The City of Blue Ridge will contribute one-third of the cost, or up to $25,000, for a feasibility study in relation to a community aquatic and wellness facility as long as Fannin County commissioners and the school system agree to contribute.
In a Tuesday, September 21, meeting of the city council, Councilman Mike Panter said the study will determine whether or not such a center is feasible and, if so, where it should be. The study could cost between $50,000 to $75,000 based on Panter’s quotes.
When a motion was made, Panter and council members Robbie Cornelius and Harold Herndon voted for the study while council members Nathan Fitts and Rhonda Haight voted against spending the money. The funds will come out of the Hotel/Motel Excise Tax.
Additionally, since it could be years before an aquatic or wellness center could even be built and completed, it was agreed by all council members to get quotes for repairing the city pool.
After an executive session, it was approved to move forward with purchasing 6.07 acres joining the sewer plant.
“We would go under contract with a 30-day due diligence period contingent upon financing being through a GMA program which is 100% financing. We will have a public hearing on it within 15 days, (corrected to advertise it in 15 days) $100,000 earnest money will be held in escrow, closing by the end of the year, and we would agree to allow possession, the current owner possession, after closing up to five months,” Fitts said making the motion.
In other action, the council agreed to pay election poll workers $15 an hour.
During the discussion, Panter said he has been “looking down by the gazebo behind the monument of doing a water fountain” that children will be able to play in.
Brian Higgins provided an update on the Farmers Market.
He told the council that a Fall Fest is in the works for October 16, and it would be free for the time being in order to get it up and running.