Mt. Airy council hears economic update from Partnership Habersham

MT. AIRY — The Mt. Airy Town Council on Tuesday heard an economic and workforce development update from Partnership Habersham before approving a three-year contract with ACG Solutions for computer services and cybersecurity.

Alex Robinson, executive director of Partnership Habersham, outlined the organization’s role in connecting local governments, schools and businesses to support workforce development, industry retention and business recruitment across the region.

Robinson highlighted training programs, industry tours, youth leadership initiatives and career exposure efforts aimed at building a local talent pipeline.

She also presented regional and local workforce data, noting more than 17,000 jobs in Habersham County and projected job growth of over 1,000 positions in the next five years. For Mt. Airy, she cited about 700 jobs within town limits, a population of 1,622 and a median household income of about $87,000, while noting many residents commute outside the town for work.

“We’d like them to spend some of that money that they’re bringing home here and make sure that we are supporting the town of Mt. Airy’s economy,” Robinson said.

Council approves cybersecurity contract

Following the presentation, the council moved to town business, approving a three-year agreement with ACG Solutions for IT and cybersecurity services.

Mayor Adam Tullis said the town reviewed both one-year and three-year pricing options before choosing the longer contract.

“Originally it was a three-year plan,” Tullis said. “The price was going to be $2,090 per month. We’re currently around $1,800 per month.”

He said a one-year option was priced higher at $2,465 per month, making the three-year agreement more cost-effective overall.

“So one year and three years, same features, same things,” Tullis said. “If we just do the one-year contract, over three years, it’s about $88,000 versus going ahead and signing the three-year plan.”

Councilman Patrick Ledford supported the measure, citing savings for the town.

“We’re going to do it, save the money, and it’s just something we can do without,” Ledford said.

The council unanimously approved the three-year contract with ACG Solutions.