At their April meeting, the Demorest City Council finalized their vote to purchase an E-One fire truck, failed to become a Second Amendment Sanctuary City, voted to enter into an $18,000 contract with a public relations firm, and after voting to cancel them, promised fireworks at some point this year.
The Demorest City Council has finalized their vote to purchase an E-One firetruck, though some fire officials say the truck is not as well-equipped or as well-suited for what the city needs as the Marion. At their Mar. 30 meeting, the council unanimously voted to purchase an E-One firetruck over a Marion firetruck the city’s fire chief proposed buying. Demorest will save around $200,000 with the E-One.
Demorest failed to become a Second Amendment Sanctuary City at Tuesday’s meeting due to a lack of a second. At their last meeting, Councilman Nathan Davis expressed concern in voting to become a Second Amendment Sanctuary City in light of the shootings in Atlanta that left eight dead, saying that the timing was inappropriate. Councilman Shawn Allen made the motion, but no member of the council seconded and the motion died.
The city has voted to enter into a contract with a public relations firm, which would cost the city around $18,000. The council voted 3-1 with Allen in opposition. Councilmen John Hendrix and Davis say that the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) recommended this contract.
“I spent over $23,000, equivalent to over $1,500 each month, just to counter some of the misinformation that still continues,” Councilman Hendrix said at the meeting. Hendrix has sent cease and desist letters to constituents regarding public comments and recall efforts. If they choose to, the council has the ability to pull out of the contract.
At Demorest’s March meeting, the council unanimously voted to cancel fireworks for the city’s 4th of July celebration, which was met with backlash by the public. Now, the council is reconsidering.
While the city is not sure when it will happen, the council unanimously voted to have fireworks at some point in 2021. If they are able, the city will have their firework display during the 4th of July celebration, which falls on a Sunday this year and will take place on Saturday, Jul. 3. If not, the council considered the possibility of Labor Day or New Year’s Eve fireworks.
