CORNELIA, Ga. — The Cornelia City Commission will consider awarding a nearly $1.66 million reservoir improvement project and approving agreements with Habersham County for animal control and emergency radio services when it meets Tuesday, Aug. 4.
The commission will also hold a public hearing on a request for a speed bump on Williams Street and consider final approval of changes to the city’s zoning ordinance governing accessory buildings in residential areas. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Cornelia City Hall.
One of the largest items before commissioners is a proposed $1.66 million project at the city’s raw water Reservoir No. 1.
The work would raise the existing dam by 2 feet, repair the raw water intake structure and repair two drains in the dam. The city received three bids ranging from approximately $1.2 million to $2.2 million.
Although Fowler Site Work Inc. submitted the lowest bid at $1.2 million, engineering firm Carter & Sloope recommended rejecting it after determining the contractor did not meet project experience requirements. The firm recommended awarding the $1.66 million contract to Wilcorp Inc., the second-lowest bidder.
The city has about $1.04 million remaining from a 2012 Georgia Environmental Finance Authority loan originally obtained for construction of a new reservoir. According to the agenda packet, GEFA recommended that Cornelia apply for a Georgia Fund One loan of approximately $809,845 to cover the funding shortfall for the project. City staff is recommending commissioners award the contract to Wilcorp and authorize an application for the additional GEFA funding.
Speed bump request
Commissioners will hear from the public on a request to install a speed bump on Williams Street.
The request followed concerns from residents about speeding. Traffic counters placed on the street for seven days recorded 193 vehicles with an average speed of 27.5 mph. About 2.6% traveled between 20 and 25 mph, 16% between 16 and 19 mph, and 78.8% between 6 and 12 mph, according to city data included in the agenda packet.
The commission will consider the request following the public hearing.
Animal control agreement
The commission will also consider an amendment to its animal control agreement with Habersham County.
The county currently provides animal control enforcement within the city. The proposed amendment would allow citations issued by Habersham County animal control officers in Cornelia to be heard in Cornelia Municipal Court rather than Habersham County Magistrate Court.
Under the agreement, fines, fees and other penalties from violations of the city’s animal control ordinance would be paid to Cornelia, while restitution ordered by the court for charges and fees related to sheltering, care and control of animals would be paid to Habersham County.
Emergency radio system
Another agreement with Habersham County would allow Cornelia’s public safety agencies to use the county’s Northeast Georgia Regional Radio Network.
City officials describe the new E911 radio system as superior to the city’s previous system, but the upgrade will come with higher annual costs.
Cornelia’s estimated share of operating costs is $79,269.39 per year, compared with a little more than $16,000 in maintenance costs this year.
The agreement would run through June 30, 2027, and automatically renew for consecutive one-year terms unless terminated by either party.
Zoning ordinance
Commissioners are also scheduled to consider final adoption of an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance concerning accessory buildings in residential districts.
The amendment would prohibit accessory buildings from being placed in side yards. The ordinance currently allows accessory structures in rear or side yards, subject to setback and other requirements. The commission held a public hearing on the change in July, and the agenda packet states no comments were received for or against the amendment.
The commission will also consider a proclamation recognizing September as National Recovery Month. The proclamation highlights recovery from substance use disorders and coincides with the 2026 Georgia Recovers Bus Tour, which is scheduled to travel across the state under the theme “Georgia Recovers in Communities.”
Commissioners are scheduled to enter executive session to discuss personnel before adjourning.
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