The Dawsonville City Council has officially approved a proposed intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Dawson County on the county’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) VII. 

Following the Dawson County Board of Commissioner’s approval of the proposed IGA in late May, the Dawsonville City Council met on Monday, June 7, and finalized the agreement, officially setting the terms for SPLOST VII collections and ending a civil lawsuit over the tax. 

According to the IGA, city and county officials have agreed to a 12% and 88% split of SPLOST VII funds between the parties.

The IGA stipulates that the city will receive the first $1.5 million in SPLOST VII funding after the first $8.5 million collected to build the new Dawson County E911 center. The agreement also includes a section outlining another IGA, which allows the city to use county-owned parking lots at certain times. 

Before the council’s vote on Monday night, Post 4 Council Member Mark French thanked the county for its cooperation as the SPLOST VII IGA was negotiated. 

“I would like to compliment the county for their willingness to work with us in achieving an amicable resolution for all parties; it’s much appreciated,” French said. 

Council members also approved the parking IGA as part of the SPLOST IGA. Under the parking agreement, the city will be allowed to use county-owned parking lots within city limits during city events. 

“This is part of our settlement agreement discussions with the county; it’s already been approved by them,” Dawsonville Mayor Mike Eason said. “This gives us access to county properties for parking in the downtown area for special events and other things.”

Council members approved the IGAs 3-0, with Council Member Caleb Phillips absent.