Safe Hollow Animal Sanctuary founder Debbie Calicutt addressed the Long County Commission during its recent November meeting about an ongoing issue with a neighbor.
Calicutt told the commissioners that her nonprofit organization has provided a service to Ludowici and Long County since it was incorporated in 2005. The organization had been collecting and adopting out animals prior to the county providing the service, and they also euthanize animals at the site when necessary.
She said that a neighbor, who was not identified, told her that he is going to have her shut down. She said this neighbor, who moved next to the sanctuary in 2008, also has made intimidating gestures, making her fearful for her and her family’s safety. Incident reports have been filed in regards to the neighbor at the Long County Sheriff’s Office.
Calicutt said that as a result of the complaints, the code-enforcement office con-
ducted an inspection of her site and discovered that some of the dog pens are too close to the well. She said she was unaware of the violation, and that the pens have been in these spots for eight years. However, she said she would correct the problem to comply with the code. She said that even though he moved to the location after the sanctuary had been established, in a gesture to be a good neighbor, she agreed to put up a privacy fence. However, she said she was concerned that once she has completed all of the work and endured the financial cost, the neighbor will continue to cause problems.
“We have helped this community in the past, and we want to continue helping it in the future,” Calicutt said.
Commissioner Dwight Gordon, whose district includes the sanctuary, said he would meet with Calicutt to discuss everything in an effort resolve the matter.
Also during the meeting, commissioners voted to accept and maintain the roads in the Stillwood Subdivision. Gordon said the county needs to begin a process of accepting the roads in its subdivisions, and this one, being one of the older ones, is a good place to start. He said the county will begin accepting a few at a time as is cost-efficient. Chairman Robert Long said there are 31 subdivisions in the county, and that they will begin by selecting the ones that require the least work and money.
The commissioners also approved accepting Pine Tar Road.
Commissioners also heard a request by Historic Preservation Committee Chairman Price Chapmen to initiate the steps for approval by the state. He said that he provided them with the paperwork for the approval in September, and it still has not been completed. After a discussion, Long told Chapman to get with the county attorney, and he would take the steps necessary.
The commission also approved a resolution to seek a grant for up to $100,000 to complete a walking trail at the recreation complex. Gordon said the grant requires that the county put up $20,000 to receive the money, but an effort will be made to offset the county’s match with in-kind labor.
In other business, the commission:
• bought a New Holland tractor from Dixon Tractor Company for $49,600.
• hired K.R.T. Certified Public Accountant to conduct the audit on the county for 2014 for $24,250.
• approved Jeff White to pour a slab for a new storage shed at the courthouse for $1,275.
• approved funding $500 to the Trail-37 project to promote tourism and development on Highway 301.
Animal-sanctuary addresses Long Commission
Concerns about neighbor discussed
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