CLARKESVILLE — During its work session Tuesday, the Clarkesville City Council received updates this week on a wide range of grant applications spanning infrastructure, public safety, and planning initiatives, while also getting an early look at a proposed budget amendment that could draw on city reserves.
Grants Administrator Sara Burke outlined progress on several funding opportunities, including a major transportation infrastructure proposal that would support redevelopment of the downtown square.
Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank grant
The Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank application, submitted Feb. 13, includes about $1.6 million in grant funding, a $100,000 low-interest loan, and local contributions including $200,000 in right-of-way value, $50,000 in LMIG funds and $50,000 in SPLOST funding. The project also includes a $250 application fee.
Burke said the city has participated in additional meetings with program officials ahead of a June decision.
“They want to keep asking questions and keep asking more from us,” Burke said, calling the continued engagement a positive sign.
The proposal would support a square restoration project that includes new green space and related improvements.
Public safety and equipment grants advance
Burke also reported that a training and simulator grant has been awarded and is now in implementation, with equipment ordered and invoices being processed. The program is intended to support training efforts for local organizations, including churches, with a focus on violent incident response preparedness.
A separate license plate reader grant has also been awarded at $20,000. Burke said the
total project cost is about $27,000, with the remaining balance covered through the city’s existing budget.
In addition, the city was not selected for a Georgia Council for the Arts grant under the 2020 Red Clay Creative Cohort program, which drew more than 70 applicants and awarded only five recipients.
Burke said the city’s water and infrastructure grant is now in its closeout phase, with final reporting completed.
Fire grants and public safety funding ahead
Looking ahead, Burke highlighted two FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant applications due June 22. One focuses on equipment, training systems and personal protective equipment, which she said remains a critical need for the fire department. The second targets fire prevention and safety initiatives, including public education and health programs. Both require a 5% local match and could provide up to $1 million in funding depending on eligibility.
“We really need more PPE,” Burke said.
She also said a body-worn camera grant application framework is complete and ready for submission when the fall funding window opens.
Burke noted that no suitable wastewater grant opportunities are currently available, and a federal WaterSMART program she reviewed applies only to western states.
Transit-oriented development planning grant
Burke also introduced the FY 2026 Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Planning, which would fund engineering and feasibility studies rather than construction.
She said the program would allow the city to hire outside engineering support to produce detailed plans and safety analyses for potential sidewalk, bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
“That’s going to help us hire an engineering company so that we can actually get drawn-out plans,” Burke said. “Not just, ‘Hey, we have an idea to expand the sidewalk on this street or add one there,’ but it’s going to tell us how it’s going to work, how it’s going to impact safety, and give us actual conceptual drawings.”
Burke said the effort would help the city move from general ideas to actionable infrastructure planning and strengthen future applications for programs such as Safe Streets for All.
Burke added that she is seeking direction from the council on project priorities in order to finalize the application.
“I could hear the last of it by this Friday so that I can really start building,” she said. “That’s probably all I need from you all, is just that priority list.”
She said most remaining items, including project maps, images and right-of-way information, can be compiled with staff support.
Preliminary budget amendment shows potential reserve impact
Separately, Interim City Manager Julie Poole told council members a proposed 2025 budget amendment tied to Resolution 2026-4 was not yet ready for formal review but provided a preliminary overview of anticipated changes.
“What I passed out to you all is a preliminary budget amendment,” Poole said.
Poole said the amendment outlines potential draws from prior-year reserves and reflects several significant cost overruns, including a $200,000 down payment for the courthouse property and about $201,000 in demolition costs.
She said the figures remain preliminary and subject to revision before formal council consideration.
