CLEVELAND, Ga.- The City Council held a public hearing on a possible referendum for the November ballot for package stores to see if this is something the public is interested in.

The council also approved the request from Police Chief Jeff Shoemaker to purchase a new Ford Explorer for the Cleveland Police Department. The City Attorney Grant Keene formally turned in his notice that as of the end of the year he wishes to step down from his role within the city.

At the Council’s Feb. 14 meeting Mr. Ed Ward brought a request to have a referendum placed on the Nov. ballot for package stores. To review that meeting visit https://white.fetchyournews.com/2022/02/15/council-discusses-short-term-rental-ordinance/. Ward was one of three citizens that spoke at the public hearing.

Ward, as well as Mr. Charlie Pope both, spoke in favor of the referendum. This is due to the high likelihood they both see more significant revenue streams for Cleveland. According to Ward Helen is currently the only area for miles until Gainesville that has package stores and because of this, they are making $5 to $6 million in revenue.

Ward also pointed out to the council that several local cities have begun adding package stores to their communities. Ward owned Ma Gooches and with the turning of the times, he petitioned for their business to be able to sell alcohol, and then when finally passed they rebranded to J. W. Reeds. If the referendum makes it onto the ballot and is passed, Ward plans to build a store where his restaurant used to sit before the 2019 fire.

Commissioner Terry Goodger while addressing the City Council.

White County Commissioner Terry Goodger was also in attendance for the public hearing and once again spoke against the package store in Cleveland. He felt that the possible revenue stream would not be as large as Ward and Pope thought it would be.

“My question is what will the benefits of a package liquor store in Cleveland be? How can a packaged liquor store be a positive force that benefits the economic growth of our community? I can think of nothing except for possibly the revenue you’re talking about that the City would receive from it, I don’t think that ultimately the revenue will meet the expectations,” explained Goodger.

The council will hold another public hearing on July 25 at 6:30 p.m. to give anyone else an opportunity to speak on this topic. After this public hearing, the council can take action on the referendum. To review the proposed referendum visit https://www.cityofclevelandga.org/news_detail_T10_R83.php. There is also an email address where comments can be directed if someone is not able to attend the hearing and that is [email protected].

City Attorney Grant Keene while announcing his intention to step down at the end of the year.

During the regular meeting, the council approved Chief Shoemaker’s request to purchase a new 2022 Ford Explorer. The Explorer is on Jacky Jones Ford Dealership’s car lot. The price is $33,532 and the funds will come out of the SPLOST fund.

Lastly, City Attorney Grant Keene announced his intention to step down at the end of the year. Keene has worked for the city for 33 1/2 years. This is subject to council approval and they have been seeking the services of a new attorney to fill Keene’s shoes, the council approved Mr. Keith J. Whitaker of Smith Gilliam Williams & Miles, P.A. as the new attorney.

Heard in the clip above are Mayor Josh Turner’s remarks to Keene. Keene received a standing ovation after his announcement.