Councilman Nathan Davis’s email inquiry to the Demorest City Council regarding reopening talks with Habersham County for fire services in Demorest drew controversy over the weekend. At tonight’s work session, the council unanimously decided to hear a presentation from Habersham County Emergency Services on the pros and cons of merging fire departments.
“I think that it would be irresponsible for us not to at least listen to what their proposal would be, try to find out what they’re going to do, what they’re building, and get a lot more information,” Davis said. “That’s what I’m asking you for, I’m not saying it’s necessarily the right step, but we need information.”
This isn’t the first time this topic has made it to the Demorest City Council, the council had a similar presentation planned in March of 2020, which was canceled due to COVID-19 safety concerns. That plan is available here.
“We’re trying to find the best way forward by just providing information,” Councilman John Hendrix said. “There’s no decision of any sort, we’re just asking the county to please let us know what they’re going to do and if it’s beneficial for the taxpayers of Demorest and the taxpayers of Habersham County.”
The council has encouraged the citizens to be involved in this topic moving forward, to attend presentations and ask the questions they have.
“All information should be out here on the table, every person in the city ought to be well-informed and have an opportunity to ask any questions they’d like to ask,” Mayor Rick Austin said. He also noted that decisions surrounding the Demorest Fire Department should not be made without Fire Chief Ken Ranalli present.
This presentation will be non-binding and only for informational purposes.
