City Posts
In anticipation of the forecasted snow this weekend, the Public Works Department will be treating the roads on Friday. Please watch for slow-moving vehicles as crews work throughout the city.
If snow does accumulate, our team will plow the roads as conditions allow and in a timely manner.
Please prepare accordingly and stay safe, Sky Valley!
SCAM EMAIL ALERT
A fraudulent tax dispute email has been circulating that appears to come from Summer Murphy, Sky Valley’s Deputy Clerk. This email is a scam.
Please do not click any links or open attachments
Report the message as spam and delete it
We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience and appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.
Winter Weather Update – Sky Valley, GA
A snow and ice event is expected over the next few days, with temperatures well below freezing and breezy conditions that could make roads dangerous and travel difficult. Forecast models indicate snow and icy mix, especially Saturday into early next week.
Be Prepared:
Stock up on food, water, and medications for several days. Ensure you have a supply of firewood, propane, or safe heating options in case of power outages. Protect your home by setting thermostats to maintain warm indoor temperatures and considering steps to prevent frozen pipes. Charge phones and battery packs, and have flashlights and extra batteries ready.
Travel only if necessary, and plan for limited access and prolonged cold conditions. Stay safe and monitor local weather updates!
The latest issue of the Sky Valley Times is now available.
We hope you enjoy catching up on city news and learning more about what’s happening in our community and local government.
Click the link to view the January, 2026 edition.
Click the link to view the Public Works Department working to keep roads clear.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17yNSwcQUS/
1. City crew at work.
2. Roads are treacherous.
3. Your tax dollars psid for this equipment.
4. Stay home so City crews can service the roads in safety!
If you experience a power outage, please do not call 911 to report it. Both HEMC and Georgia Power use systems that automatically detect outages, and crews are already notified.
Call 911 only for true emergencies.
Stay well clear of any downed power lines and report them directly to your power provider or to emergency services only if there is immediate danger.
Let’s help keep emergency lines open for those who truly need them.Stay safe, everyone.
From the Desk of Mayor Benita Cotton-Orr
Weather:
New Payment Portal for Sky Valley Utility Payments
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Winter Storm Preparedness Advisory – Rabun County
Rabun County OEM is monitoring a potential winter storm this weekend. While details are still developing, residents and visitors should prepare now for hazardous conditions, limited travel, and possible extended power outages—especially in higher elevations and remote areas.
Prepare by:
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Stocking food, water, medications, and pet supplies (at least 72 hours)
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Ensuring backup power for medical needs and phone charging
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Having flashlights, batteries, warm clothing, and blankets
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Keeping vehicles fueled and avoiding unnecessary travel
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Never using generators indoors
If needed, a warming shelter at the Rec Dept. Gym #3 will be announced via county channels.
Stay informed through local media and rabuncounty.ga.gov. Stay safe and prepare now.
From the Mayor's Desk
Please see the following statment from Mayor Cotton-Orr regarding the removal of the Memorial at the Sky Valley Welcome Sign.
This is a difficult and emotional subject for many in our community, and I want to address it with care, respect, and clarity.
First and foremost, my heart goes out to the family, friends, and coworkers of Tyler Dillard, who lost his life in a tragic accident at that location in 2022. A sudden and unexpected loss, especially of someone so young, is devastating, and it is completely understandable that people still feel that grief deeply. Remembering this young man and honoring his life is not wrong, and nothing about the City’s action diminishes his humanity or the sorrow felt by those who loved him.
It is important to clarify that placing flowers or other items temporarily at a site of tragedy is not inappropriate, and the City understands why people do so in moments of remembrance. My concern is that the location evolved into a permanent and expanding shrine on City property, adjacent to a highly visible and trafficked entrance to Sky Valley.
You may recall my campaign pledge for consistency. I accept full responsibility for the removal of this memorial after nearly four years there. The City has a responsibility to manage public property consistently, safely and fairly for everyone. Allowing one permanent memorial, no matter how heartfelt, would require allowing others and would place us in the position of deciding whose loss warrants a permanent public memorial and whose does not. That is not a role the City can or should undertake.
We honor heroes by lowering the American flag to half-staff. That gesture is powerful because it is official, dignified, and temporary. When the designated period ends, the flag is raised again, not because the sacrifice is forgotten, but because the symbol must remain consistent and meaningful for all.
I also want to be very clear that the memorial items were not discarded. They were delivered to a location where the family may retrieve them, not removed casually or without consideration.
This decision was not made lightly, nor without compassion. It was made to uphold City policy, public safety and fairness, while still recognizing the deep emotions involved. I encourage those who wish to continue honoring Tyler to do so through temporary tributes, private remembrance, charitable acts, or memorials on private property with permission.
Anyone who would like to discuss this matter further is welcome to reach out to me directly. Another campaign pledge I made was to be accessible to listen and to engage respectfully with members of our community. I believe we can be a caring community and a responsible city at the same time. Those values are not in conflict, and I remain committed to both.
—
Benita Cotton-Orr
Mayor, City of Sky Valley
Benita Cotton-OrrMayor
City of Sky Valley, Georgia
www.skyvalleyga.com
mayor@skyvalleyga.com
3608 Highway 246
Sky Valley, GA 30537
404-697-4419
Property Taxes have been mailed.
The due date for the taxes is February 2, 2026.
The Sky Valley Police Department has an opening for a full-time certified police officer.
Shift Schedule is from 7p-7a with competitive pay and benefits, 12 paid holidays, vacation days, Comp time accrual, sick leave, and a take-home vehicle within 25 miles.
Starting pay is $22 to $23 per hour, depending on experience.
Please call Sgt. Todd Maloney for further inquiries at 706-408-1037
CITY OF SKY VALLEY
Public Memo
Date: October 8, 2025
Subject: Sewer System Connection Requirements
At the Sewer Question and Answer Session held on Friday, October 3, 2025, a question was raised regarding whether existing residential dwellings located within the proposed sewer district boundary would be required to connect to the sanitary sewer system once it is completed and operational — particularly in cases where a dwelling already has a fully functioning septic system.
After this question was presented, the City Attorney clarified that while the City does have the authority to require residential dwellings to connect to a sanitary sewer system, the City may, at its discretion, allow existing residential dwellings to opt out.
Once the sewer district boundary has been finalized, any existing residential dwellings within that boundary will have the choice to opt in or opt out of connecting to the new system. Furthermore, if a sufficient number of existing dwellings within the boundary choose to opt in, the City is exploring the feasibility of waiving tap-on or tie-in fees for those participants.
However, any new commercial or residential developments located within the finalized sewer system district boundary will be required to connect to the sanitary sewer system and will be subject to the established tap-on fee once determined.
The City of Sky Valley hopes this information clarifies the matter and addresses any concerns that property owners of existing residential dwellings may have regarding inclusion within the finalized sewer district boundary.
To provide clarity on the proposed sewer project, please find attached a map showing the location of the proposed sewer.
If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact us at City Hall.
Thank you.
In light of recent discussions following the Mayor’s State of the City address, we want to provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding the proposed sewer project and the concept plan presented for the old ski lodge property.
Our goal is to ensure all residents have the facts, understand the current status of these projects, and are aware of the processes that must take place before any plans move forward.
Click the link to view the information.
Sanitary Sewer Feasibility Study
Click the link below to view the 2017 Sanitary Sewer Feasibility Study for Sky Valley, GA:
👉 View the Study (PDF)
POA Meeting Links July 16, 2025
Youtube Link to view presentation by Mayor Steil.
View Mayor Steil's PowerPoint presentation
View Sky Valley Charrette Development presentation
Lew Oliver's Design Slide Deck
The City of Sky Valley recently adopted a new Tree Ordinance (25-02) on July 15, 2025.
This ordinance was created to help preserve the natural beauty of our community, protect the mountain environment, and provide clear guidelines for tree management within city limits.
Click the link below to read the full document.
Per City ordinance, all bird feeders must be removed on or before April 15, 2025.
Bird feeders are allowed to be put out again on November 16, 2025. We don't want to encourage bears near our homes.
Click the link to read about how to attract birds, not bears to your yard.
Sky Valley Trash Cans
Pre-orders are now available for our exclusive 65-gallon rolling trash cans featuring the City of Sky Valley stamp! These cans are not only functional but also proudly represent our community spirit.
Details:
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Color: Gray with a blue lid
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Cost: $75 per can
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Delivery: Public Works will deliver the cans directly to your home
To pre-order your trash can, please call city hall at 706-746-2204 or email SVGACOM@skyvalleyga.com with your name and address. Payments can be added to your water bill.
On-Duty Police Contact Information
Please be advised that the cell phone number 706-408-1026 will now be shared between police shifts and monitored around the clock. This line is designated for homeowners and guests to reach the on-duty officer with any questions or concerns. If an emergency is reported via this line, callers will be directed to dial 911.
By establishing this dedicated phone line, we aim to:
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Reduce non-emergency calls to dispatch, enabling them to focus on critical incidents.
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Provide a direct contact for residents' non-emergency needs while maintaining high service standards.
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Prevent the misuse of 911 for non-emergency situations.
For emergencies, please continue to dial 911; for non-emergencies, you may choose to contact 706-782-7777.
Thank you, and stay safe.
Cameras have been installed in the vicinity of the trash compactor and postal box areas in our community.
These cameras have been put in place to enhance security and monitor activities in these important areas. They will help us ensure the safety and proper usage of these facilities.
Your cooperation in maintaining the safety and integrity of our community is greatly appreciated.
Please see the attached notification for the lead pipe service line inventory assessment. Thank you.
city lead assessment notice
The Sky Valley Times
Check out the latest edition! Get updates from your mayor, city manager, planning committee, police department and more!
Stay Informed
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Sky Valley, GA
Nestled in the southern tip of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Rabun County is strategically located in the center of many major metropolitan areas. Knoxville, Charlotte, Augusta and Macon, are all under a 3 hour drive and Atlanta, Greenville, Asheville, and Chattanooga are all within 1 to 2 hours.
The highest point in Rabun County and the second highest in Georgia is Rabun Bald at 4,696 feet with surrounding mountains ranging in height from 2,500 to 4,500 feet. In late May and June, laurel blooms along the creek banks, in coves, on cliffs and on hilltops, and rhododendron blooms in July. In October, the mountains take on a profusion of color as the leaves begin to change for autumn.
Make sure to put Sky Valley on your list of places to see while visiting the mountains of Georgia and North Carolina. You will not be disappointed.
Sky Valley is Georgia's Highest and Coolest City
COME FOR A VISIT!
*Just moments away are hundreds of shops, high-end restaurants with five-star chefs, award-winning vineyards, spas, arts and antiques.
Our Vision
- Responsive, Quality Service
- Protection of our Resources
- Integrity and Innovation in City Government
- Sky Valley, a world-class city
Our Mission
- To enrich the quality of life for our citizens
- To protect and enhance our scenic beauty
- To ensure a safe and secure community
- To enhance our resources
- To develop and follow a vibrant plan for our city’s future