Cohutta Election Results Confirmed, IRS Increases 401(k) Limits

The recount of the Cohutta Town Council election confirmed the initial results, with candidates Sandy Clayborne and Randy Stanton securing the top two spots. In the election held on November 4, 2023, 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 after the recount.

Under Georgia law, a recount can be requested if the winning candidate’s margin is equal to or less than 0.5 percentage points over the requesting candidate. Bryson’s challenge did not alter the outcome, allowing Clayborne and Stanton to take their seats on the council.

IRS Announces Increased 401(k) Contribution Limits

In other news, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced an increase in the contribution limit for 401(k) plans. Starting in 2026, individuals will be able to contribute up to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to encourage retirement savings among American workers.

Georgia Ports Drive Employment Growth

The economic impact of Georgia’s ports extends far beyond the coastline, providing substantial employment opportunities across the state. A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business reveals that port activity supports over 45,800 jobs in Northwest Georgia and nearly 651,000 full- and part-time jobs throughout the state. This marks an increase of 41,770 jobs, or 7 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year.

According to the study, ports account for approximately 12 percent of total employment in Georgia. In Northwest Georgia alone, the total number of jobs reliant 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 Appalachian Regional Port, which opened in August 2018, plays a pivotal role in this growth by providing essential port services to the surrounding community. Its mission is to attract business and industry, thereby enhancing economic development in the region. The establishment of this inland terminal is part of the Georgia Ports Authority’s long-term strategy to create strategically located inland facilities across the state.

The study indicates that the number of jobs supported by port activities in Northwest Georgia has increased by over 5,600 jobs, reflecting a growth of 14 percent since the Fiscal Year 2023 study. This upward trend highlights the critical role of Georgia’s ports in fostering economic growth and job creation within both urban and rural areas.