Keith J. Whitaker

The council meeting agenda includes various administrative and operational items such as presentations for the Georgia Cities Week coloring contest, the Art Contest, and the White County Library naming opportunities. Departmental updates are scheduled for economic development, finance, fire services, police operations, and public works. New business items involve the appointment of a private sector representative to the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission, election of Georgia Municipal Association district officers, approval of an engagement letter for auditor services, on-call utility service contracts, a road disposition request, budget matters for the water treatment plant, and the establishment of a bank account for sales tax proceeds. Additionally, the agenda lists the review of prior meeting minutes and upcoming calendar announcements.

The council meeting agenda includes a presentation on the Safe Haven Law (HB 350), a proclamation for International Firefighters' Day, and an update regarding the Cleveland/White 250 initiative. New business items cover budget amendments for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, including the Capital Improvement Plan, as well as the review of change orders for MountainCraft Builders, LLC funded by SPLOST. Additionally, an executive session is planned to discuss pending litigation and real estate matters.

The White County Joint Comprehensive Plan guides decision-making for local governments and community leaders in White County, Cleveland, and Helen, Georgia, to promote long-term efficiency and sound land use. It focuses on strategic areas including Economic Development, Natural and Historic Resources, Community Facilities and Services, Housing, and Land Use. Key priorities involve minimizing growth impacts, ensuring cost-efficient investments, supporting agricultural industries, preserving rural and environmental character, retaining small-town identity, enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, and balancing housing demand with community values. The plan envisions sustainable growth, innovation, and thriving communities that maintain their natural beauty, history, and quality services.

The meeting agenda included several items for discussion and potential action. Key topics included the consideration of a Proclamation and the Officer of the Year Award presentation. New business items involved approval to add signers for the America250 checking account and the United Way Payroll Deduction. The agenda also listed minutes for approval from the February 2, 2026 Meeting and the February 23, 2026 Called Meeting. Business concluded with an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation. The February 2, 2026, meeting included the swearing in of the new Fire Chief, ratification of an agreement with the White County Sheriff's Office for detention services, ratification of a Declaration of Emergency, and the denial of a variance request related to exterior building materials for a commercial property. Furthermore, the February 23, 2026, Called Meeting focused on the adoption of the updated 2026 Joint Comprehensive Plan for White County and the Cities of Cleveland and Helen.

The agenda for this meeting of the Cleveland City Council primarily focused on New Business, specifically the adoption of the update for the 2026 Joint Comprehensive Plan for White County and the Cities of Cleveland and Helen. The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and Agenda Approval.