CLARKESVILLE — The Clarkesville City Council on Monday unanimously approved a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation to relocate city utilities as part of a long-planned roundabout at the intersection of State Routes 197 and 385.
City Manager Keith Dickerson said the project represents both a state transportation improvement and an opportunity for the city to upgrade aging infrastructure.
“I kind of look at it as a grant,” Dickerson said. “We’re getting some sewer and water line improvements out of it, and they’re getting their lines moved out and roundabout. So that’s where we’re at with that, and it’s only taken three years to get there.”
The project, first proposed by GDOT in 2021, is expected to be let for construction in January or February. Under the agreement, the total cost of utility relocation is estimated at $730,876, with GDOT covering 60 percent and Clarkesville responsible for the remaining 40 percent or around $292,000. Dickerson said the city will pay its share in two installments over the next two years.
Earlier during the council’s 5 p.m. work session, Dickerson outlined how the work will improve water and sewer service around the intersection. “We’re going to put three manholes in on that side,” he said, adding that the city will tie smaller lines into a six-inch main and eliminate lines running through the intersection. “We’re really looking at this as improvements to the water and sewer.”
The roundabout project marks a key milestone in a multiyear effort to improve traffic flow and safety along the SR 197 corridor, where GDOT’s design includes pedestrian and bicycle accommodations and enhanced landscaping.
“This has been a long struggle,” Dickerson said. “But it’s going to happen, and it’s going to be a real benefit for the city.”
Downtown project aims to revitalize Greene Plaza
Councilman Brad Coppedge detailed the Greene Plaza enhancement project, which will transform the alleyway between Your Pie and Unicoi Outfitters into a covered outdoor seating and event space.
The plan includes a 39-foot canopy provided by Unicoi Outfitters, murals on adjoining walls, slip-resistant coating on the walkway, and new lighting and furniture. “It’s a great place for people to grab a treat from Scoops or Your Pie and enjoy being downtown,” Coppedge said.
Soque River grant could bring $2.7 million in park and trail upgrades
Coppedge also outlined a $2.7 million Department of Natural Resources grant proposal developed through the Soque River Watershed Association and engineering firm Kimley-Horn.
The project would re-engineer flood-prone areas at Pitts Park, restore riverbanks, and add new walking paths, workout stations, playground equipment, dog parks, and public river access points.
A second phase would include a suspension bridge connecting the Greenway trail to new wetlands and a nature trail. “This is a vision we’ve been working on for a while,” Coppedge said. “It really enhances both recreation and flood control.”
City to use lease program for fire truck, police vehicles
In other work session updates, Dickerson said the city plans to use the Georgia Municipal Association’s lease-to-own program to finance a new fire truck and police vehicles.
He said the plan avoids the high cost of bonding. “It gives us an opportunity to pay a little at a time, versus paying all at once, and then you own it at the end,” Dickerson said. “They’ll give us 10 years to pay for that fire truck.”
Council passes emergency resolution, extends tax deadline
During the regular meeting, the council also approved Resolution 2025-6, reaffirming Clarkesville’s participation in Habersham County’s emergency management organization.
Additionally, council members voted to extend the property tax payment deadline to Feb. 1, giving homeowners an extra 90 days to pay their bills. Dickerson said a software issue contributed to the need for the extension.
