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Demorest work session: late fire‑services IGA, DDA appointment, contracts and permit requests reviewed
Summary
At the Oct. 7 Demorest work session the council reviewed a late Intergovernmental Agreement for fire services, was notified of a final SPLOST payment timing for a fire truck, heard a grant‑writing contract overview, considered an addendum to a city‑hall contract, and discussed alcohol permit and facility rental requests for a Piedmont University event.
The Demorest City Council received a late Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) from Habersham County concerning fire services and reviewed copies distributed to the public, City Attorney Thomas Mitchell said at the Oct. 7 work session. Mark Musselwhite, the city manager, told the council that the final payment for the city’s fire truck is scheduled for March 2026 and will be funded through SPLOST.
Thomas Mitchell (City Attorney) told the council, "we would like to add Discussion of Intergovernmental Agreement Between Habersham County and the City of Demorest for Fire Services to the work session." No formal action on the IGA was recorded during the work session; the document was presented for review.
Jim Welborn, chairman of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), told the council the DDA unanimously recommended appointing Karie Goemans to fill one vacant director seat on its six‑member board. The council heard the recommendation but did not record a formal council vote at the work session.
Mark Musselwhite presented an addendum to the previously approved contract with Blake Rainwater & Associates clarifying the time frame of their proposal; Musselwhite said the price remains $19,600 and noted he had not signed the addendum yet. Musselwhite also summarized an agreement with Southern Prosperity Ltd. Co. for public grant writing and management services, describing scope, payment terms, legal compliance and confidentiality provisions; the item was presented for council review.
The Circle of Hope plans an event at Piedmont University and has asked that Fenders provide alcohol service. Councilman Shawn Allen asked whether permitting that pour could be handled administratively; Mitchell said the ordinance could be updated at the next meeting. Separately, Piedmont seeks to host an event at the Demorest Conference Center in March and requested permission to allow alcohol at a facility where alcohol is currently prohibited; City Clerk Megan Chastain said she will confirm whether the March event is formal and provide details.
On procurement, Musselwhite reported an invoice from Consolidated Pipe for $11,874.93 that Mr. Popham had asked be paid; Consolidated Pipe indicated credits were available and the invoice was no longer due, so no payment action was required. Musselwhite also notified the council that the City of Baldwin will increase its water rate by 2.9% effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Procedural actions: at 6:00 p.m. the council moved into executive session. "A motion was made by Councilman Allen and was seconded by Councilman Ferguson to adjourn and reconvene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussion of personnel, real estate acquisition and litigation," the minutes record; the work session adjourned for executive session at 6:02 p.m. A subsequent motion "was made by Councilman Ferguson and was seconded by Councilman Ferguson to come out of Executive Session and reconvene in the Work Session," and the motion was recorded as unanimously carried; the meeting reconvened at 6:41 p.m.
Mayor Jerry Harkness said the FY26 budget would be discussed at the Regular Session because of time constraints. The work session adjourned at 7:27 p.m.
