Development Authority pays off streetlight installation debt, but who covers ongoing costs stays unresolved

Starting in April 2025, the Habersham County Development Authority board repeatedly considered continuing streetlight billing arrangements for the Airport Business Park but put off a decision each time. In April, the board voted 6-0 to table the item until members met with the City of Baldwin. In June, members discussed concerns that turning the $19,000 streetlight installation balance over to Habersham EMC could leave the utility unpaid if business park owners defaulted, and again tabled the matter 6-0. The board tabled it again in August, pushing the decision to September.

At its September 11, 2025 meeting, the board voted 6-0 to have Patti McLarty obtain the payoff amount for the streetlight hardware and installation from HEMC and process the invoice for payment. The same meeting noted unpaid common expenses in the business park, including $447.90 owed by Pad 8 owner Don Higgins and $268.84 owed by Wade Rhodes.

By the board's November 13, 2025 meeting, the $19,000 balance owed to HEMC for the streetlight installation had been paid.

The question of ongoing costs resurfaced at the board's June 11, 2026 meeting, when members discussed future maintenance and cost responsibility for the Airport Business Park streetlights. The authority said it has spent about $47,000 installing the lights and continues to pay HEMC a monthly bill of $165.