By Lorraine Bennett
Staff Writer
The Hayesville Town Council Monday adopted Clay County’s sweeping ordinance banning data processing centers in the town or its extraterritorial jurisdiction, and appointed Suzanne Hedden as the town’s budget officer.
The town had called a public hearing on the data center ordinance. When no citizen appeared to speak either for or against, Mayor Benita England read the county’s ordinance noting such data centers are not compatible with the county’s comprehensive plan.
Other reasons for rejecting the centers were the high electricity and water usage such centers require, the noise they generate, and the prospect such centers would alter the rural ambiance of the county and negatively impact the area.
The motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilwoman Lauren Tiger with Councilman Harry Baughn offering the second.
Councilman Joe Slaton made the motion to appoint Suzanne Hedden as the town’s budget officer. Hedden will take on the task in addition to her current duties as town clerk and finance officer. Councilwoman Tiger seconded.
The council briefly discussed insurance renewal for the Historic Hayesville Inc. building but took no action. HHI’s Executive Director Sandy Zimmerman was absent but was reported researching insurance choices.
They voted to amend the scope of the current Direct Legislative Grant to include street and sidewalk repairs and improvements.
The council noted a curbing issue on Church Street could pose a safety issue and needs to be repaired. About $15,000 is available fromthe American Rescue Plan grant and can be used for such repairs.
They voted to increase the current budget covering seminars and travel expenses by $1,200 for each. Councilwoman Tiger made the motion to increase with Councilman Baughn offering the second.
In the Mayor’s Report, Mayor England gave an update on Town Hall renovations and improvements, including:
• Soliciting of designs and costs for shrubbery in Mayor’s Park, with a goal of having planting done before the end of April;
• Completion of paperwork with the Department of Transportation for a rock base on the wayfinding sign to be reconstructed near McDonald’s, and the refreshing of other signs around town;
• Picnic tables in Hedden Alley are assembled and in place after George’s Hardware stored them for several weeks during bad weather;
• A new HVAC system is installed in the Historic Hayesville, Inc. building, replacing one more than two decades old;
• A March 31 date is projected for installation of new flooring at Town Hall.
Mayor England said so far all town projects have been on or under budgeted costs. The projects are being paid for through the legislative grant the town received.
Upcoming events around Hayesville include a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Fat Dog Sports Bar and Grill on March 14, a Chamber of Commerce Jail and Bail Fundraiser on April 12 and the Mayor’s Yard Sale May 23.
Hayesville Zoning Administrator April England noted a busy start of the year 2026, including the awarding of a certificate of compliance for the new hotel going up on the square, and variances for a retail store on Church Street behind George’s Hardware and the expansion of a building at Parts City.
The council met in closed session where a motion was made and approved to contract with John Henning as a consulting attorney for real estate acquisitions. Henning is a consulting attorney for Franklin.