Two property transactions and a maintenance project were approved Monday night by the Habersham County Commissioners.
Approved was the sale of property on Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway, which was originally purchased for a proposed 911 center. County officials opted not to build on the former Demorest Elementary School soccer fields due to size constraints and the challenging topography of the parcel. Instead, they plan to construct the center approximately a mile up the road on GA 365 North, near Double Bridge Road.
The decision to forgo the use of the property at 3116 Demorest-Mt. Airy Highway was influenced by its limited size and challenging terrain, situated in a low-lying area. The prospect of constructing a road suitable for emergency vehicles was deemed economically impractical. Finance Director Tim Sims explained that the estimated cost of building a road to accommodate emergency vehicles was approximately $800,000.
The Habersham County Board of Education has agreed to repurchase the property from the county at the original purchase price of $249,600.
Additionally, the county commission approved the sale of a county-owned building located at 1387 Washington Street in downtown Clarkesville. Originally housing the county elections office and currently accommodating the Soque River Watershed Association office, the 1,314-square-foot building was acquired by Habersham County in 1985. Samantha Gore emerged as the highest bidder for the property, offering $155,021. Both parties have until December 31 to finalize the property transaction.
Also approved was a contract with Intercontinental Commercial Services for the waterproofing and repainting of the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center. The cost for these maintenance activities is $51,766. The county received two proposals for the project, with the alternative bid amounting to $244,087.
Sims explained that once the contract is executed, Intercontinental Commercial Services will commence work, with the completion date contingent upon the temperature and weather conditions. The last time the aquatic center was repainted was in 2016.
