Helen City Commission

News Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett gave an update on the K-9 Unit and personnel to the Helen City Commission.

News Helen Police Chief Aletha Barrett gave an update on the K-9 Unit and personnel to the Helen City Commission.

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Helen chief gives update

Ashley Blair
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Helen’s new police chief Aletha Barrett presented April’s monthly report and gave an update to the city commission on May 17. Helen’s K-9 officers and K-9’s are in training this week in Florida and they will graduate from the program this Friday, May 20.
Helen City Commission approved the second reading of an amendment that will require owners of short-term rentals pay occupational tax.

Helen City Commission approved the second reading of an amendment that will require owners of short-term rentals pay occupational tax.

Helen okays occupational tax for short-term rentals

Ashley Blair
Thursday, May 19, 2022
The Helen City Commission approved the second reading of an amendment to the business chapter of the Helen City Code at a May 17 meeting. This amendment will require owners of short-term rentals to pay occupational tax.
Helen discussed problems revolving around municipal parking at their monthly meeting.

Helen discussed problems revolving around municipal parking at their monthly meeting.

Helen council hears parking law problems

Ashley Blair
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Cowboys and Angel owner Chris Williams came before the Helen City Commission on Tuesday to address problems involving municipal parking.
City of Helen approved the first reading of short term rental occupational tax amendment.

City of Helen approved the first reading of short term rental occupational tax amendment.

Helen closer to short-term rental ordinance

Ashley Blair
Thursday, April 21, 2022
The Helen City Commission held the first reading of an amendment to the business chapter of the Helen City Code at an April 19 meeting. If adopted after a second reading, this amendment will require owners of short-term rentals to pay occupational tax.
The Helen City Commission voted to approve spending up to $10,000 to support a K-9 unit in the Police Department.

The Helen City Commission voted to approve spending up to $10,000 to support a K-9 unit in the Police Department.

New K-9 unit gets green light from Helen commission

Ashley Blair
Thursday, April 14, 2022
The Helen City Commission approved the acquisition of two trained dogs to form a K-9 unit in the Helen Police Department at a called meeting April 6. Sgt. Chris Barrett presented the commissioners with two agencies from which the dogs could be acquired.
City has requested firm to investigate concerns about operations

City has requested firm to investigate concerns about operations

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Report recommends changes at HPD

Wayne Hardy
Thursday, March 24, 2022
An independent firm’s investigation of Helen Police Department procedures and personnel concerns produced multiple recommendations for operational changes. Earlier this month city officials said the probe stemmed from complaints about the police department’s work environment.
Authority Executive Director Edwin Nix spoke about the issue with the Helen City Commission at its March 15 meeting.

Authority Executive Director Edwin Nix spoke about the issue with the Helen City Commission at its March 15 meeting.

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Water Authority wants rate flexibility in Helen contract

Ashley Blair
Thursday, March 17, 2022
The White County Water Authority plans to propose new terms for its contract with the city of Helen, citing its own cost pressures from the water it provides. Authority Executive Director Edwin Nix spoke about the issue with the Helen City Commission at its March 15 meeting.
Helen Police Chief Brian Stephens was terminated from his position on March 8.

Helen Police Chief Brian Stephens was terminated from his position on March 8.

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Helen City Commission fires police chief

Ashley Blair
Thursday, March 10, 2022
The Helen City Commission terminated Police Chief Brian Stephens and demoted Capt. Mark Harris to patrol officer at a March 8 called meeting. The moves followed a nearly two-hour closed session Tuesday to discuss personnel matters.
The City of Helen wants the county offices to manage city elections.

The City of Helen wants the county offices to manage city elections.

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Helen wants county to manage elections

Ashley Blair
Thursday, February 24, 2022
The Helen City Commission plans to contract with the White County election office to conduct its municipal elections. White County Elections Supervisor Akyn Bailey quoted a price of $5,717.35 to run Helen’s city elections.
GDOT workshop bringing changes to sidewalk and crosswalks in Helen.

GDOT workshop bringing changes to sidewalk and crosswalks in Helen.

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Changes coming to Helen streets

Ashley Blair
Thursday, January 20, 2022
Helen’s streets could look different with planned changes to crosswalks and the possible addition of fencing. The Georgia Department of Transportation and Helen City Commission are scheduled to meet Thursday, Jan.