Dawsonville DDA ratifies three-year holiday décor lease and memorandum with county, chamber and volunteer group

The Downtown Development Authority for the city of Dawsonville on Nov. 6 ratified a three-year plan to provide downtown holiday decorations, including a leased Christmas tree that will be installed, maintained and stored under a three-year contract, and authorized a memorandum of agreement with Dawson County, the Dawsonville Chamber of Commerce and the local women's club.

The measure, which extends a project the authority approved in prior years, was moved by Jamie McCracken, DDA board member, and seconded by Jonathan Campbell, DDA board member. The board recorded the motion as "Motion carries." The DDA had previously allocated $5,000 toward the project and staff said partner groups will make up the remainder so the program can continue for three years.

Staff described that the women's club has handled decorations for more than 30 years and will continue to provide garlands, wreaths and bows; the county and chamber will contribute additional funds and logistical support under the proposed memorandum. Board members said the leased tree arrangement avoids the up-front purchase, storage and maintenance costs associated with a permanent tree because the vendor will install, remove, store and maintain the tree for the three-year term.

Board members praised the partnerships and thanked the women's club and partner organizations for agreeing to participate. No opposing votes or recorded roll-call tally were provided in the meeting transcript; the board chair announced the motion carried after the second was recorded.

The authority directed staff to finalize the memorandum of agreement and proceed with the three-year plan as presented. The item had been brought forward under "old business" after prior discussion and public input was not offered on the measure during the meeting.