CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Franklin Brown was sworn in as mayor Monday night, praising city staff and leadership as the Clarkesville City Council organized for the new term and heard reports on finances, staffing and Main Street events.
Brown took the oath of office administered by Pastor Hobie Wood of Christ Presbyterian Church. He then swore in newly elected council members Leigh Johnston and Blake Rainwater.
“I think at this time we have the best group of people — the city manager, the council, our attorneys and every employee in this city,” Brown said after being sworn in. “Every department head is absolutely fantastic. It’s the best group I have ever seen in the city, the way you guys work together, and I look forward to the future.”
Following the meeting, Rainwater and Johnston reflected on their first night on the council.
“It was a lot more people than I thought it was, and it was actually a little short,” Rainwater told Now Habersham. “But it was a special time seeing Franklin get sworn in as mayor. I think the city has got a lot of exciting things to tackle this year.”
Johnston said the brief meeting did not lessen the work ahead. “I bet there’s plenty of work to come, so I’m not worried about it being a short and sweet first meeting,” she said. “We’ve got a great team and a lot of work this year.”
City Manager Keith Dickerson presented a financial report showing the city ended November with revenues exceeding expenses across all major funds. As of Nov. 30, the general fund posted $3,233,985 in revenues and $2,749,005 in expenses, leaving a surplus of $484,980. The water and sewer fund reported $2,276,159 in revenues and $2,173,773 in expenses, for a surplus of $102,386. Overall, the city recorded $587,366 in revenues over expenses.
Dickerson said the figures will be amended to reflect American Rescue Plan Act spending, estimated at about $600,000, and adjustments tied to the city’s decision not to move forward with a courthouse purchase.
Dickerson also announced staffing updates, including Rosie Cantrell as the city’s new Main Street director, Sarah Burke as grant writer and Yvonne Marinelli, who is expected to transition into the economic development director role later this month. Full reports from the new hires are expected in February.
Cantrell delivered her first Main Street report, highlighting two December events. Downtown Clarkesville Christmas on Dec. 5 drew an estimated 1,200 people and included more than 400 photos with Santa. The fourth annual candlelight Christmas walk on Dec. 22 drew about 200 people, the largest turnout to date. Cantrell said the next Main Street event, Clarkesville Mardi Gras, is scheduled for March 7.
Planning and Zoning Director Caleb Gaines reported the city issued 100 permits in 2025 and conducted 215 construction inspections for the year, including 10 inspections in December. He said there were 26 code enforcement cases for the year and 10 zoning issues overall.
Gaines also noted that, effective Jan. 1, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs adopted the 2024 International Code Council codes with Georgia amendments, replacing the 2018 edition. The city automatically adopts codes approved by the state, he said.
The council unanimously approved appointments for City Manager Keith Dickerson, City Clerk Julie Poole, the city attorney firm Sanders, Ranck & Skilling, P.C., and City Judge Robert A. Sneed. Councilwoman Angela Kiker was approved to serve as mayor pro tem.
