Jasper-Pickens Community Town Hall | October 8, 2026

The Jasper-Pickens Community Town Hall, held October 8, 2026, focused on Jasper’s water and sewer problems and possible consolidation of the city and county governments. City officials said the new-water-connection suspension remains in effect, with a scheduled end date of September 8, 2027, but the city’s goal is to lift it sooner if infrastructure conditions allow. They cited 44% water loss in the most recent audit, ongoing leak repairs, and an estimated $100 million to rehabilitate the full water system. A roughly $15 million funding package for a water-supply connection to Gilmer County was described as a major step toward redundancy; officials said about half is principal forgiveness and half is a loan. They also noted a separate $18.5 million USDA-funded wastewater expansion, about $4 million in bond/SPLOST funds for infrastructure, and the possibility that water rates may need to rise to support repairs and debt repayment.

A community advocate proposed public-private partnerships as another potential way to fund infrastructure, but the city said it had not evaluated specific development proposals or verified an approximately $6 million estimate. Officials said impact fees cannot be collected until the city completes its comprehensive plan. The county and city discussed water interconnection, shared service options, consolidation feasibility, and a possible water authority, but no agreement or formal procurement decision was made. No motions or votes were reported; officials committed to continued discussions, communication, and follow-up with residents.