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| Recent News |
| Hoschton Appoints Kristen
Smith as New City Clerk |
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(May 5, 2008) The Hoschton City Council unanimously approved the
selection of a new city Clerk, Kristen A Smith, at its May
meeting. Kristen has lived in the area for over 17
years, and many already know her from her banking role with
Hamilton State Bank in Hoschton.
Learn More. |
| Jackson County Relaxes Some Water Restrictions |
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(March 18, 2008) Hoschton follows the Jackson County
Water and Sewer Authority's guidelines for water use.
You can now water your lawn on the odd/even day schedule but
only with a hand-held hose that has an automatic shutoff and
then only for a maximum of 25 minutes, and only between the
hours of midnight and 10:00 in the morning.
Learn More |
| GA EPD requires Hoschton to reduce water consumption by 10 percent beginnig November 1 |
(October 24, 2007) On October 23, Governor Perdue directed the Georgia Environmental Protection Division
(EPD) to modify current surface and ground water withdrawal permits to achieve a 10 percent reduction for permit holders
in the 61 North Georgia counties covered under the Level 4 drought designation. Permit holders are required to reduce
withdrawals by 10 percent as compared with usage for the last winter seaon (12/06-3/07).
Following this, Hoschton received a letter dated October 24 from Dr. Carol Couch, Director, GAEPD, making this mandatory
reduction effective November 1. Usage is to be reported monthly to the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources. Further
information regarding the drought and what you can do to help reduce water consumption is available at
www.conservewatergeorgia.net.
The City strongly encourages all water users to conserve as much as possible. Following are some specific measures
that can be taken to reduce water consumption now:
General
- An average person in the United States uses 125-150 gallons of water per day for cooking, washing, flushing, and watering; this is more than 40 percent over what is needed to accomplish these tasks.
- Never pour clean, unused water down the drain. There are other uses for it.
- Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. Every drop counts!
- Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber.
- Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
- Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
- Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
Kitchen
- Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded.
- Hand wash dishes by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
- Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
- Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
- Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
- Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
- Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.
Laundry
- Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
Bathroom
- Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
- Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
- Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
- Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
- Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
- Avoid taking baths - take short showers - turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
- Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
For more information, visit the following sites:
www.droughtjic.org/
www.conservewatergeorgia.net/.
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| Hoschton and Jackson County move to Level 4 Watering Restrictions |
(September 17, 2007) Effective Monday, September 17, 2007, Jackson County and the City will move to Level 4 Watering Restrictions.
As a courtesy, we have provided the Georgia code covering all watering levels, and detailing all restrictions. We recommend
customers check the Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority website at http://www.jcwsa.com for up to date restrictions.
To view the code, please open the following document:
This download requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this program, we have provided
a link to download this free application.
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| Hoschton and Jackson County move to Level 3 Watering Restrictions |
(June 25, 2007) Effective Monday, June 25, 2007, Jackson County will move to Level 3 Watering Restrictions.
As a courtesy, we have provided the Georgia code covering all watering levels, and detailing all restrictions. We recommend
customers check the Jackson County Water & Sewerage Authority website at http://www.jcwsa.com for up to date restrictions.
To view the code, please open the following document:
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| New Water/Sewer Rates Effective April 2, 2007 |
(April 21, 2007) The City has adopted a new rate schedule for water and sewer service,
effective April 2, 2007. For complete details concerning the new rates, please view the following document:
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| Georgia EPD Declares Level 2 Drought Statewide |
(April 20, 2007) The Georiga EPD has declared a level 2 drought for the entire state of Georgia.
To view the press release, please view the following document:
This download requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have this program, we have provided
a link to download this free application.
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(April 2, 2007) Along with many other cities across the state, Hoschton will be
participating in the 2007 Great American Cleanup and Georgia Cities Campaigns during the month of
April. Hoschton’s participation has been titled “Clean-up, Cookout and Celebrate Hoschton Month”
and will involve a variety of events throughout the month, including replanting and landscaping
on the city square, the collection of outdated electronic equipment and computers for recycling, the
annual disposal of large household items for city residents and a cookout in the new city park to highlight
the role the City plays in contributing to its citizens quality of life.
For the entire press release, including a calendar of events, please view the following document:
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| Waste Pro to Provide City Residential and Recycling Service Beginning January 29, 2007
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(January 12, 2007) The City's contract with Allied Waste for collection and recycling of residential
waste is expiring as of the end of January 2006. In response to a recent Request for Proposals for this service,
five proposals were submitted to the City with Waste Pro, Inc. the low bidder. A contract has since been signed with
Waste Pro who will begin picking up residential waste on Monday, January 29 and every Monday thereafter.
Allied's last pick-up will be Friday, January 26.
Waste Pro's low bid was $.54 higher per household than the amount currently charged by Allied. The City is,
therefore, raising the monthly amount billed to each customer by .$50.
Waste Pro will provide new waste containers and recycling bins to each customer before January 29. Except for the
color, they will be the same as the ones used by Allied. Allied will pick up its blue containers on, or shortly after,
January 26 so please leave them at the curb after the January 26 pick-up.
Leaf and limb pick-up will not be included in the normal waste pick-up but can be scheduled with Waste Pro by the
homeowner for a fee paid directly to them. The City will also continue its service of picking up yard waste for a fee.
Call City Hall if you have need for this service.
Large items such as "white" goods (appliances) will be picked up one day a month by Waste Pro for a fee.
Please call City Hall for this service and to obtain a fee schedule.
Side door service will be provided to residents unable to get their containers to the street. If you require this
service, please call City Hall and describe your need.
Finally, Waste Pro will send a brochure to each customer describing its services prior to January 29.
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| Orientation Program Held for the Citizen Commissions
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(January 10, 2007) Hoschton’s citizen commissions began the New Year by participating
in an orientation program sponsored by the City Council. Nearly all members of the City Council, Planning
and Zoning Commission, the Historical Commission and the Business and Economic Development Commission
attended the training program held at the Hoschton Depot.
 City Attorney Thomas Mitchell led most of the discussion which focused on the legal issues, authorities,
powers and responsibilities of citizen commissions in carrying out their duties of providing advice and
recommendations to the City Council on a wide range of issues considered each year.
The City’s citizen commissions play an important role in providing information and assisting the City in
addressing matters that arise throughout the year and assist elected officials by serving in advisory
capacities for projects and specific long-term programs that are important to the City. The various commissions,
staffed by volunteers appointed by the City Council, also fulfill an important role in providing
additional forums for public input.
 Mr. Doug Easter and Ms. Leslie Tomlinson, both new members of the Planning and Zoning Commission were
sworn in at the beginning of the program and will assume their new positions at the Commission’s next meeting
on January 15, 2007.
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| 2006 News Stories
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| Santa at the Depot Announcement
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| (December 1, 2006) The Hoschton Women’s Civic Club will be hosting their
annual Santa At The Depot on Saturday, December 9, 2006 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Children can have their picture taken with Santa and receive a stocking filled with goodies.
There is no charge for any of this. This will take place at the Historic Hoschton Depot on
Highway 53 in Hoschton.
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| Holiday Schedule Announced For City Services
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(November 8, 2006) The City of Hoschton announces the following schedule
regarding City Hall office hours and the solid waste pickup for the upcoming holiday season.
| Thanksgiving Holidays |
City Hall
Closed for business on Thursday and Friday, November
23 and 24. |
Allied Solid Waste Pickup
Delayed one day. Pickup
will be on Saturday, November 25 (instead of the normal
Friday). |
| Christmas Holiday |
City Hall
Closed for business on Friday, Monday and Tuesday, December 22, 25 and 26. |
Allied Solid Waste Pickup
Delayed one day. Pickup will be on Saturday, December 30 (instead of the normal Friday). |
| New Years Holiday |
City Hall
Closed for business on Monday, January 1. |
Allied Solid Waste Pickup
Delayed one day. Pickup will be on Saturday, January 6 (instead of the normal Friday). |
The Mayor, Council and staff of the City wishes all of our citizens a happy and safe holiday season. Please contact City Hall at
706.654.3034 if there are any questions about the holiday schedule.
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| Two Hoschton Landmarks Draw Attention on Saturday
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(August 21, 2006) Two historic landmarks in downtown were the subject of
lots of attention on Saturday. Unfortunately, the two very familiar sights were on
different courses – the renovation project of the depot was being wrapped up at nearly
the same moment the 120 year-old diseased American Elm tree was being taken down.
The depot project began about seven weeks ago and last month the tree was confirmed
to be dying and a hazard to passing citizens.
The City Council is resting easier now that the new roof and painting of the historic depot
and city square gazebo have been completed. These projects represent the second major
improvement to the depot park area since March and the City’s most significant project
to be completed before the Fall Festival on September 23. New park benches should be in
place in a few weeks and some general landscaping may be considered later in the year.
From start to finish, improvements to the depot and gazebo took about seven weeks and began
when both structures received new metal roofs in July. Because of the age and general
condition of both buildings exteriors, painting took nearly three weeks when finished this
weekend. Nearly $15,000 in grant funds was used to make the improvements to the two downtown icons.
As for the tree, when it was removed, the earlier diagnosis was confirmed. Nearly all major branches
and the main trunk were hollow all the way down into the tap root. It is amazing that it had not
fallen before now according to the City’s contractor, John Waldon and Sons Tree Service.
The City Council may consider planting a new tree in its place in the fall.
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| Historical Commission Auction and Fundraiser A Success
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(August 14, 2006) The weather cooperated and nearly 150 folks attended the barbeque
and auction fundraiser held at the downtown historic depot to raise funds for the Hoschton Historical
Commission’s first project – restoration of the Darcy Mercantile Building.
Immediately following the afternoon cookout, auctioneer Robbie Bettis led the fundraising proceedings
that made nearly $6000 for the project. All auctioned items had been donated by citizens in the
Hoschton community and included hundreds of items such as antique furniture, books, dishes and
accessories, antique organ and fur coat. Since all items were donated for the sale, 100% of the
proceeds went to the Historical Commission for the restoration project.
The festivities were so successful that Chairperson Dianne Blankenship indicated the Commission may
ask the City Council to make the program a regular event. She was delighted with the amount of
funds that had been raised and was especially pleased with the enthusiasm and festive atmosphere
that the program created in the downtown area.
The Hoschton Historical Commission meets once a month and announcements are posted in the City Hall.
The public is welcome to attend and participate in the Commission’s proceedings.
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| New Ordinance Enacted – Fee for Pickup of Yard Waste
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(August 14, 2006) Lawn clippings, small tree limbs (maximum 4” diameter/4’ length) and other vegetative
debris are not picked up by our solid waste collection contractor; however, beginning August 21, for a nominal fee,
the City will assist residents in disposing of such items.
Due to the rising cost of picking up and disposing of yard and brush trimmings, the City will soon begin charging a small
fee for the service – a service that has heretofore been provided on a complimentary basis. The change is due to increasing
cost to the City - an estimated $60 per trip to the county landfill – costs and services that the City can no longer provide
from other tax or fee revenues.
The new ordinance requires that citizens no longer place yard trimmings next to the street without first calling city hall
and scheduling a collection time. The cost of removing debris will be $15 for a partial truck load, $30 for a full load
and $30 for the collection of trimmings that involve more than one residence.
Beginning Monday, August 21, please first contact City Hall at 706-654-3034 to arrange for pickup before placing yard
trimmings at the edge of the street. When yard debris has been removed, the resident will be provided with a dated job
chit indicating the amount that will be added to their next water bill.
In addition, citizens are requested help keep the City clean and attractive by removing trash containers from the edge of
the street after household refuse has been picked up by our solid waste contractor.
The City Council appreciates the cooperation and assistance of all citizens in making these changes to improve the
appearance of our community.
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| New Water Restrictions Announced
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(August 8, 2006) A level one drought has recently been declared in the State of Georgia
which places hourly limits on the outdoor water use schedules already in effect.
In addition to the statewide restrictions, the City of Hoschton has expanded the number of hours in which watering is not permitted.
The following restrictions are in effect until further notice.
1. Odd-numbered addresses may water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. NO WATERING IS ALLOWED FROM 10AM TO 10PM.
2. Even-numbered addresses may water only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. NO WATERING IS ALLOWED FROM 10AM TO 10PM.
We encourage you to continue outdoor water conservation through reduction of outdoor water use and may refer to
www.caes.uga.edu/topics/disasters/drought/ for additional information.
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| Registration Forms – Hoschton Fall Festival – September 23 |
(August 3, 2006) The City of Hoschton will once again be sponsoring the Hoschton Fall
Festival on the square and Hoschton Depot Park across the street from the city square. This one day event
will be held on Saturday, September 23; however, vendors and displays may be set up Friday afternoon.
The cost of booths will be $35.00 (15’ X 15’ space). Electricity will be available; however, vendors must provide
their own extension cords and electric items). Vendors are required to provide their own tent, shelter,
table, chairs, and other necessary items for the exhibit or display. If a tent is to be utilized, please
indicate the type (funeral tent, tarp or free standing tent). This will assist us in assigning your
display location so that it does not damage street or sidewalk surfaces.
On the application form, please list all types of items to be sold or displayed in your booth. While a police
officer will be on duty most of Friday and Saturday nights, each vendor will be responsible for the
security of their respective display and property for the entire event.
Assignment of display areas will be on a first come basis. Therefore, completed applications and
registration fees must be received not later than September 8.
Please make checks payable to the City Of Hoschton and deliver or mail along with completed applications to
the Hoschton City Hall, 79 City Square, P.O. Box 61, Hoschton, GA 30548. If you have any questions or need
any additional information, please call City Hall at 706.654.3034.
Please click here to download the Vendor Booth Registration Form.
Please click here to download the Parade Entry Form.
Please click here to download the One Mile Fun Run Entry Form.
Please click here to download the Chicken Cooking Contest Entry Form.
Please click here to download the Scarecrow Contest Entry Form.
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| City Dedicates New Flagpole
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(July 1, 2006) Most Hoschtonians can’t remember the last time Old Glory flew from
a mast in the downtown area. That all changed on Saturday, July 1 when Mayor Copenhaver and city
officials, joined by an honor guard, local veterans and interested citizens, dedicated the City’s
new flagpole and raised the stars and stripes in front of City Hall.
Earlier in the year, City officials recognized the importance of honoring our nation and decided
that the flagpole project should begin without delay. As a result, the City Council’s Public Works
Committee took the lead in exploring and proposing options that were recently approved
by the City Council.
By displaying the flag in front of City Hall, the community shows that it is proud and supportive
of the ideals and values that makes our Country so special. Hoschton is a wonderful place to
live and our new flag expresses our gratitude to those past generations that died for our country.
As a symbol of our country and its traditions, the City’s new flag provides a link to the past and to the future
and helps us to remember all of the sacrifices that our citizens have made in upholding our values,
beliefs and freedoms.
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| Hoschton’s Future Includes a Glimpse into the Past
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(June 5, 2006) City officials held an open house for the viewing and dedication
of 20 turn-of-the-century framed photographs and narratives, before the regular city council
meeting on Monday, June 5, marking the end of the six-month long project.
Hosted by the Mayor and City Council, citizens attended and viewed the beautiful collection of photographs
and accompanying narratives in the Council meeting room prior to the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. The program
included the recognition of dozens of citizens who generously contributed to the project. The collection
will be permanently displayed in the City Hall.
The project was the idea of Councilmember John Schulte when he took office at the beginning of the year. His
goal was to assemble pictorial moments in Hoschton’s past so that the remarkable images could once again be a
part of the City’s future. Schulte and his wife Kay collaborated with several of the City’s long-time citizens
to collect photographs, historical facts and an abundance of noteworthy information. After successfully acquiring
the information, he then turned to citizens for financial support to complete the project.
The generosity of local citizens and their first-hand knowledge of Hoschton’s important people, places and
events helped to make this “back to the future” project a success. Many of the photographs illustrate and
depict scenes and events that date back to the City’s founding in 1891 and when the City thrived with general
stores, banks, doctor’s offices, a hospital, railroad, warehouses, a theater, churches and many other businesses.
Today, as in the past, Hoschtonians remain very loyal and proud to call this community home. In recent years,
long-time citizens have been joined by more new residents that desire to live in a community that looks to the
future, but proudly retains important aspects of its past.
The completion of this project demonstrates the pride that both new and longtime citizens share in calling
Hoschton home and captures the belief that as the City grows, its small town atmosphere, history and important
events should be maintained and honored.
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| Old Hoschton City Playground Is History
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(March 15, 2006) The old city playground in Hoschton has been removed as one part of the City Council’s
plans to improve the depot park located in the center of town.
The removal of the old, outdated playground equipment and fencing was accomplished in one day by the Hoschton
Public Works Department, Councilmembers Jim Jester and John Schulte and several citizen volunteers. Plans for
the area include new benches and landscaping so that it may be used as a shady sitting park. The children’s
new playground is located at the opposite end of the park in front of the depot.
Other related projects being considered by the City for the depot park include expanded parking, streetlights
and sidewalks to complement the improvements of the recently completed streetscape of the adjacent city square.
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