Council looks to develop hiking and biking trails
In a contested vote, Ellijay City Council voted 3-1 to buy 159 acres on the southside of the city.
Following a 16 minute executive session, the council authorized Ellijay Mayor Al Hoyle to enter into a lease/purchase agreement for the Giordano property which adjoins South Main, Courier Street and The Oaks subdivision.
Councilman Tom Crawford opposed the measure saying the optics following the passage of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax are horrible. He said the county had applied for a grant, but had no confirmation they were going to receive any money.
Councilman Al Fuller was not at the meeting.
Mayor Hoyle said the property would cost the city $1,860,825, the first payment of which would be $620,275.
A grant through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources would pay the remainder of the cost, if it is approved.
Hiking trails, biking trails and greenspace are the stated goals for the property.
Ellijay currently has a total fund balance of $4,920, 198 and an unrestricted fund balance of $3,892,219.