Gilmer council opens PACE public hearing and votes to table resolution R24‑004

The Gilmer City Council opened a public hearing July 23 on creating a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, then voted 3‑2 to table Resolution R24‑004 so the council could hear concerns from an absent member.

The hearing began after routine business when City Manager Greg Hutson asked whether the city would be financially responsible for unpaid PACE assessments. Stephen Minick, identified in the meeting as a PACE program representative, answered that the city "is not on the hook for anything" and explained that unpaid accounts would be sent to collections.

Resident Steve Dean asked how the program would affect banks and lenders; Minick described the assessment and repayment process and how the program ties to property assessments rather than direct city debt. The council closed the public hearing by unanimous procedural action and later debated next steps.

Councilmember Marty Jordan moved to table Resolution R24‑004 "to hear concerns from Councilmember Jarom Tefteller," with a second from Councilmember Michael Chevalier. The motion to table passed 3‑2, postponing formal adoption of the resolution and related implementation steps. Because the resolution was tabled, the council did not act on a related Professional Services Agreement at this meeting.

The tabling leaves the proposal pending further council consideration; no implementation timeline was set during the meeting.