Description
Official video coverage of the Jasper City Council regular meeting held on Monday, October 5, 2026, at Jasper City Hall.
KEY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:
• $15 Million GEFA Water Award & Privatization Suspended: Mayor Kirk Raffield and city administration announce a landmark $15M GEFA Hurricane Resiliency award (50% grant / 50% 0% interest loan) to construct a water transmission line to Gilmer County. In light of the funding, City Manager Brandon Douglas announces the city has officially SUSPENDED all due diligence into privatizing the water and sewer system.
• Comprehensive Water & Sewer Briefing: Deputy City Manager Kim Goldener provides an extensive technical briefing on wastewater plant expansions, Long Swamp Creek low-flow drought limits (7Q10), the $8M GEFA rehab projects, and impending $5M utility relocations for the Highway 53 widening.
• 2026 Millage Rate (2nd Public Hearing): Finance Director Lindsey Williams and City Manager Brandon Douglas review the proposed 7.636 millage rate (a 1.5 mill increase) to fund employee compensation and general operations. Final public hearing and vote set for October 15 at 5:30 PM.
• Municipal Sovereignty Resolution: Council unanimously approves Resolution 2026-08 defending the city's charter and opposing any unilateral consolidation of city government into Pickens County.
• Community Approvals: Approved the November 11 Veterans Day Parade and authorized a new fall youth soccer league in Lee Newton Park with Georgia Impact Soccer Club.
• New Citizen Inquiry Channel: Mayor Raffield announces a dedicated email (councilquestions@jasper-ga.us) for residents to submit direct questions to council and staff.
AGENDA
Call Meeting to Order/Roll Call ~ Mayor Raffield
Invocation ~ TBD
Pledge of Allegiance ~ Mayor Raffield
Adopt Agenda ~ Mayor Raffield
Proclamation – Serve Pickens Day
Proclamation – Georgia Marble Festival
Mayor Raffield
Water Update ~ Mayor Raffield
Consent Agenda ~ Mayor Raffield
1. Minutes from 08.27.2026 Work Session
2. Minutes from 09.14.2026 Council Meeting
3. Jasper Police Department MOU Radio Tower Site Use – Bent Tree Property Owners Association
Public Hearing #2 ~ City Management
1. Tax Millage
New Business
1. Consideration of the Annual Veterans Day Parade by the American Legion Post 149
Deputy City Manager – Kim Goldener
2. Consideration of Soccer League at Lee Newton Park - Georgia Impact Soccer Club
Deputy City Manager – Kim Goldener
3. Consideration of Resolution 2026-08 – Local Control through City Governance on behalf of the City of Jasper, Georgia
Mayor Raffield
Committee Report Updates
City Manager Comments
City Council Comments
Mayor Comments
Executive Session – Real Estate/Legal Mayor Raffield
Adjourn Mayor Raffield
Video recorded and produced by KnowPickens. For complete local news and event coverage across Pickens County, visit https://knowpickens.com