Demorest Council to Review Development Plans, Budget Changes, and July Fourth Preparations

The Demorest City Council will meet Tuesday evening to address a variety of community issues, ranging from residential development proposals and zoning updates to financial matters and preparations for the city’s annual Independence Day celebration.

Council members will begin with a work session at 6 p.m., followed by the regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Both meetings will take place at the Demorest Municipal Conference Center on Alabama Street.

One of the evening’s key discussions will center on plans for a proposed multifamily housing development on Fisk Avenue. A public hearing has been scheduled regarding a request by Alan Baker and Philip Smith for a special use permit that would allow multifamily residential construction on approximately 4.14 acres located at 415 Fisk Avenue. Following public input, council members are expected to consider action on the request.

There will be a public hearing to discuss revisions to the zoning ordinance. Proposed changes would permit fitness-related businesses within Demorest’s B-1 commercial district. There will be amendments to remove outdated references to High, Medium, and Low Intensity classifications from sections of the city code.

Amendments to the 2025 city budget will be discussed. This is the first of two required public hearings, the second one being held on June 9, which will also be the final vote on the revisions of the proposed budget.

During the work session, city officials will receive an update on upcoming Fourth of July festivities. This year’s parade will feature the Demorest Women’s Club as Grand Marshal.

The honor recognizes one of the city’s longest-standing civic organizations. Founded in 1934 by 11 local women, the club initially met in members’ homes before establishing a permanent presence in the community. In 1954, members purchased the organization’s current building from trustees of the Demorest Methodist Church and completed renovations that transformed it into the club’s longtime meeting place. For more than nine decades, the group has played an active role in community service, preservation, and civic engagement throughout Demorest.

Also during the work session, Bates & Carter are expected to give an overview of the city’s 2025 audit.

Additional topics scheduled for review include a proposed plat approval for property on Ivy Street, a contract proposal from GoGov, recommendations involving the Georgia Municipal Employee Benefit System, and plans to enclose bays at the city’s Water Department facility.

Council members will also consider accepting a cybersecurity grant, review a firewall proposal from ACG, discuss opening a new Water and Sewer operating account, and consider a resolution regarding the sale of stock currently held through Principal Financial.

Many of those items are expected to return later in the evening for formal action during the regular meeting.

The agenda also includes the city manager’s report and a review of the city’s financial status.

Residents wishing to speak will have opportunities during public comment periods held near the beginning and end of the meeting. Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker.

Both the work session and regular meeting are open to the public.