Danny Dillard

The regular meeting commenced with the approval of the proposed agenda and the dispensing of reading and approval for the previous month's minutes. A public hearing was held concerning the 2026 Operating Budget, though no public comments were offered. Unfinished business involved the second reading and adoption of an ordinance and agreement to amend the GMEBS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. New business included updates from the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Development Authority regarding the Master Plan, tax credits, and marketing, as well as departmental reports concerning sales, police activity, water/sewer operations, and a survey update on the airport ground lease. Key approvals included audit services for FY 2025, the 2026 Workers Compensation renewal, 2026 Intergovernmental Agreements for Hotel/Motel Tax Distribution, an Asset Management Program for water storage tanks, the extension of one alcohol license and renewal of others, the 2026 Hay Cutting Agreement, and the hiring of a new part-time police officer. A proclamation for the Mayor's Reading Club was presented, and discussion occurred regarding cross training for wastewater treatment plant employees. The consent agenda approved several Occupational Tax Certificates and a Sign Permit. During the executive session, an additional pay increase for a staff member was approved, along with a 5% pay increase for all eligible full-time and part-time employees, and a policy to increase the hourly rate for licensed water and sewer employees by $2.00/hour.

The key discussions during this meeting involved the unanimous approval of Ordinance No. 2025-03, which adopted the 2026 budget. Following the adjournment motion, the meeting was turned over to the City Attorney for an update regarding the hangar lease and paved apron project at the airport, including preliminary cost estimates provided by Croy Engineer. The potential for phasing the project and the economic benefits to the region were discussed.

The Blairsville City Council meeting included updates from the BUCCC on Chamber events, an update from the UC Fire Chief on the 911 Center, and department head reports on September operations and fuel sales, WWTP operations, and water/sewer meter connections and leak repairs. The council approved a copier lease agreement for the Police Department, an increase for a part-time WTP Operator, an engagement agreement with HigHRoad Consulting, LLC, vegetation control services at the airport, and a Lease Assignment for Hangar A-3. A motion to approve a sewer expansion project and accept an ARC Grant was tabled. The council also approved an estimate to remove power poles and install underground power. A work session was discussed to develop a Mission, Vision, and Value Statement for the city. An Occupational Tax Certificate & Sign Permit were approved as part of the Consent Agenda. The council entered and exited an executive session.

The City Council approved a fine and suspension of an alcohol license for a violation of selling alcohol to a minor, and requested a description of actions the licensee is taking to prevent future violations. They also approved a grant and loan for the Hwy 515 Sewer Expansion Project and authorized the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the grant and loan documents. Additionally, the council approved investing general funds in a twelve-month CD and approved the 2027-2031 Airport Capital Improvement Plan to be submitted to GDOT.

The Blairsville City Council meeting included updates on Chamber events, October airport operations and fuel sales, and the Holiday Open House for downtown businesses. The City Attorney provided an update on the 434 Foodmart alcohol ordinance violation. The council approved the Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute the SPLOST VI Intergovernmental Agreement with Union County, and the Lease Assignment for Hangar B-11. Kevin Potts was promoted to Airport Manager. An executive session was held.