Donald Wade

The meeting included discussions on municipal projects, financial updates, and infrastructure needs, including a review of grant-funded projects and the status of heavy machinery for the public works department. The council approved various rate increases for water, garbage, and permit services effective in April. A proposed budget amendment resolution was tabled following discussion. The council held an executive session concerning personnel matters. Additionally, the council reviewed departmental reports and addressed public safety concerns regarding road and vegetation hazards.

The meeting included a work session to discuss potential rate increases, a meter replacement timeline, water line project pressure issues, safety hazards related to roadside trees, and maintenance of work vehicles. During the regular session, the council approved an agenda addition for a fee schedule, held an executive session for personnel and real estate discussions, and subsequently increased garbage, inspection, and busted meter fees to cover operational costs. A budget amendment resolution was tabled, and departmental reports were presented by the police and probation departments.

The meeting included a work session to discuss town operations, including an upcoming Town Hall meeting to promote ESPLOST, financial reports, the potential sale of town property, and equipment procurement. The Council officially announced the appointment of the new Chief of Police. Legislative actions included the adoption of the 2025 Budget Amendment Resolution and multiple motions regarding the 2026 Budget Proposal and its associated amendment. An executive session was conducted to discuss personnel matters, and the Council addressed public comments regarding the town's noise ordinance and safety improvements related to tree maintenance.

The preliminary work session covered several strategic topics, including the upcoming qualifying dates for seats 1, 3, and 5, and discussion regarding SPLOST VIII for county and city projects. Key discussions focused on infrastructure expansion, specifically proposing to extend water lines to the 365/985 corridor to service anticipated business growth and recommending SCADA installation for continuous tank monitoring to improve efficiency. Concerns were raised regarding the feasibility of expanding the service area given current water well limitations and demand. Additionally, issues discussed included the necessary repair or replacement of the Habersham County jail and reported vandalism at the book library at the park and the Police Department's front door. During the official meeting, the council approved modifying the agenda to remove the Personnel item from Executive Session. New business included authorizing the Mayor to sign the updated Habersham County SPLOST VIII IGA, followed by an Executive Session regarding Real Estate. The Police Department presented monthly totals, and qualifying dates and election posts were announced.

The meeting commenced with a work session where the audit overview was presented, and discussion occurred regarding 2025 year-to-date income statements showing available TSPLOST and SPLOST funds. Topics included a planned cost analysis, the feasibility of holding a Spring Fling event, and clarification regarding the online listing of past officials. Updates were provided on recent maintenance work, including addressing a busted line and tree removal, and the status of meter replacement hiring. During the regular session, new officials were sworn in for Post 1, Post 3, and Post 5. Appointments were made for Mayor Pro-tem for 2026, Town Attorney for 2026, and Judge for 2026 and 2027. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, after which the appointment of Skylier Coalley as Interim Supervisor was confirmed. Department recommendations included the Chief emailing monthly police totals. Citizen comments addressed ongoing tree and road damage issues on Wade Street, inquired about annexation outreach, offered assistance with sponsorships for the Spring Fling, and raised concerns about citizens needing to report city code violations.