MOUNT AIRY, Ga. — Mt. Airy’s municipal ordinances have not undergone a comprehensive codification or review since 2009, prompting town officials to consider a potentially $25,000 to $30,000 project to bring the code up to date.
The Town Council discussed the issue Monday night but took no formal action. Instead, officials said they want to consider funding the project as part of the town’s 2027 budget, which is expected to be discussed in October.
Mayor Adam Tullis said the town should consider reviewing the entire municipal code rather than addressing individual sections as issues arise.
“Ordinances have not been codified, which is a fancy way of saying updated and reviewed since 2009,” Tullis said.
Tullis said City Clerk Sheri Berrong has contacted Municode about the process, but the company has not provided a price estimate.
Berrong said Municode needs a list of the town’s existing updates and changes, along with its new charter, before it can provide a firm proposal.
The need for a comprehensive review stems in part from years of piecemeal changes to the town’s ordinances.
“We’ve had a lot of like line item corrections to our ordinances where maybe the whole ordinance wasn’t amended, but one section of it,” Berrong said. “So there’s just a lot of little pieces that need to be pulled together.”
Tullis estimated the project could cost at least $25,000 to $30,000, although he said the final price could be higher or lower.
He said he does not believe it makes sense to spend the town’s time and money updating only the subdivision section of the code when other portions may also need to be brought current because of changes in state and federal law.
Tullis said the town could determine what changes it wants to make, including how it wants its subdivision regulations structured, before sending the material to Municode for codification.
The town’s 2009 code remains available on its website, but Berrong said it is no longer hosted through Municode because it is outdated. The town instead includes a disclaimer advising residents that the online ordinances may not reflect subsequent changes and directing them to City Hall with questions about updates.
Tullis said the codification would be a significant undertaking but one he believes is necessary.
“It’s very much needed,” he said.
Radio agreement approved unanimously
The council also unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement with Habersham County allowing Mt. Airy to use the county’s Northeast Georgia Regional Radio Network. The agreement was one of the two substantive items listed on Monday’s agenda.
Berrong told the council the cost for the remainder of 2026 will be $1,938.96. Beginning next year, the town’s annual cost will be $3,877.92.
Tullis acknowledged the new rate is an increase but said the town’s cost has fluctuated in previous years, with amounts around $998, $1,100 and $1,300.
“Basically, our police department gave it out with everyone,” Tullis said, explaining the town’s need to continue using the regional system.
Councilman Ken Moore called the decision straightforward.
“It’s a no-brainer,” Moore said. “If we want to use the system we gotta pay the price.”
The council also entered executive session to discuss real estate and personnel matters. No action was taken after the council returned to open session.
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