FAQs

Alcohol Licenses

  • If an alcohol license application is turned in later than November 15th and background checks are not completed before the last Board of Commissioners meeting of the year (usually the second Tuesday in December,) your alcohol licensed may be suspended until the next available Board of Commissioners meeting (usually the second Tuesday of January.)

  • Any business selling alcohol must be 600 feet away from any church, school or college.

  • The building must measure up to 2,000 square feet along the exterior walls.

  • All applicants must be at least 21 years old.

  • The required age is 18 to dispense, sell and take orders for alcoholic beverages.

  • Alcohol cannot be sold on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Alcohol may be sold on Election day. Alcohol may be sold Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 11:30pm, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Building Inspections

    1. Obtain a soil evaluation test (also known as a perc test) for the proposed building site.
    2. Apply for a septic tank permit from the Banks County Environmental Health Department.
    3. Establish a driveway and place a construction box on-site.
    4. Get a copy of your land plat. If there are other homes on the tract, acquire a new plat surveyed off of the home site. (Check with Planning Office concerning these rules.)
    5. Draw in the new residence on the plat showing septic tank, well, easements, driveway, and existing buildings.
    6. Create a .pdf copy of your house plan to email or make an 8.5" X 11" copy of your plan.
    7. Complete a residential building permit application. Submit application packet to Planning Department.
    8. Install erosion and sediment measures before construction begins.

    Application packets submitted to the Planning Office must include application, land plat, house plans, and septic permit. During the review process, we will request your new 911 address. Once your build has been approved and a 911 address is established, we will contact you to make payment and issue permits.

  • When you apply for a building permit, we will work with 911 to obtain your new address. Addresses are not issued for vacant lots in Banks County.

  • Yes. A homeowner may request a "homeowner" permit by providing a signed affidavit.

  • Yes. Once a permit is issued, inspections are needed for plumbing pressure and electrical bonding. Also, a final inspection of the pool, fence, and locking gate will be required. Download the Swimming Pool Permit Application.

  • To allow for prompt and accurate emergency response, your new address should be posted within 30 days. The number must be posted in a conspicuous place that can be easily seen in daylight and at night from the road. Numbers should be at least 3 inches high in reflective material. The number must be posted on both sides of the mailbox or on a sign at the road if there is no mailbox. Failure to post can result in a $25/day fine.

  • A dwelling or structure must be at least 70 feet from the center of any roadway. The structure must be at least 30 feet from any surrounding property lines.

  • Check the Banks County Code, send an email, or contact the office at 706-677-4272.

Business Licenses

  • Use this chart to determine how much Occupational Tax is owed. The tax is calculated by number of full-time employees. Home-based business tax includes the owner and any other employees.

  • Occupational tax is due on January 1st each year. If payment is not received by April 1st, a penalty charge will be assessed.

Clerk of Superior Court

  • Once you are actually selected as a juror, you are under the judge’s jurisdiction and control.  Simply listen closely to the judge, who will give you detailed instructions and information concerning such matters as (1) anticipated length of the trial, (2) when to report back to the courtroom after a recess, (3) what you are expected to do and not do as a juror, and (4) other matters that the judge feels are relevant to your jury service.

  • Mediation is an informal way for people to come together and talk through their conflict with the help of an impartial third party. During the mediation, each person has the opportunity to vocalize their issues and concerns surrounding the conflict. The mediator helps each person evaluate their needs and goals for reaching a solution. All decisions are made by the parties, not the mediator.

  • The courthouse is located at 144 Yonah-Homer Road, Homer, GA 30547.  The main telephone number is 706-677-6200.

Code Enforcement and My Property

  • Section 419. - Abandoned, wrecked or junked vehicles and materials.

    Except as otherwise expressly permitted, it shall be prohibited in all districts to park or continuously store abandoned, wrecked, junked or inoperable vehicles, power-driven construction equipment, used lumber or metal, or any other miscellaneous scrap material in quantity that is visible from a public street or adjacent or surrounding property. Said prohibition shall not be construed so as to prohibit the temporary repair or maintenance of automobiles owned by the property owner or the storage of such vehicles, equipment or other materials within an enclosed building, provided that such vehicles, equipment or materials are not for commercial sale. This section shall be construed to permit such vehicles or equipment, unless such use can be construed to be a junk/salvage yard or wrecked motor vehicle compound, if such vehicles and/or materials are not visible from a public street or surrounding property; that is, if screening is provided as defined by this Resolution. Existing junk/salvage yards and wrecked motor vehicle compounds qualifying as nonconforming uses shall have until July 1, 1992, to comply with the screening provisions of this section.

  • No. There will not be permits allowed for electrical connections to a RV/Camper by Planning and Zoning Department.  Water Department will not install a water meter either.

    Sec. 51-31. - Permanent occupancy of recreational vehicles.

    No recreational vehicle shall be permanently occupied nor connected to water or electrical power, and no mobile home/manufactured home location permits shall be issued for recreational vehicles. For the purpose of this section, any recreational vehicle occupied for less than ninety (90) days shall be considered non-permanent and temporary, and any occupancy of ninety (90) days or greater shall be considered permanent. All recreational vehicles must display a current license before movement.

    Said prohibition on permanent occupancy shall apply to all recreational vehicles regardless of location, including locations within approved recreational vehicle parks.

  • Yes.  Here are some reasons:

    1. If the code violation is in plain view from a point where they have legal access.  Generally, violations are seen from the road or properties which allows access to the general public.  However, if there is complaint from a neighbor and the officer is allowed on complainant's property, that is considered legal access because it is based on consent.
    2. First hand knowledge permits are not issued for work which is being done;
    3. Issuing stop work orders;
    4. Dog complaints.  

    Here are some examples:

    Example 1: Complaint filed for trash, junk, or abandoned materials are on a property and was seen from the road.

    Example 2: Work without permit (i.e. grading, renovations, construction, etc)

    Example 3: Dog off of property or has bitten someone

    Example 4: Illegal burning - even though you have a permit, you can not burn ANY type of material on your property. (ex. plastic, metal, styrofoam, and etc.)

    Example 5: Issue a Stop Work Order due to violations which need to be addressed immediately.

  • Dangerous Dogs have to be classified by a judge after a hearing process. The tab labeled Dangerous Dogs to the left will provide more information.

  • We encourage neighbors and communities to talk among themselves to help keep this under control.  This ordinance below does not restrict how many an owner may have, but how many are allowed to be free to roam on the owner's property.  Owners must understand they are civilly liable for the damage, destruction, and other actions of their dogs. 

    Sec. 14-34. - Permitted number of adult dogs and regulations for confinement of adult dogs located on property in the ARR, agricultural-rural residential district and CAD, commercial agricultural district.

    (a) If a person's property is located in the ARR or CAD zoning districts of Banks County, Georgia, the person may allow up to four adult dogs to freely roam on the person's property.

    Our office request you assist us with video/photo evidence with date and time stamps.  This removes any accusations of revenge or disputes neighbors may have against complainants. Along with proof which can be used in court, if a citation was issued.

  • No.  There are not any laws which require an animal to be housed or confined during the cold, heat, or rain.  Owners must provide animals adequate food, water, sanitary conditions, or ventilation as outlined in Animal Cruelty Georgia Law.  Click here to see more.

  • Section 409. - One principal building on a lot.

    Only one principal building and its accessory buildings may be erected on any one lot of record; provided, however, that more than one dwelling, office, institutional, commercial or industrial building may be located upon a lot, subject to setbacks and separation as provided in these regulations.

    **The exception will be if it is documented there was more than on the property/parcel/lot/plat prior to the date in which the county ordinances were initially voted into existence.

    Should you have questions, call Planning and Zoning Department at 706-677-4272.

     

  • Once the resolution is voted on and approved by a majority of the Board of Commissioners.  Just like state and federal laws, it only takes a majority to pass, effective immediately, and applicable to every resident in unincorporated Banks County. Unless the ordinance has details defining when it is effective, exceptions noted, or conditions which may allow those who may be in violation at the time it is passed to be exempt.  Otherwise, there is not a grandfather clause to them.

    The most common exemption would be a plat which was less than the acre minimum requirement, before the ordinances were initially voted in, can have a home.

    However, if you are looking for an exception to an ordinance, you must apply for it through Planning and Zoning.  Then that application will be reviewed by the Planning and Development Commission.  They will review, vote on, and make recommendations on it.  Which then will be forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for review and voting.  Both processes will require the applicant to be present and allow for community input during the meetings.

  • They only affect those who live or operate a business in the unincorporated areas of Banks County.  

    To better understand this:

    1. Property owner pays taxes to only Banks County then county ordinances apply to you.  
    2. Business owner has a business license issued by Banks County the county ordinances apply to you.
    3. Property owner pays taxes to Banks County and either Gillsville, Maysville, Homer, Alto, Baldwin, or Lula, then only their city ordinances apply to you.  Any issues should be forwarded to their code enforcement, police department, or city council/commission.
    4. Those who are within the jurisdicition of Code Enforcement and violate an ordinance such as solicit without permit.

    If are a renter or not sure who you should contact, you can search qPublic in Banks, Jackson, or Habersham Counties by clicking on the underlined county name.  

    1. Then in the address section, enter your address.  It should begin to auto populate it as you type.  Should it not, make sure you are checking the correct county.
    2. Once it populates, click search.  
    3. Look for Tax District.  
    4. Should it show your city then you report issues to that city's code enforcement, police department, or city council/commission.  
    5. However, if says COUNTY, then you report issues to your county code enforcement.

  • There are so many situations which a permit could be required for.  Planning and Zoning is the best place to get those answers.  

    You can call them at (706)677-4272 or go to their office at 150 Hudson Ridge, Homer, between the hours of 8am until 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

  • Search for an animal rescue or animal control facility which will take them.  Currently the community does well with posting to social media sites (i.e. Next Door, and Facebook) in attempts to get notify pet owners.  

    Abandoning domesticated animals or allowing live stock to roam freely are criminal offenses and should be reported to Banks County Sheriff's Office.

  • No, code requires a 1000 sq ft of heated/air conditioned space for property in an Agricultural Rural Residential District. There will not be permits allowed for electrical connections to a RV/Camper by Planning and Zoning Department.  Water department will not install a water meter either.

    Section 602. - Permitted uses.

    4. Dwellings, single-family.

      (i) 1,000 minimum square feet of heated space, excluding garages and porches;

      (ii) Driveway permit required for Certificate of Occupancy;

      (iii) Driveway pipes on county roads;

      (iv) Road Department provides required specifications for pipes on driveways; and

      (v) Lots in Class I Subdivision may share a common driveway.

     

    However, if you live in a Single Family Residential District (R-1)

    Section 701(A). - Purpose and intent.

    The R-1, single-family residential district is intended to provide an opportunity for the establishment and preservation of quiet, stable, single-family residential neighborhoods at low densities free from other uses except those which are compatible with and convenient to the residents of such a district. To qualify acreage for rezoning to R-1, there shall be a minimum of 2 acres in the tract for consideration of Class IV Subdivision. To qualify acreage for rezoning to R-1, there shall be a minimum of 5 acres in the tract for consideration of Class II Subdivision. To qualify acreage for rezoning to R-1, there shall be a minimum of 5 acres in the tract for consideration of Class III Subdivision. There must be at least 2,000 square feet of heated space in each dwelling, not including basements, garages and porches with a minimum of 1,500 square feet on main floor of the dwelling. Each dwelling shall have four (4) sides of Masonry, Wood or Concrete Composite Siding. Each Dwelling shall have a basement or crawl space (no slab).

     

    Should you have questions, call Planning and Zoning Department at 706-677-4272.

  • County ordinances violations can result in a citation being issued.  The Magistrate Court Judge has this as guidance when issuing a sentence for ordinance violations.

    Section 4. 

    Unless another penalty is expressly provided, every person convicted of a violation of any provision of the Code or any ordinance, rule or regulation adopted or issued in pursuance thereof shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days or both. Each act of violation and each day upon which any such violation shall occur shall constitute a separate offense. The penalty provided by this section, unless another penalty is expressly provided, shall apply to the amendment of any Code section, whether or not such penalty is reenacted in the amendatory ordinance. In addition to the penalty prescribed above, the county may pursue other remedies such as abatement of nuisances, injunctive relief and revocation of licenses or permits.

    Most people do not realize every day a violation occurs, each day a person can be cited.  That is not the intent of our officers, we would rather have compliance than issue a citation. We encourage violators to get in compliance as quickly as possible so a citation does not have to be issued.

Coroner

  • The next of Kin is defined in the following hierarchy:

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

    Remains of the deceased will only be released to a Certified Funeral Director.  It is important for the Next of Kin to select a Funeral Director as soon as possible and notify this office of the selection.

  • If a positive identification is necessary, the Coroner or Deputy Coroner will notify you of the procedure and where to report.  If you are a Banks County Resident you will be notified in person

    If any personal items of the deceased are retained by the Coroner’s Office, you must possess and present a current photo identification card to pick up such items.  Any prescription medications collected during our investigation will be destroyed following the investigation and not returned to the family.

  • You may be initially informed that the Cause and Manner of Death are “Pending ”.  Pending simply refers 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 depending on information made available by the GBI Department of Forensic Sciences. 

    The average pending case in Georgia is cleared in 8 - 12 weeks.  You will be contacted as soon as the investigation results are complete.  The Next of Kin will be the first to be notified of all completed pending cases.  For this reason, if you move or change your phone number, it is imperative you inform our office.

County Clerk

  • No, the County Clerk is the clerk to the Board of Commissioners and the Open Records Officer for general county records including all Commission meetings and proceedings. 

    The Clerk of Superior Court receives, manages, and processes all court documents, collects and disburses all court fees, fines, and costs, and provides the public with access to court records. As keeper of public court and land transaction records, the Clerk records deeds, mortgages, and notaries public.

  • The Clerk of Superior Court manages and processes all court documents, and provides the public with access to court records which includes divorce court.

County Surveyor

  • Fees are determined on a project by project basis. Contact this office for further information.

  • Plat references can be found at the Assessor's Office. Plats are recorded at the clerk of Superior Court record room. Plats can also be obtained from the registered land surveyor who prepared them.

Dangerous Dogs

  • The owner of the dog may not be convicted of two or more violations of the Dangerous Dog Act.  The owner may only own one vicious dog.

  • A vicious dog may not be transferred, sold or donated to anyone unless it needs to be euthanized or is relinquished to a governmental facility.

  • Written notice will be sent within ten days of the hearing.

  • To obtain a dangerous dog certificate the applicant must be 18 years or older.

  • Within 15 days, you may request a hearing to review the facts and evidence.

  • The dog must be inside an enclosure, warning signs must be posted at all entrances where the dog resides.

  • If the dog is classified (Vicious or Dangerous) then the dog control officer must be notified within 24 hours.

  • The dog is on a leash 6 feet in length, and is under physical control at all times; the dog is in a locked cage or crate; or the dog is working or training as a hunting dog, herding dog, or predator control dog.

E911 / EMA

  • To request a copy of a 911 record; email Director Deidra Moore at dmoore@co.banks.ga.us with detailed information.  You will be asked to fill out the form at the attached link.  We will supply you with the cost of the record request using the sample cost worksheet attached to the form.  This will take place before the record is pulled.  If the record is under 'active investigation' it will not be released.  No personal / private cell phone numbers or patient information will be released.  Information will not be released if it is found that it is being used for malicious purposes.  Please contact the Banks County Sheriff's Office, Shannon Schenck at sschenck@bankscountysoga.org for jail and/or investigations open record requests or accident reports.  Please contact the Banks County Fire/EMS. April Turner at aturnerbcfd@gmail.com for EMS billing or Fire/EMS reports.  Residents are encouraged to check for postings of Commissioner Meeting Agendas and Minutes of the Board meetings via the County Clerk webpage.   For minutes attachments or any additional open record requests related to any other department, please submit using the Open Records Request form to the County Clerk.   Please see our Open Records Request Form to make a request.

  • Yes.  We will get a tower address the signal is bouncing off of.  We can triangulate the location and gather GPS coordinates on newer cell phones. A confirmation of address of emergency is always required on all calls.  If you have a VOIP phone service, please ensure you have the proper home address registered so that you reach the correct 9-1-1 Center and if you move the service, be sure to correct the location.

  • Call the Building Official at 706-677-4272 if in the County or call the proper City; they will let us know.  You may also fill out the Business Information Form and fax it to 706-677-3401 or email the form to dmoore@co.banks.ga.us.  If you are moving your business into a complex and you are not sure what your address should be please call us at (706) 677-1234 and we will help you to obtain this information.

  • Refer to the document How to Use 9-1-1 Properly for further.

  • An emergency is any occurrence that requires the immediate dispatch of Law Enforcement, Fire, Rescue and Medical Services.

  • Because correct addressing helps to ensure that 911 and emergency units do not have to waste valuable time trying to find your address.  Some important things to remember are found in the Banks County Addressing Information document.

Environmental Health

  • Yes, however you must take and pass a self-install exam.  For more information please call 706-677-5009.

Finance

  • Bids are communicated by posting the bids on the Bids and RFPs webpage.

  • Budgets fall under the Open Records Act. Contact Erin Decker, Open Records Officer, with any requests for records in writing.  Email your request.

Fire / EMS

  • Residential fire extinguishers are typically not rechargeable unless you purchase the type that is commercially distributed. Should you have the typical multi-purpose residential extinguisher, it should be discarded after use.

  • Fire reports issued by the Banks County Fire Department can be obtained at the administrative offices at 228 Candler Street, Homer, GA 30547.

  • Please call 706-677-1812.  Due to HIPPA laws, only the person transported can receive a copy of the transport report.

  • Call 706-335-0123.  Please have your name, date of birth, as well as the date of transport.  We will place an invoice in the mail.  You may make a payment by going to www.myproviderlink.com or by mailing a check or money order to 150 Hudson Ridge Ste 1 Homer, GA 30547.

  • You should always move to the right…remember, “Move to the right for sirens and lights.”

GIS / Mapping

  •  This depends on if you mean a map of your property with the property lines drawn over aerial photographs or if you want a ‘plat’?

    • A ‘map of your property’ can be obtained by visiting the Banks County Parcel Maps website or if you do not have a computer come to the GIS Department Map Room located at the Banks County Courthouse Annex and get one printed for a small fee.
    • A ‘plat’ is a formal surveyor’s map drawn to scale, showing distance and bearing between section corners, roads, right of ways or divisions of a piece of land. Plats are then recorded for legal purposes. Recorded plats can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court record room or a plat can be obtained by the registered land surveyor who prepared them.

  • GIS is a computer-based software used to map property lines in order to maintain and accurately identify boundaries for both public and private properties. Parcel mapping can be used to determine location, shape, size and other specific property information necessary for tax assessment, modification or development of utility infrastructure or compliance with zoning regulations.

  • Please know that the mapping of parcels is a representation for tax purposes only and is not an actual survey.  The GIS Department strives for accuracy and welcome having a chance to get it right. Correcting the way your property lines are drawn requires you to bring a legally recorded plat to the GIS Department so we can remap it.

  • A legally recorded plat is one that has been reviewed by County Planning and recorded as a matter of record by the Clerk of Superior Court and has been stamped as such. Banks County Code of Ordinances Chapter 74 Article II Section 74-31 has a complete explanation for when a plat is required, the use of a plat and the specific County requirements for a plat to be considered legal. Recorded plats can be obtained from the Clerk of Superior Court record room.

Keep Banks Beautiful

  • Please contact Leslie George at ngrma.lesliegeorge@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us in our efforts to minimize waste and litter in our counties. We are always looking for new ideas and projects. We hope you will share your ideas on ways we can be of more help to you in these areas.

Meals on Wheels

  • Frozen meals are delivered on Mondays and Fridays for the week.

  • Therapeutic meals are available but do require a doctor's prescription for therapeutic meals.

  • Call the Senior Center to determine if your address is within our existing route.

Probate Court

  • Telephone payments are not accepted.  Payments of cash, money order/certified check or debit/credit card can be paid at the Probate Court office (there is an additional 4% fee  assessed by a third party vendor if a card is used and photo I.D. is required) .  You may pay by mail with a money order or certified check or pay online at www.payyourtix.com prior to your court date.

  • No, you may pay in person or mail a money order/certified check to the Probate Court.

  • Questions about points assessed on a Georgia license can be found at https://dds.georgia.gov/. Drivers licensed outside the State of Georgia should contact their home state’s DMV or website.

  • All convictions on out-of-state licensed drivers are transmitted to the Georgia Department of Driver Services which in turn transmits the conviction to your home state. Check with your home state DMV to see what, if any, affect a conviction will have  on your license.

  • No, the Super Speeder fine is imposed by the State of Georgia as a result of your speeding citation.  The fine is paid to the State of Georgia.

  • The Probate Court has a drop box outside the courthouse for after hours or weekends.  Payment must be money order/certified check.  No Personal checks accepted.

  • Please refer to the date on your ticket, or see the court calendar under Services/Citations on the Home Page. You may also call the Probate Court for the court date.

     

  • The School Camera Citations cannot be paid at the Probate Court. .  You will need to contact Opto Traffic at  866-933-9574.

  • Yes,  we are asking appointments be made for any business in the Probate Court.

  • Payments for Probate Filings can be paid by cash, money order or personal check to the Probate Court. No online or credit card  payments.

  • No. If you have any legal questions or concerns regarding an estate or guardianship matter, you may want to consult with an attorney.

  • No, we are not authorized to assist in completing forms. If you need help you may need to contact an attorney.

  • No, the Judge does not perform wedding ceremonies.

  • File a incident report with the Banks County Sheriff's Office, bring  the report to the Probate Court, complete an affidavit and a re-print will be ordered at a cost of $6.00 (cash only)..

  • You must change your address at the county that originally issued the permit.  If your carry license is within the 90-day expiration date or less than 30 days after expiration,  and you provide proof of  residency in Banks County, the renewal may be issued at Banks County.  Cost is $50.00.

Property Tax

  • Yes. Note the parcel ID number on your check or money order or attach a copy of your bill available on this website.

  • No. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve you of the responsibility to make payment by the due date. If you did not receive a tax bill, a copy of your bill is available on this website or you may contact our office through this website, by phone or visit one of our locations to obtain a copy of your bill.

  • Yes, we honor mail with a U.S. Government Post Office postmark dated by midnight of the payment/filing deadline. Metered postage dates are not accepted as proof of timely filing.

  • Yes. We will accept partial payments on your bill until paid in full. However, penalty and interest will accrue on the unpaid balance after December 1st. You must call our office at 706-677-6204 to make payment arrangements.

  • If you feel your property value is not reflective of the fair market value, you may file an appeal with the Tax Assessors Office.

  • Applications, instructions and information are available on this website. The applicant's name must appear on the deed to the property and they must own, occupy and claim the property as their legal residence on January 1 to be eligible for any exemption for that tax year. Exemptions are not automatic and each exemption must be applied for separately. Legal evidence of residency and U. S. citizenship such as a copy of a Georgia Driver's License or Georgia ID Card, etc. must be provided. A non-citizen must provide legal authorization from the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service such as an Alien or I94 number.

    A current registration or receipt of motor vehicle taxes paid in Banks County must be provided for all personal vehicles owned at the time of application. The applicant may claim exemptions on only one property. A husband and wife constitute one "applicant" and may claim only one exemption. Exemptions are automatically renewed and the applicant need not reapply if the home has been refinanced. The Tax Commissioner's office must be notified in the event the applicant no longer qualifies.

    Exemption applications are accepted year-round; however, the original application (faxed or emailed copy not accepted) must be received or U. S. postmarked (a metered postmark is not accepted as proof of timely mailing) by April 1, 2015 to affect the 2015 taxes. Applications not received by the deadline will be processed for the following tax year.

  • If the business closed or the property was sold after January 1 in the current tax year, the tax is due. Taxes are assessed as of January 1 for the entire tax year. If the property closed or sold after January 1, you must notify the Board of Assessors at 706-677-6223.

  • The applicant must reapply for any exemptions if a name change or change of ownership occurs due to marriage, death or divorce; a copy of a recorded deed, marriage certificate or divorce decree must be provided.

  • You must pay at least the appeal amount by the due date to avoid a 1% penalty. You cannot defer payment. The Tax Assessors' office is not authorized to extend the payment deadline. 1% interest per month (up to $150) accrues on the remaining balance. You may choose to pay the full amount of the bill by the due date to avoid paying interest.

  • No, the Tax Commissioner does not prorate taxes or become involved in the proration of taxes between a seller and buyer. Taxes are calculated for the entire year. Liability for taxes is established during the closing of the sale of property; generally speaking, the purchaser assumes this liability. Your closing paperwork will reflect who is responsible for the payment of taxes. Since taxes legally attach to the property, the current owner should ensure that taxes are paid.

  • Taxes not paid by the due date will accrue an interest per month until paid in full.

  • We prefer the taxpayer to forward a copy of their bill to their motgage company.

Public Defender

  • Please come to the office of the Circuit Public Defender to complete an application form to apply for a court-appointed attorney. You must bring a $50 money order to pay the application fee (see notice of application fee below) and proof of income when you come to apply. If you are unable to pay the application fee, you may request a waiver of the fee by completing a “Motion for Application of Fee Waiver”. The trial judge will make a determination as to whether the application fee is waived.   For additional information, please refer to the Ga. Public Defender Standards Council website.

Purchasing

  • Not individually, but the Board of Commissioner meeting minutes will report the decision within the minutes.

  • No.  However, some types of bids do require a Banks County license such as construction, maintenance and repairs.

  • Bids are communicated by advertising the bids in the official organ of Banks County - Banks County News and by posting the bids on this page of the website.

  • All bids are decided in the Board of Commissioners meetings and documented in the Board of Commissioners minutes.  You may also call the Purchasing Office for bid opening results at (706)677-6903.

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