City Council to Discuss 2017 Election in Work Session

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — The City of Dahlonega will elect a mayor and three city council members in 2017. City Council will meet in a work session Thursday to discuss whether the city should conduct the election or contract with Lumpkin County for that service.

The city would have to hold Early Voting for three weeks prior to election day and state law requires the presence of of three poll workers in the polling place every day of early voting. That would require the city to hire three people on a temporary basis.

City Clerk Kimberly Smith could act as Election Superintendent but would have to attend certification classes and train the poll workers.

She estimates that would cost the city between $9,000 and $13,000. If Dahlonega contracted with Lumpkin County to hold elections, the estimated cost to do so would be $10,000 to $12,000.

Council is also expected to discuss:
The presentation of an award from Georgia Urban Forestry Council;
Update of City of Dahlonega Comprehensive Plan;
Christmas in Homestead;
A permit for an upcoming filming in Dahlonega;
Service Delivery Strategy;
Revisions to the contract with the Chamber of Commerce;
Possible Purchase of Equipment for Sheriff’s Office.