Mayor Liz Ordiales welcomes you to the City of Hiawassee's website. Please explore our site to find information about the services we provide and how to attain them. You can also find out about your city government to include elected officials and hired staff. You can view recent city council agendas and minutes.  Learn about the history of Hiawassee as well as facts about our population and geography. Additionally, you can find out information about doing business in Hiawassee.

 The City of Hiawassee is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Gov. Kemp Extends COVID-19 Executive Orders

Atlanta, GA - Today Governor Brian P. Kemp signed two executive orders extending the Public Health State of Emergency and existing COVID-19 safety measures.

"As we continue our fight against COVID-19 in Georgia, it is vital that Georgians continue to heed public health guidance by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and practicing social distancing," said Governor Kemp. "We have made decisions throughout the pandemic to protect the lives - and livelihoods - of all Georgians by relying on data and the advice of public health officials."

"While we continue to see a decreasing case fatality rate, expanded testing, and adequate hospital surge capacity, in recent days, Georgia has seen an increase in new cases reported and current hospitalizations. Given these trends, I am extending previous COVID-19 safety requirements and guidelines that were due to expire on June 30 at 11:59 PM. Dr. Kathleen Toomey and the Department of Public Health, along with our local public health partners, will continue to monitor ongoing cases and related data to ensure that we are taking appropriate measures moving forward. Together, we can win the fight against COVID-19 and emerge stronger."

Executive Order 06.29.20.01 extends the Public Health State of Emergency through 11:59 PM on August 11, 2020. The Public Health State of Emergency allows for enhanced coordination across government and the private sector for supply procurement, comprehensive testing, and healthcare capacity.

Executive Order 06.29.20.02 continues to require social distancing, bans gatherings of more than fifty people unless there is six feet between each person, outlines mandatory criteria for businesses, and requires sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile. The order also outlines that the State Board of Education must provide "rules, regulations, and guidance for the operation of public elementary and secondary schools for local boards of education" in accordance with guidance from Dr. Kathleen Toomey, the Department of Public Health, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The order runs through 11:59 PM on July 15, 2020.

Download Executive Orders 06.29.20.01 and 06.29.20.02

 

Gov. Kemp Signs New COVID-19 Executive Order

Atlanta, GA - Today Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Executive Order 06.11.20.01 - Empowering a Healthy Georgia. The order addresses ongoing emergency response efforts for fighting the spread of COVID-19. Unless noted otherwise in specific sections, the order goes into effect at 12 AM on June 16, 2020 and runs through 11:59 PM on June 30, 2020.

Sports: Effective June 16, professional sports teams and organizations must follow the rules and guidelines set by their respective leagues. High school and collegiate teams and organizations must follow the rules and guidelines set by their applicable conferences or associations. Amateur sports teams and organizations must follow the criteria for non-critical infrastructure entities outlined in the order.

Sheltering in Place: Effective immediately, residents and visitors of Georgia who are sixty-five years of age or older are no longer required to shelter in place unless they meet any of the following categories:

  • Those persons who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, including inpatient hospice, assisted living communities, personal care homes, intermediate care homes, community living arrangements, and community integration homes
  • Those persons who have chronic lung disease
  • Those persons who have moderate to severe asthma
  • Those persons who have severe heart disease
  • Those persons who are immunocompromised
  • Those persons, of any age, with class III or severe obesity
  • Those persons diagnosed with the following underlying medical conditions: diabetes, liver disease, and persons with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis

Gatherings: Effective June 16, gatherings of more than fifty people are banned unless there is at least six feet between each person. This rule does not apply to critical infrastructure entities, incidental or transitory groupings, or cohabitating individuals.

Drinking and Eating (effective June 16): In restaurants and dining rooms, there is no longer a party maximum for the number of people who can sit together. There is no longer a limit on the number of patrons allowed per square foot. Workers at restaurants, dining rooms, banquet facilities, private event facilities, and private reception venues are only required to wear face coverings when they are interacting with patrons. In a bar, now you can have fifty people – up from twenty-five – or thirty-five percent of total listed fire capacity, whichever is greater. For salad bars and buffets, a worker can use cafeteria-style service to serve patrons or the establishment can provide hand sanitizer, install a sneeze guard, enforce social distancing, and regularly replace shared utensils to allow patron self-service.

Overnight Summer Camps (effective June 16): Campers and workers may not attend an overnight summer camp unless they have received a negative COVID-19 test within twelve days – up from seven days – prior to starting camp.

Conventions: Effective July 1, a “convention” may occur if it meets twenty-one specific requirements in addition to the requirements for non-critical infrastructure entities. “Convention” means “an organized event of more than 100 persons that are required to register or obtain a license to gather for a common purpose at a single indoor facility or grouping of indoor facilities for more than four hours and in some cases for more than one day” and “shall include exhibitions, trade shows, conferences, and business retreats.” The term “convention” does not include any regular operation of a business that occurs on property owned or leased for the exclusive operation of such business, nor does the term encompass regular religious services, business meetings, sports competitions, or events categorized by O.C.G.A. § 16-11-173(b)(1)(A).

Live Performance Venues: Effective July 1, a “live performance venue” may reopen for business if it complies with specific criteria based on whether it is designated Tier I, II, or III. There are certain exceptions in the order for drive-in performances; private recording sessions, livestream performances, practices, fanless events, and rehearsals; and non-ticketed or free events. “Live Performance Venue” means “any indoor or outdoor location that requires patrons to purchase a license to attend an event featuring live musical, dramatical, automotive, educational, or any other type of entertainment performed before in-person patrons.” The term does not include restaurants and dining rooms, banquet facilities, private event facilities, private reception venues, weddings, drive-in venues, or events held as part of a convention, and the term does not include outdoor recreational fields used for amateur sporting events.

Effective June 16: At indoor movie theaters and cinemas, there is no longer a limit on the number of people who may sit together in a party. Walk-ins are now allowed at body art studios, barber shops, hair salons, their respective schools, massage therapy establishments, and tanning facilities subject to specific requirements.

Mandatory requirements for operating non-critical infrastructure businesses, for-profit corporations, non-profit corporations, and organizations are extended through the end of the month. Specific requirements for previously closed businesses remain in effect.

 

Please click here to Download the complete Order

 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LLOYDS LANDING RECREATION AREA

FOR THE CITY OF HIAWASSEE, GEORGIA

Proposals will be received by the City of Hiawassee, Georgia (OWNER), for furnishing all materials, labor, tools, equipment, and any other miscellaneous items necessary for installation of a Child’s Play Area.

Project specifications and bid package are available from the City of Hiawassee website at www.hiawasseega.gov

Proposals will be received at Hiawassee City Hall, 50 River Street, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 until 2:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2020.  Any proposal received after said date will not be considered by OWNER.  Proposals will be evaluated by OWNER and the project will be awarded, if it is awarded, within five (5) days of the proposal due date.  If a contractor is not selected within ten (10) days of the proposal due date, any bidder that is determined by the OWNER to be unlikely of being selected for contract award shall be released from their proposal.

The Project consists of, but is not limited to the following major elements:  

Supply and installation of a Child’s Play Area, Lloyd’s Landing Recreation Area of Lake Chatuge

Contractor will be selected with the best design that complements the natural elements of Lloyds Landing Recreation Area and competitive pricing.Time of completion for all work associated with this project shall be sixty  (60) consecutive calendar days from the date of a written "Notice to Proceed" from OWNER.  

For technical questions regarding this project, you may call Mayor Liz Ordiales (706) 896-2202 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The successful bidder will be required to furnish OWNER with general liability insurance. 

All proposals must be made out on the bid form of the type enclosed in the Contract Documents. No interlineation, additions, or deletions shall be made in the bid form by the BIDDER. CONTRACTORS and SUBCONTRACTORS bidding on this Project will be required to comply with all Federal, State, and local laws. OWNER reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any or all proposals, to evaluate proposals, and to accept any proposal which in its opinion may be in the best interest of the OWNER.  No proposal will be rejected without just cause.

                                                                                                Liz Ordiales, Mayor

                                                                                                Hiawassee, Georgia

Please download the Bid Package Here

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL 

LLOYDS LANDING RECREATION AREA

FOR THE CITY OF HIAWASSEE, GEORGIA

Proposals will be received by the City of Hiawassee, Georgia (OWNER), for furnishing all materials, labor, tools, equipment, and any other miscellaneous items necessary for installation of a floating kayak dock.

Project specifications and bid package are available from the City of Hiawassee website at www.hiawasseega.gov.

Proposals will be received at Hiawassee City Hall, 50 River Street, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 until 2:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2020.  Any proposal received after said date will not be considered by OWNER.  Proposals will be evaluated by OWNER and the project will be awarded, if it is awarded, within five (5) days of the proposal due date.  If a contractor is not selected within ten (10) days of the proposal due date, any bidder that is determined by the OWNER to be unlikely of being selected for contract award shall be released from their proposal.

The Project consists of, but is not limited to the following major elements:  

Supply and installation of a floating kayak dock. 

Bidder shall submit, with the bid, kayak floating dock a detailed material list and design drawing.

Contractor will be selected with the best design that complements the natural elements of Lloyds Landing Recreation Area and competitive pricing.

Time of completion for all work associated with this project shall be sixty (60) consecutive calendar days from the date of a written "Notice to Proceed" from OWNER.  

For technical questions regarding this project, you may call Mayor Liz Ordiales (706) 896-2202 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

The successful bidder will be required to furnish OWNER with general liability insurance. 

All proposals must be made out on the bid form of the type enclosed in the Contract Documents. No interlineation, additions, or deletions shall be made in the bid form by the BIDDER.

CONTRACTORS and SUBCONTRACTORS bidding on this Project will be required to comply with all Federal, State, and local laws.

OWNER reserves the right to waive any informality or to reject any or all proposals, to evaluate proposals, and to accept any proposal which in its opinion may be in the best interest of the OWNER.  No proposal will be rejected without just cause.


                                                                                                Liz Ordiales, Mayor

                                                                                                Hiawassee, Georgia

Please download the Bid Package Here

 

 

 

According to the Georgia Department of Law Consumer Protection Division 

Businesses may not sell, or offer to sell at retail, any goods or services identified by the Governor at a price higher than the price at which the good or services were sold or offered for sale before the declaration of the State of Emergency.

Price increases on goods or services are permitted only if they accurately reflect an increase in the cost of new stock or the cost to transport it, plus the retailer's average markup percentage applied during the ten days immediately prior to the declaration of a state of emergency.

 
If you see price gouging you can report it at : 
 
 
Having all the relevant information and pictures will help.

Please see Latest Statewide Stay at Home Order Here

Click here to Download PDF of Approved Emergency Declaration and Ordinance EO-2020-03-03

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Emergency Declaration and Ordinace approved by Council-1

Click here to Download a PDF Version

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The Above is the official Declaration made by Mayor Liz Ordiales on March 24th, 2020

If you are using a screen reader the below text will give you the declaration wording but does not serve as an official copy:

EMERGENCY DECLARATION

 

A DECLARATION BY THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF HIAWASSEE, GEORGIA OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY ARISING BECAUSE OF COVID-19; AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TAKING IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY MEASURES

 

WHEREAS, the President of the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency on March 13, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Georgia declared a State Public Health Emergency on March 14, 2020 and urged “local officials to do what’s in the best interests of their communities to keep people safe and stop the spread of coronavirus” on March 19, 2020; and

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a world health emergency and a pandemic; and

WHEREAS, the number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 is escalating rapidly, internationally, nationally, and locally; and 

WHEREAS, based upon the experience of other local governments in Georgia, a growing number of other cases are likely to occur; and 

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the President of the United States stated that any gathering of over 10 people should be discontinued or prohibited; and 

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Governor Kemp announced that “certain individuals with an increased risk of complications from COVID-19 to isolate, quarantine, or shelter in place,” covering those who “live in long-term care facilities, have chronic lung disease, are undergoing cancer treatment, have a positive COVID-19 test, are suspected to have COVID-19 because of their symptoms or exposure, or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19”, and that the Department of Public Health would institute rules and regulations to implement such measures; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Governor Kemp additionally announced measures to “close all bars and nightclubs and …ban all gatherings of ten or more people” unless they can assure spacing for at least six (6) feet apart between people at all times beginning at noon on March 24, 2020 and lasting until noon on April 6, 2020; and

WHEREAS, public health experts, including those at the CDC and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have advised that individuals infected with COVID-19 are contagious even while experiencing minor or no symptoms and implored leaders to take immediate action to prevent further community spread of COVID-19; and 

WHEREAS, preventing and slowing community spread of COVID-19 provides health systems additional time to obtain personal protective equipment necessary to protect health care workers and medical equipment necessary to treat COVID-19, and is therefore vital to the health of the nation; and

WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Mayor of the City of Hiawassee, Georgia, there exist emergency circumstances located within its jurisdiction requiring extraordinary and immediate response for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of the community, the state, and the nation; and 

WHEREAS, it is essential for the Mayor to act immediately in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to prevent or minimize sickness, injury, or death, to people and damage to property resulting from this public health crisis; and 

WHEREAS, O.C.G.A. § 38-3-28 provides the political subdivisions of this state with the authority to make, amend, and rescind such orders, rules, and regulations as may be necessary for emergency management purposes to supplement rules and regulations promulgated by the Governor during a State of Emergency; and 

WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has previously held that “[u]pon the principle of self-defense, of paramount necessity, a community has the right to protect itself against an epidemic of disease which threatens the safety of its members”; and 

WHEREAS, Section 1.13(10) of the Charter of the City of Hiawassee provides the city with the authority to take actions deemed necessary to deal with such an emergency for the protection of the safety, health, and well-being of the citizens of the city; and 

WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 12-7 of the Hiawassee City Code, under these conditions “Upon notice given to a majority of councilmembers, the mayor may declare by proclamation a state of emergency within the city;” and 

WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 12-8 “After declaration of such emergency, the mayor, as chief executive, shall have the right to exercise any or all of the following:”

(1)  The power to use employees of the city to assist in the safety and preservation of life, limb and property of citizenry of the city. 

(2)  The power to close streets and sidewalks and to delineate areas within the city wherein an emergency exists. 

(3)  The power to impose emergency curfew regulations. 

(4)  The power to close business establishments within the affected area. 

(5)  The power to close any and all municipally-owned buildings and other facilities to the use of the general public. 

(6)  The power to use available city funds without budget amendment or to suspend city financial policy to immediately protect life, limb and property. 

(7)  To fully cooperate with state and federal agencies in the preservation of life, limb and property of the citizenry of the city. 

(8)  The power to do any and all acts necessary and incidental to the preservation of life, limb and property of the citizenry of the city; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 12-8(10) “No emergency power set forth herein may be effective for more than 72 hours after the declaration of an emergency by the mayor. However, upon declaration of a second or further emergency to exist, the emergency powers, as set forth herein, may be exercised during such further emergency period, but never for more than 72 hours in one declared emergency period;” and 

WHEREAS, in light of the nature of the emergency, the actions of the other local governments, the State of Georgia and the United States, it is likely that this Order will necessarily be extended for additional 72 hour periods of time; and 

WHEREAS, the City Council of Hiawassee shall consider a similar declaration and an Emergency Ordinance at its meeting on March 30, 2020. 

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY DECLARED that a local state of emergency exists within the City of Hiawassee, Georgia and shall continue until the conditions requiring this Declaration are abated.

THEREFORE, THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF HIAWASSEE HEREBY DECLARES AND ORDERS AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.

Findings of Fact.  For purposes of describing the circumstances which warrant the adoption of an emergency declaration, the Mayor hereby adopts and makes the findings included in the “WHEREAS” clauses as findings of fact. 

Section 2.

Declaration of Public Health State of Emergency.  The Mayor hereby declares a public health state of emergency within the City of Hiawassee because of the proliferation of COVID-19 in the United States and the State of Georgia, which will remain in force and effect for 72 hours from the issuance hereof. 

Section 3.

Public Gatherings on City Property.  For the duration of the declared emergency, there shall be no public gatherings on any property owned or controlled by the City. To avoid confusion, the following definitions shall apply under this Section: a “public gathering” shall mean the organized gathering or assembly of ten (10) or more persons at a specific location; “property owned or controlled by the City” shall include any park, public square, public space, playground, recreational area, or similar place of public gathering, but nothing herein shall prohibit individuals or families from using sidewalks or designated pedestrian areas of parks for walking or other exercise if they are not participating in an organized gathering.  The City Council and all other boards, commissions or agencies of the City, shall have authority to conduct meetings and take votes by teleconference in accordance with O.C.G.A. Section 50-14-1(g). The Mayor shall have authority to cancel any regularly scheduled meeting of the Council or of any board, commission or agency of the City during this emergency.

Section 4.

Utility Services.  For the duration of the declared emergency, the City will not disconnect any public utility service provided by the City on account of non-payment. Unless otherwise ordered by City Council, after the conclusion of the declared emergency, persons will have a period of forty-five (45) days to make such payments before service may be disconnected. 

Section 5.

Classification of City Services.  For the duration of the declared emergency, the Mayor shall be vested with the following discretion and authority, to wit:

(a)    To categorize City services as either “required” or “discretionary,” and to periodically review and modify such categories.

(b)    To assign specific employees to required or discretionary services, and to periodically review and modify such assignments.

(c)    To use her discretion to permit employees to telework.

(c)    To temporarily suspend the provision of discretionary services and to direct employees who provide discretionary services not to report to work until such time as the service suspension is lifted or until such time as the Mayor redirects the employee to other services.

(d)    To contract for and expend non-budgeted sums and services, as may in her discretion be required to meet the demands upon government and services of the City for the duration of the declared emergency, including therein authority to spend such sums from the reserves of the City. Any such non-budgeted expenditures shall be reported to the governing authority of the City.

(e)    To maintain, to the best of the ability of the resources of the City, the provision of essential services, which shall include, but not be limited to, public safety, public works, healthcare, and building permits. 

Section 6.

Tolling of Deadlines.  Any deadlines for the purchasing or obtaining by persons or businesses of occupation tax certificates, permits or similar civil approvals mandated by the City Code shall be tolled for the duration of the emergency as established herein, and for 15 days thereafter. Such persons or businesses shall obtain necessary permissions required by law but deadlines set by the City Code are tolled for the duration of the emergency as established herein, and for 15 days thereafter.

Section 7.

Eating Establishments.  Restaurants and other eating and dining establishments where food is served must cease offering dine-in services but may continue preparing and offering food to customers via delivery, drive-through or take-out services. Patrons, employees and contractors of the establishments must maintain at least six (6) feet of personal distance between themselves and others. If a restaurant is licensed to sell beer and wine for on-premises consumption, such restaurant, during the effective dates of this Declaration only, shall be authorized to sell unopened bottles or cans of beer or wine for take-out consumption off-premises;

Section 8.

Closure of Certain Businesses.  Gyms, fitness centers, pools, social clubs, amusement facilities, bowling alleys, pool halls, theaters, massage parlors, nail salons, and any other similar facility, any facility used for an activity that involves prolonged physical proximity of individuals, and any facility used for entertainment, social, grooming, or general health and wellbeing purposes, must close and remain closed for the duration of this emergency.

Section 9.

Personal Distance.  All other establishments not covered in Sections 7 or 8 of this Declaration such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other businesses which remain open during the emergency must post signage on entrance doors informing consumers to maintain at least six (6) feet of personal distance between themselves and others and shall not allow more than ten (10) people into such establishment at any one time if such social distancing cannot be maintained. 

Section 10.

Gatherings.  All public and private gatherings of more than ten (10) people occurring outside of a household or living unit are prohibited. Nothing in this Declaration, however, prohibits the gathering of individuals for the purposes of carrying on business certified as “essential” by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 38-3-58 or designated by the Governor as “critical infrastructure” or the provision of medical or health services.

Section 11.

Emergency Interim Successor to Manager/Administrator.  The Mayor desires to make certain that the chain of authority within city management is clear. If the Mayor is unable to perform her duties, then the individual designated by the Mayor as the emergency interim successor pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 38-3-50 shall assume the duties of the Mayor. Should the emergency interim successor be unable to perform those duties the Mayor Pro Tem, or other such person appointed by the Mayor, shall assume those duties.

Section 12.

Curfew.  No curfew is imposed at this time, but the Mayor reserves the right to impose a curfew if the public fails to otherwise comply with this Declaration, or it becomes necessary to more fully address the declared emergency.  

Section 13.

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Declaration are hereby suspended during the effective dates of this Declaration (or any extension thereof) and the terms and provisions of this Declaration shall prevail.

EFFECTIVE ________ __.m. this ____ day of ____________________, 2020.

                                                                                                                                                                                          ________________________

                                                                 Liz Ordiales, Mayor

                                                                 City of Hiawassee

                                                                 

Attest: _________________________________

            Bonnie Kendrick, City Clerk

Special accommodations Information

Note: Individuals with disabilities who require certain accommodations in order to participate in meetings or questions regarding accessibility are required to contact City Hall at 706-896-2202.  The City will strive to make reasonable accommodations for those individuals.