Cornelia City Commission Approves FLOST Resolution, Storage Expansion During July Meeting

The Cornelia City Commission approved several measures affecting the city's future during its Tuesday, July 7 meeting, including support for a countywide sales tax referendum designed to provide property tax relief and the expansion of a commercial development along Level Grove Road.

Mayor Pro Tem Janice Griggs presided over the meeting in Mayor John Borrow's absence.

One of the evening's most significant actions was the unanimous approval of a resolution authorizing Mayor John Borrow to sign an intergovernmental agreement supporting Habersham County's proposed Flexible Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum.

If approved by voters, the one-cent sales tax would be used to help reduce local property taxes by providing an additional source of revenue for participating governments. The agreement allows the City of Cornelia to participate in the countywide initiative as the proposal moves toward a public vote.

Commissioners also voted 3-1 to amend a conditional use permit for property located at 1509 Level Grove Road, clearing the way for Blue Bird Mini Storage LLC to expand its self-storage development.

The amendment allows additional storage units to be constructed on the front portion of the property. City officials have previously indicated the revised site plan became necessary after Georgia Power easement requirements affected the original development layout.

Commissioner Mark Reed cast the lone dissenting vote on the proposal.

The decisions represent two important issues facing the city—one focused on long-term tax relief for property owners and the other addressing continued commercial growth within Cornelia.

The FLOST resolution is part of a broader countywide effort that will ultimately allow voters to decide whether to implement the one-cent sales tax as an alternative funding source to help offset property taxes.

Meanwhile, the approval of the amended conditional use permit allows the Level Grove Road development to move forward under its revised design.

The City Commission will continue addressing additional city business during upcoming meetings as Cornelia moves forward with infrastructure improvements, economic development initiatives, and long-range planning efforts.