Commerce, Georgia

City Council

The Commerce City Council will consider several items at its July 6 work session, including a rezoning request for 3 acres on Hospital Rd from residential to commercial, approval of the FY26 budget amendments, and an intergovernmental agreement with Jackson County for EMS services. Other items include the purchase of a 3.129-acre parcel at 204 Carson St and a new SRO agreement with Commerce City Schools. The council will also discuss cemetery improvements and ordinance amendments on nuisance abatement and demolition permits.

• Rezoning of 3 acres at 1432 Hospital Rd (Parcel 020 019F1) from R-1 to C-2
• Purchase of 3.129 acres at 204 Carson St from Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County
• Approval of FY26 budget amendments (no amounts specified)
• Intergovernmental agreement with Jackson County to lease CFD Station 2 for EMS
• Intergovernmental agreement with Commerce City Schools for School Resource Officers

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY 2026-2027 city budget. Action items include establishing a new electric rate for the Commerce City School System and readopting the Unified Development Code with amendments. The council will also consider an intergovernmental agreement with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office to purchase K-9 Argus and approve street closures for the Summer in the City event on June 27, 2026.

• Public hearing on FY 2026-2027 city budget
• Establish a 'School' electric rate for Commerce City School System, terminating the 2014 agreement effective July 1
• Readoption of the Unified Development Code with amendments
• IGA with Jackson County Sheriff's Office for purchase of K-9 Argus
• Approval of street closures for Summer in the City event on Little, Oak, and Pine Streets on June 27, 2026, 12:00pm-11:00pm

City Council

Planning Commission

The Commerce Planning Commission will consider a rezoning application for 0.83 acres at 170 Cardiology Place from single-family residential to neighborhood commercial. Other items include adoption of the official zoning map, election of officers, a name change for the Whitemill Village development to Hillstone Preserve, and a conditional use permit for indoor recreation at 1416 South Broad Street.

• Rezoning of 170 Cardiology Place (0.83 acres, parcel C09 018) from R-1 to C-1
• Adoption of the Official Zoning Map
• Preliminary plat name change from Whitemill Village to Hillstone Preserve (approx. 86 acres on White Hill School Road)
• Conditional use permit for commercial indoor recreation at 1416 South Broad Street
• Annual election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary

The Planning Commission approved the official zoning map, elected Erin Moore as chair, and unanimously approved a conditional use permit for indoor recreation and an annexation request. The meeting also included the approval of minutes and a preliminary plat name change.

• Approved minutes from February 23, 2026 (unanimous)
• Elected Erin Moore as Chair (unanimous)
• Approved official zoning map (unanimous)
• Approved conditional use permit for indoor recreation at 1416 South Broad Street (unanimous)
• Approved annexation of 3 parcels to C-1 zoning (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary plat name change to Hillstone Preserve (unanimous)
• Discussed Game Machine Ordinance and Historic Preservation Committee vacancies
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Commerce Planning Commission will hold public hearings and vote on a rezoning request for 29.54 acres on US Hwy 441 from agricultural residential to general commercial, and on two preliminary plats for new subdivisions. The commission will also receive updates from city council and discuss other business.

• Rezoning of ±29.54 acres on US Hwy 441 (Map/Parcel 009 014) from AR to C-2, applicant: Regal Investment Holdings
• Preliminary plat for 36 lots off Mt Olive Rd and Charleston Avenue (Map/Parcel 020 009X), applicant: Barry D. Lord
• Preliminary plat for PUD at 1134 State Street (Map/Parcel 009 028), applicant: Ken Gary

The Planning Commission unanimously approved two rezoning requests: about 29.5 acres on US Hwy 441 South from agricultural-residential to general commercial, and about 0.83 acres at 170 Cardiology Place from single-family residential to neighborhood commercial. Two preliminary plats were tabled: a 36-lot subdivision off Mt Olive Rd and Charleston Ave, and a 23.4-acre PUD at 1134 State Street. No public hearings were held on data centers or convenience stores.

• Unanimously approved rezoning PR26-0001 for 29.54 acres on US 441 South (AR to C-2)
• Unanimously approved rezoning PR25-0013 for 0.83 acres at 170 Cardiology Place (R-1 to C-1)
• Unanimously tabled preliminary plat PSP26-0002 (Northwood Phase 3, 36 lots) until next meeting
• Unanimously tabled preliminary plat PSP26-0003 (1134 State Street, PUD) until next meeting
• Unanimously approved minutes of April 27, 2026 meeting

City Council

The City Council will consider multiple items including a rezoning, water contracts, and event approvals. A rezoning application from Regal Investment Holdings seeks to change 29.54 acres on US Hwy 441 from agricultural to general commercial. The council will also vote on a water contract with Maysville and an intergovernmental water/sewer agreement with Banks County. Additionally, they will consider rental fees for recreation fields, participation in an amicus brief, and street closures for the 2026 Downtown Events and a 5K run.

• Rezoning of 29.54 acres on US Hwy 441 South (Map 009 014) from AR to C-2
• Water contract with City of Maysville
• Intergovernmental water/sewer agreement with Banks County
• Resolution to join amicus brief in Chang v. City of Milton
• Rental agreement and fee schedule for recreation fields and parks

The City Council approved an executive session to discuss legal and personnel issues. The session was called by Mayor Clark Hill and concluded with a unanimous vote to exit the session. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved executive session for legal and personnel matters (6-0)
• Unanimously voted to exit executive session (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will review several action items including a real property purchase and various service agreements. The agenda also includes a request to rezone approximately 29.54 acres on US Hwy 441 South.

• Purchase of +/- 3.129 acres at 204 Carson St from Boys & Girls Club of Jackson County
• Rezoning of +/- 29.54 acres on US Hwy 441 South from AR to C-2
• Rental Agreement and Fee Schedule for Recreation Department Fields and Parks
• Water Contract Sales Agreement with City of Maysville
• Intergovernmental Agreement with Banks County Government regarding Water & Sewer Service Strategy

The council approved the purchase of 3.129 acres at 204 Carson St from the Boys & Girls Club for $106,000. Additional approvals included water service agreements, park rental schedules, and rezoning for a commercial property on US Hwy 441 South.

• Approved April and May 2026 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved purchase of +/- 3.129 acres at 204 Carson St for $106,000 (4-0)
• Approved Recreation Department rental agreement and fee schedule (4-0)
• Approved water contract sales agreement with City of Maysville (4-0)
• Approved participation in Amicus Brief in Chang v. City of Milton (4-0)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with Banks County for water/sewer strategy (4-0)
• Approved 'Run for Hope' 5K and street slowdowns (4-0)
• Approved 2026 downtown event street and venue closures (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will discuss and potentially vote on several items, including a rezoning request from residential to commercial on Hospital Road, two preliminary plat approvals for residential developments, and a readoption of the Unified Development Code with amendments. A public hearing is scheduled for the rezoning application.

• Rezoning PR26-0002: 3 acres at 1432 Hospital Rd from R-1 to C-2 (General Commercial)
• Preliminary plat PSP26-0003: PUD plat approval on 23.4 acres at 1134 State Street
• Preliminary plat PSP26-0002: 36 lots on 13.854 acres off Mt Olive Rd and Charleston Avenue
• Readoption of the Unified Development Code with amendments

City Council

The Commerce City Council will discuss several contracts and project approvals, including a hotel feasibility study and easement acquisitions for the Grove Creek WPCP Project. Action items also cover a power service contract for Walmart, updates to civic center rental rates, and street closures for the Easter Parade. The meeting includes routine reports and a special police department recognition.

• Addendum to the Grove Creek CMAR contract
• Resolutions to acquire easements for the Grove Creek WPCP Project
• Electric Power Service Contract with Walmart (10725 Old Federal Road, Carnesville, GA)
• Award of Hotel Feasibility Analysis contract to Core Distinction for $17,500
• Street closures on Little St, Oak St, Church St, and College Ave for the Easter Parade on March 28

The City Council approved contracts for a hotel feasibility study and electric power service, new Civic Center rental rates, and street closures for Easter Parade and Touch-a-Truck events. The council also lifted a moratorium on games and game rooms.

• Approved Hotel Feasibility Analysis contract ($17,500)
• Approved Electric Power Service Contract for Walmart (60 months)
• Approved new Civic Center rental rates ($45-$60 per hour)
• Approved street closures for Easter Parade (March 28)
• Approved closure of State Street Parking Lot for Touch-a-Truck (April 21)
• Lifted moratorium on games and game rooms
• Approved minutes from January and February 2026 meetings
• Approved Grove Creek WPCP easement resolutions

City Council

The Commerce City Council will hear the 2026 State of the City Address and consider multiple action items including a $676,808 bid award for Ridling Field renovations, a 180-day extension of the demolition moratorium for pre-1960 structures, and several agreements. New business includes purchasing real estate adjacent to 1642 S Broad St and acquiring easements for the Grove Creek WPCP project. The meeting also features proclamations for Government Finance Professionals Week and Safe Digging Month.

• Award bid for Ridling Field Renovations Phase 2 to WL Griffin LLC for $676,808.30
• Extend moratorium on demolition applications for pre-1960 structures by 180 days
• Purchase of alley and drive adjacent to 1642 S Broad St and deed to DDA
• Rezoning of 0.83 acres at 170 Cardiology Place from R-1 to C-1
• Agreement with Buckhead Capital Management for investment advisory services

The City Council approved a 180-day demolition moratorium for pre-1960 structures, awarded a $676,808.30 contract for Ridling Field Phase 2 renovations, and adopted the updated Official Zoning Map. The council also approved the purchase of an alley adjacent to 1642 S Broad Street for the Downtown Development Authority.

• Approved 180-day demolition moratorium extension for pre-1960 structures (5-0)
• Approved purchase of alley adjacent to 1642 S Broad St for $15,000 (5-0)
• Approved Ridling Field Phase 2 renovations contract to WL Griffin LLC for $676,808.30 (5-0)
• Approved adoption of Official Zoning Map (5-0)
• Approved Jackson County Elections Polling Place Agreement (5-0)
• Approved Jackson County Sheriff's Housing and Booking Contract at $60/day (5-0)
• Approved retail sale of beer and wine application at 3243 Maysville Road (5-0)
• Approved agreement with Buckhead Capital Management for investment advisory services (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will consider a bid award for Ridling Field Phase 2 renovations to WL Griffin LLC for $676,808.30, a rezoning request for 170 Cardiology Place, and several agreements including investment advisory services, a polling place for municipal elections, and a sheriff's housing contract. Also up for discussion are a street closure for the Art-Tique Festival and a beer/wine sales application at a Texaco station.

• Award of RFP26-010 Ridling Field Renovations Phase 2 to WL Griffin LLC for $676,808.30
• Rezoning of 170 Cardiology Place (0.83 acres) from R-1 to C-1
• Agreement with Buckhead Capital Management for investment advisory services
• Jackson County Elections Polling Place Agreement moving municipal elections to Commerce Administrative Complex
• Application for retail sale of beer and wine at 3243 Maysville Road (Texaco)

The City Council adopted a new investment policy and authorized the move of municipal elections to the Commerce Administration Complex starting in 2027. The council also approved a one-year contract with Buckhead Capital Management for investment advisory services.

• Adopted City Investment Policy
• Authorized moving municipal elections to Commerce Administration Complex
• Approved investment advisory services agreement with Buckhead Capital Management
• Approved Jackson County Sheriff's Housing and Booking Contract ($60 per person per day)
• Approved rezoning of 170 Cardiology Place to C-1 (6-0)

City Council

This is a work session of the Commerce City Council. They will consider several contract awards, including the acquisition and operation of the Commerce Fiber Network to Truvista Communications, road resurfacing for $580,265, and audit services for $215,250. Also up for approval are solid waste collection rate changes, a venue rental fee schedule, a property transfer, a retirement plan amendment, and a special event zone for the Art-Tique Vintage Market. Additionally, council will discuss a police department autism awareness campaign.

• Consider award of RFP 26-007 for acquisition/operation of Commerce Fiber Network to Truvista Communications of Georgia LLC
• Consider award of RFP 26-011 for 2026 LMIG resurfacing to All About Asphalt for $580,265 (Wood St., Mercury St., Orchard Cir., Shankle Heights, N. Bowden St., Bolton Dr.)
• Consider award of RFP 26-012 for audit services to Bates Carter, LLC for $215,250 (FY2026-2030)
• Consider approval of new Solid Waste Collection Service Rates effective July 1, 2026
• Consider approval of transfer of real property at 1645 S Elm Street to the Downtown Development Authority

At an April 6 work session, the City Council voted 6-0 to approve the sale and operation of the Commerce fiber network to Truvista Communications of Georgia, LLC. The deal includes $150,000 cash, free dark fiber for 10 years, and discounted internet. Other items were discussed but not voted on: a $580,265 paving contract, a $215,250 audit contract, a solid waste rate increase of $0.23, a GMEB retirement plan amendment, venue rental fees, a property transfer to the DDA, and a special event zone for Art-Tique Market.

• Approved RFP 26-007 acquisition and operation of Commerce Fiber Network – award to Truvista Communications of Georgia LLC for $150,000, plus 10-year free dark fiber and 50% internet discount (6-0)

Commerce Downtown Development Authority & Civic Center Tourism Authority

The Commerce Downtown Development Authority and Civic Center Tourism Authority will discuss an ordinance amendment to Article IV Chapter 2 that sets 4-year terms, annual officer elections, and chair term limits. They will vote on appointing Wes Wilbanks, Dylan Wilbanks, and Olivia Freeman to three-year DDA terms (Jan 2026-Dec 2028). Other discussion items include a fireworks contract for June 27, 2026, and updates on Oakleigh Floral & Coffee and the Historic Map.

• Ordinance Amendment - Art. IV Ch.2: all board terms set at 4 years, officers selected annually, chair limited to 2 consecutive years, chair can only motion to table and vote to break ties, applicants must submit application and undergo background check
• Appointment of Wes Wilbanks, Dylan Wilbanks, and Olivia Freeman to 3-year DDA terms (Jan 2026-Dec 2028)
• Fireworks Contract 2026 Display scheduled for June 27
• Civic Center Pricing approved by Council on Feb 16, 2026
• Business licenses issued in December (Bboutique, Double C Boot Ranch) and January (1818 Properties LLC, C & S Wellness, Guardian Septic Services, Kaila's Cuts & Barbering, Redeemed Reach Logistics)

The DDA approved contracts for a June 27 fireworks display and a musical performance. The board also discussed upcoming retail leases, historic map updates, and cultural center renovations.

• Approved fireworks contract with PyroTecnics for $12,000 (unanimous)
• Approved 'Back in Time' band contract for $3,000 (unanimous)
• Approved meeting call to order (unanimous)
• Approved February 23, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financials for DDA and Civic Center Tourism (unanimous)

Commerce Downtown Development Authority & Civic Center Tourism Authority

The Commerce Downtown Development Authority and Civic Center Tourism Authority are holding a regular monthly meeting on December 8, 2025. They will approve minutes and financials, receive a staff report, and discuss old and new business. New business items include building updates at multiple addresses, Market on Broad expansion, board appointments, and planning for 2026-2028. The agenda also lists upcoming community events.

• Building updates at 1736 N Broad St, 41 State St, 29 State St, and 1730 N Broad St
• Market on Broad expansion
• Board Appointments
• Work Session Planning 2026-2028
• 12 Pine St discussion

The Board unanimously approved the DDA and Civic Center financials. The Board expressed support for a proposed bloom bar and coffee shop at 12 Pine St, pending lease review by the City Attorney. Members also requested reappointment for two-year terms.

• Approved DDA and Civic Center financials (6-0)
• Supported proposal for Oakleigh Floral bloom bar and coffee shop at 12 Pine St
• Recommended Olivia Freeman and Jake Bleckinstaff for Economic Revitalization committee
• Requested reappointment for 2-year terms (Wes Wilbanks, Dylan Wilbanks, Susan Stephenson)

City Council

The council will consider several new‑business items, including approving a hotel feasibility analysis contract for $17,500, setting new rental rates for the Commerce and Wrangler rooms at the Civic Center, and amending the city ordinance on games and game rooms. It will also review an electric power service contract with Walmart and authorize street closures for the Easter parade and a Touch‑a‑Truck event.

• Electric Power Service Contract – Walmart (10725 Old Federal Road, Carnesville, GA)
• Approve RFP26-008 Hotel Feasibility Analysis – award to Core Distinction for $17,500
• Civic Center Rental Rates – new rates for Commerce and Wrangler Rooms
• Amend Section 18-68 of Chapter 18, Article III of City Code governing Games and Game Rooms
• Street closures for City Easter Parade on March 28 (Little St, Oak St, Church St, College Ave) and State Street Parking Lot closure for Touch‑a‑Truck on April 21, 2026

The City Council approved a $17,500 contract for a hotel feasibility study and new rental rates for the Commerce and Wrangler Rooms, effective March 1, 2026. The meeting also covered a proposed ordinance amendment for game machines and requested street closures for the Easter Parade and Touch-a-Truck event.

• Approved $17,500 hotel feasibility study contract (unanimous)
• Approved new civic center rental rates ($45/hr Commerce Room, $60/hr Wrangler Room)
• Approved Easter Parade street closures (March 28, 9am-1pm)
• Approved State Street Parking Lot closure for Touch-a-Truck (April 22, 4pm-8pm)
• Proposed amendment to game machine ordinance tabled for discussion

City Council

The Commerce City Council will hear the FY2025 audit presentation, vote on appointing David Quilliams as Municipal Court Chief Judge, and consider a contract amendment with Waste Pro for solid waste collection. Other items include a demolition permit at 46 Madison Street, awarding an engineering contract for the Municipal Ground Well Project to ESG Engineering, and making appointments to the Downtown Development Authority and Recreation Board. The council will also consider a resolution supporting the state historic property tax credit and approve the 2026 city event calendar.

• Appointment of David Quilliams as Municipal Court Chief Judge (Feb 2026–Dec 2027)
• Demolition permit at 46 Madison Street
• Contract amendment with Waste Pro of Georgia Inc. for solid waste collection services
• Award engineering contract for Municipal Ground Well Project to ESG Engineering
• Resolution urging Georgia legislature to preserve/renew historic property tax credit

The city council approved the appointment of David Quilliams as Municipal Court Chief Judge for a term through Dec 2027 at $1,750/month, and authorized a demolition permit at 46 Madison Street. The council also approved a contract amendment with Waste Pro for solid waste collection (36-month term, $0.25/service increase) and awarded an engineering contract for the Municipal Ground Well Project to ESG Engineering. Additionally, members were appointed to the Downtown Development Authority and Recreation Board, a resolution urging the state to preserve historic property tax credits was adopted, and the 2026 City Event Calendar was approved.

• Appointed David Quilliams as Municipal Court Chief Judge (Feb 2026–Dec 2027) at $1,750/month (unanimous)
• Approved demolition permit at 46 Madison Street (unanimous)
• Approved contract amendment with Waste Pro for solid waste collection (36-month term, $0.25/service increase) (unanimous)
• Awarded engineering contract for Municipal Ground Well Project to ESG Engineering (unanimous)
• Appointed Dylan Wilbanks, Wes Wilbanks, Olivia Freeman to Downtown Development Authority (36-month terms) (unanimous)
• Appointed Richard Harrison, Andy Moncrief (24-month), Caleb Jordan, Shana Jones, Daryl Grant (36-month) to Recreation Board (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution urging Georgia legislature to preserve/expand historic property tax credit (unanimous)
• Approved 2026 City Event Calendar with alternate weather date (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will vote on a contract amendment with Waste Pro of Georgia for solid waste collection services and on awarding an engineering contract for the Municipal Ground Well Project to ESG Engineering. The council also plans to make appointments to the Downtown Development Authority and Recreation Board, consider a resolution supporting the state historic property tax credit, and approve the 2026 City Event Calendar. Discussion items include an update on the game machine ordinance (under moratorium until March 14, 2026) and potential condemnation of utility easements for the WPCP Grove Project.

• Contract Amendment – Waste Pro of Georgia Inc. for Solid Waste Collection Services
• Award contract for RFQ 26-009 Engineering Services for Municipal Ground Well Project to ESG Engineering, authorizing mayor to sign
• Appointments: 3 members to Downtown Development Authority (36-month terms)
• Appointments: 3 members to Commerce Recreation Board (36-month terms)
• Resolution urging Georgia legislature to preserve/renew/expand State Income Tax Credit for Rehabilitated Historic Property

The City Council appointed three members to the Downtown Development Authority and three to the Commerce Recreation Board, each serving 36-month terms. The council also discussed a game machine ordinance amendment and the WPCP Grove Project.

• Appointed 3 Downtown Development Authority members (36-month terms)
• Appointed 3 Commerce Recreation Board members (36-month terms)
• Discussed game machine ordinance amendment (moratorium until 03/14/2026)
• Discussed WPCP Grove Project - potential condemnation of Utility Easements

City Council

The Commerce City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the 2025 millage rate at a full rollback of 4.025 mills. They will also consider a 180-day moratorium on new game room licenses, award a construction manager at risk contract for the Grove Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, and approve multiple street closures for community events.

• Consider approval of 2025 millage rate @ 4.025 mills (full rollback)
• 180-day moratorium on acceptance and issuance of game room licenses and permits
• Recommendation for award – RFP 26-001: Construction Manager At Risk Services for Grove Creek Water Pollution Control Plant
• Consider approval of Madison County Water Purchase and Sale Agreement (36-month term 2025–2028)
• Consider adoption of new Employee Handbook effective November 1, 2025

The City Council approved the 2025-2026 millage rate at 4.025 mills, a full rollback, and authorized a $75,000 contract for construction management services at the Grove Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. The council also approved a 180-day moratorium on game room licenses and adopted a new employee handbook.

• Approved 2025-2026 millage rate at 4.025 mills (6-0)
• Authorized $75,000 contract for Reeves Young (CMAR) (6-0)
• Passed 180-day moratorium on game room licenses (6-0)
• Adopted new Employee Handbook effective Nov 1, 2025 (6-0)
• Approved donation of Spencer Park parcel to City (6-0)
• Approved street closures for Christmas events (6-0)
• Passed tax levy resolution for Commerce City Schools (6-0)
• Tabled MEAG Power sale agreement (6-0)

Planning Commission

The Commerce Planning Commission will consider a rezoning application for 0.83 acres at 170 Cardiology Place from single-family residential to neighborhood commercial, elect annual officers, and approve a conditional use permit for indoor recreation at 1416 South Broad Street. Also on the agenda are annexation of three parcels by the school district, adoption of the official zoning map, and discussion of ordinance amendments for board terms and officer selection.

• Rezoning of 170 Cardiology Place (0.83 acres) from R-1 to C-1, applicant Brittany Purcell
• Conditional use permit for commercial indoor recreation at 1416 South Broad Street, applicant Steven M Pedersen
• Annexation of three parcels by Commerce City School District into C-1 (previously approved)
• Annual election of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Adoption of official zoning map and ordinance amendment on board terms and officer powers