Clarkesville council to consider city manager contract, tax agreements

CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The Clarkesville City Council is expected to take action Monday on several items with countywide implications, including appointing the city’s next manager, approving agreements tied to Habersham County’s proposed Floating Homestead Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST), and formalizing a shared court services arrangement with the City of Demorest.

The council is scheduled to meet July 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. According to the agenda, council members will consider approving an employment contract for Jason Streetman and appointing him as city manager effective Aug. 3.

Streetman was selected last month as Clarkesville’s sole finalist following a nationwide search to replace longtime City Manager Keith Dickerson, who announced his retirement earlier this year after more than a decade leading the city. Streetman currently serves as city manager in Sky Valley.

Council members also are expected to vote on the intergovernmental agreement governing Habersham County’s proposed FLOST and adopt a companion resolution supporting the agreement.

The proposed 1% sales tax would appear before county voters on Nov. 3. If approved, the tax would replace a portion of local property taxes for five years beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Under state law, all proceeds must be used exclusively to reduce county and municipal property taxes.

The agreement establishes how revenue would be distributed among Habersham County and its municipalities. Clarkesville’s share would be 4.776% of annual proceeds if all eligible municipalities participate.

Clarkesville’s vote would continue a series of approvals across Habersham County. Baldwin, Cornelia, Demorest and Tallulah Falls have already approved the agreement, while other municipalities are also considering participation before the county moves forward with the November referendum.

Another item on Monday’s agenda would authorize an intergovernmental agreement with Demorest for court clerk services.

Demorest approved the arrangement during its July 9 meeting after their Municipal Court Clerk announced plans to retire. Under the agreement, Clarkesville Municipal Court Clerk would assume court clerk responsibilities for both cities beginning Aug. 1. The clerk would remain a Clarkesville employee, while Demorest will reimburse Clarkesville for salary and benefit costs associated with the additional duties.

The agenda also includes committee reports, public comment and a possible executive session to discuss property acquisition.