supplies:

• Kitten Milk Replacer (“KMR”)
• Kitten bottle
• Syringes (3mL)
• Canned kitten food
• Disposable litter pan
• Puppy pee pads
• Kitty litter

Congratulations! Your kitten(s) are ready to find their new forever home.

You have the following options:

• Bring them to Athens-Clarke County Animal Services. 
• Contact Animal Services, and a Milk Officer will come and pick them up from your location.  

Kittens will be impounded, placed on the spay/neuter surgery schedule, and placed for adoption.

Please contact Athens-Clarke County Animal Services and speak with the foster coordinator. Our Phone number is 706-613-3540.

Registered 501(c)(3) organizations in Athens-Clarke County that are currently operating a program offering:

• Homeless Services
• Food Assistance
• Resource Distribution

Programs serving the indigent population in the following three areas:

1. Homeless Services
2. Food Assistance
3. Resource Distribution

Organizations may apply for funding in one of these areas or multiple areas.

A household is considered indigent if the household earns fifty percent or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). See chart below.