Cleveland residents could get the chance to vote on whether to allow liquor stores in the city. During a meeting on July 5, Cleveland City Administrator Kevin Harris pointed to a new state law that gives local elected officials the power to authorize package sales.
It’s a law that cities in Habersham County have taken advantage of to try and boost local revenue. Package stores are opening in Cornelia, Clarkesville, and Baldwin. Before the Cleveland Council decides whether to follow suit, the city will hold two public hearings. The first hearing is scheduled for next Monday, July 11, during the regular city council meeting. The second hearing will be held during a called meeting on July 25.
Cleveland Mayor Josh Turner says council members want to hear from the citizens before moving forward.
“The council wanted the opportunity to hear from the citizens directly and have a forum where they offer their comments and their opinions on that and the council can either vote or not vote to put it to a referendum for the public to decide,” he says.
The issue is expected to have some opposition, White County Commissioner and city resident Terry Goodger expressed his opposition when former business owner Ed Ward first raised the issue back in February.
The city council has until August 10 to make a decision. After that, it would be too late to get the referendum on the November 8 general election ballot.
