Cohutta Election Results Confirmed; Georgia Ports Job Growth Soars

The recent recount of the Cohutta Town Council election confirmed the results from the November 4, 2023, election, with candidates Sandy Clayborne and Randy Stanton retaining their positions as the top two vote-getters. Clayborne received 82 votes, while Stanton garnered 64 votes. The recount was requested by Kelli Bryson, who finished third with 63 votes. According to the elections office, the results remained unchanged, reaffirming that the two candidates with the highest votes fill the available council seats.

In Georgia, candidates may request a recount if the winning margin is equal to or less than 0.5 percentage points over the candidate seeking the recount. This measure ensures fairness in close elections, and in this instance, it confirmed the outcomes without altering the elected officials.

IRS Sets New 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026

In financial news, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an increase in the contribution limit for 401(k) plans, raising the maximum amount individuals can contribute to $24,500 for the year 2026. This is an increase from $23,500 for 2025, allowing individuals to save more for retirement. The adjustments reflect the IRS’s efforts to help workers keep pace with inflation and enhance their savings potential.

Georgia Ports Drive Employment Growth Across the State

An economic impact study conducted by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business highlights significant job growth linked to Georgia’s ports. The study reveals that port activity now supports over 45,800 jobs in Northwest Georgia alone and nearly 651,000 jobs statewide. The total number of jobs has surged by 41,770 or 7 percent compared to the previous fiscal year.

According to the study based on Fiscal Year 2024 data, the number of full- and part-time jobs in the 15 counties of Northwest Georgia dependent on port activities includes:

– Whitfield: 13,766
– Catoosa: 1,583
– Chattooga: 642
– Gilmer: 861
– Gordon: 4,439
– Murray: 2,045
– Polk: 1,498
– Walker: 2,188

The data shows that port-supported employment across Northwest Georgia has increased by 14 percent, translating to over 5,600 jobs since the last study.

Murray County, home to the Appalachian Regional Port, which opened in August 2018, plays a crucial role in this growth. The port aims to extend coastal port services to local communities and act as a catalyst for economic development, attracting businesses and industry to the region. This initiative is part of the Georgia Ports Authority’s long-term strategy to establish inland terminals in key locations throughout the state, further enhancing job opportunities and economic stability.

As the state continues to experience growth in both the political and economic sectors, these developments highlight the importance of local governance and strategic planning in fostering community and job growth.