CLARKESVILLE - When Habersham County hires a replacement for J.R. Charles, executive director of the Habersham County Development Authority, that position will have a new title and job description.
The converted community planning and development director position will report directly to the county manager, but also will receive guidance from the county's development authority in specific areas.
During his time with the county, Charles has reported directly to the development authority.
"This position will primarily focus on supporting private sector investment in the Habersham County community," said County Manager Phil Sutton. "Combined areas of activity include both community planning and community development."
The newly-classified position will manage the activities of the community planning and development department, including its long-range and short-range planning, building inspection and permitting, code enforcement, geographic information systems, and business licenses.
"In addition, the position will support the Habersham County Industrial Authority in its effort to complete the Airport Industrial Park, repair and sale of the Miller Logistics Building, and the sale of other development authority properties," Sutton said.
Following Monday night's county commission meeting, Chairman Andrea Harper discussed the change in the position, one that was approved unanimously.
"It is a reclassification from the executive director of the development authority into a county planner," Harper said. "In my opinion, this is something that we've needed for a very long time."
Harper said the county hasn't begun advertising for the position yet. Annual compensation is to be determined from the industrial authority account.
