Community and Southern Bank plans to close its downtown Dawsonville branch at the end of April.

Bank officials announced last week the branch on Main Street will be combined with one at 4300 Dawson Forest Road, by Ga. 400.

In a news release, Regional Executive Chris Ensley said the merge will maximize services for existing customers while expanding service lines to capitalize on future opportunities.

"We will not stray from our goal of meeting and exceeding the expectations of customers, communities, team members and shareholders," he said.

Marketing representative Charity Aaron said the bank offered several employees of the Main Street location the option to shift to other branches.

"Some employees may not be able to relocate to the Dawsonville 400 Branch," she said.

The Dawsonville branch will officially close its doors April 27.

Bank officials said customers, including those with safety deposit boxes, will not experience a disruption in service.

The bank will also honor all event reservations for its community center on Main Street free of charge through the closing date.

"We are personally notifying everyone who has a current booking through April 27," Aaron said.

Mayor Pro-tem James Grogan learned the branch would close when he checked his mail Monday afternoon.

"I have a personal account there and I got a letter in the mail," he said. "The building is a focal point for us as people drive in to Dawsonville on Hwy. 53. We definitely want to get someone in there as soon as possible."

Aaron said the bank is working with its commercial broker to determine the best strategy for the buildings.

Community and Southern acquired the failed Appalachian Community Bank, which included the two Dawson sites, in March 2010.