Almost a year after a judge declared it to be a public nuisance, the former Econo Lodge at 2007 Tampico Way in Dalton is slated for demolition.

DALTON, Ga. — The members of the Dalton City Council could take the next step toward tearing down the former Econo Lodge at 2007 Tampico Way.

Council members are scheduled to vote Monday night to ask the inspections administrator of Whitfield County to issue a demolition permit for the building. They will also vote on a $5,350 contract with Terracon — which has offices in Chattanooga, Kennesaw and Lawrenceville — to do a hazardous materials assessment of the building. The mayor and council have a work session at 5:30 in the council chamber of City Hall and their regular meeting at 6 p.m.

City Administrator Jason Parker said the inspection could take place within one to two weeks if the council approves the contract. If any hazardous materials are found, the city will have to have them removed by a certified firm.

“After that, the city would be clear to receive the permit and demolish (the building),” Parker said. “The entire process could take 45-90 days. That period could be longer depending on how quickly the city can secure a contractor to remove any hazardous material.”

Mayor Dennis Mock said council members are eager to have the building torn down.

“We want it to happen as quickly as possible,” he said.

The property’s owners, Dalton Land LLC, were given until Monday, Aug. 13, to tear the structure down. That deadline passed without the building being torn down.

A judge ruled the site a public nuisance in 2017. City Attorney Jim Bisson said earlier this month there was difficulty in identifying the owners.

Court filings indicate the property is unsafe, has high weeds and is the site of criminal activity. Officials say the property was closed completely on Feb. 24, 2014.

Council members are also scheduled to set the city’s 2018 property tax rate. The city has advertised a 2.505-mill rate, down from 2.506 mills in 2017.