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Demorest Council authorizes fire services IGA, approves Bear Gap tank maintenance and several contracts — votes at a glance
Summary
At its Oct. 7 meeting the Demorest City Council authorized the mayor to execute an IGA with Habersham County for fire services (3-1), approved a seven‑year $140,286 maintenance contract for the Bear Gap water tank, appointed Kari Goemans to the DDA, and approved several other motions unanimously.
The Demorest City Council voted on a series of motions Oct. 7, taking action on an intergovernmental agreement for fire services, a seven‑year maintenance contract for a major water tank, appointments and several contracts.
Intergovernmental agreement for fire services: City Attorney Thomas Mitchell presented an IGA with Habersham County that staff had received the afternoon of the meeting. City Manager Mark Musselwhite recommended moving the first payment date to 2026 and making quarterly payments. Councilman Donnie Bennett moved and Councilman Andrew Ferguson seconded a motion authorizing Mayor Jerry Harkness to execute the agreement with the discussed payment modifications after consulting with the county; the motion passed 3–1, with Councilman Jimmy Davis voting no.
Bear Gap Tank maintenance contract: Massie Hughes presented photos and a scope for maintenance of the Bear Gap 500,000‑gallon concrete storage tank. The proposed seven‑year contract with American Tank Maintenance carries annual fees of $26,786 (years 1–3), $8,035 (years 4–6) and an adjustable year‑7 fee capped at 4 percent; the total contract price presented was $140,286. Councilman Shawn Allen moved to contract with American Tank Maintenance for the full maintenance plan; the motion was approved unanimously (4–0).
Appointments and contracts: The council unanimously approved the appointment of Kari Goemans to the Downtown Development Authority. An addendum to the Blake Rainwater & Associates contract for City Hall (date updates) was approved unanimously, and the council approved an off‑premises single event pour permit allowing Fenders to serve alcohol at the Circle of Hope event at Piedmont University. The council tabled a rental‑agreement discussion pending additional details and moved forward with a Southern Prosperity contract; both actions were unanimous.
Administrative items: The council approved minutes for Sept. 4 and Sept. 18, and City Manager Mark Musselwhite reported receipt of $4,733 in additional LMIG funds via a letter from State Sen. Bo Hatchett. The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Votes at a glance: agenda amendment (Allen/Ferguson) approved 4-0; add FY2026 budget discussion (Bennett/Allen) approved 4-0; IGA authorization (Bennett/Ferguson) approved 3-1 (Davis no); Bear Gap contract (Allen/Ferguson) approved 4-0; appointment of Kari Goemans (Davis/Allen) approved 4-0; Blake Rainwater addendum (Ferguson/Bennett) approved 4-0; pour permit (Allen/Ferguson) approved 4-0; rental agreement tabled (Allen/Ferguson) approved 4-0; Southern Prosperity contract (Allen/Bennett) approved 4-0; minutes approved (Allen/Ferguson) approved 4-0.
