The Dalton City Council voted Monday to authorize the demolition of the former Econo Lodge on Tampico Way.

DALTON, Ga. — Dalton City Council members cut the city’s property tax rate slightly Monday night, but because of growth in the digest, the city expects to collect about $212,987 more in revenue.

Council members voted 4-0 to set the city’s 2018 property tax rate at 2.505 mills, down from 2.506 mills in 2017. Mayor Dennis Mock typically votes only in the event of a tie.

Finance Director Cindy Jackson said that represents the rollback rate necessary to cancel out any additional revenue caused by reassessments.

The 2018 tax rate is expected to bring in $8.968 million, up from $8.755 million in 2017, because of the growth of the tax digest. The net city tax digest rose to $3.58 billion from $3.49 billion in 2017.

“Right now, I think it’s most appropriate to be conservative,” said council member Annalee Harlan when asked why council members did not cut taxes further. “We can make that change later if we feel confident about it.”

Council members also voted 4-0 to ask the inspections administrator of Whitfield County to issue a demolition permit for the former Econo Lodge at 2007 Tampico Way. and to approve a $5,350 contract with Terracon — which has offices in Chattanooga, Kennesaw and Lawrenceville — to do a hazardous materials assessment of that building. 

City Administrator Jason Parker said last week the inspection could take place within one to two weeks. 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.”

The property is near the intersection of Shugart Road and the North Bypass.

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

“This has been a long process, and I’m certainly looking forward to getting this out of the way,” said council member Gary Crews. “It was a challenge identifying and locating the owner, which we needed to do to move forward.”

Council members also voted 4-0 to:

• Approve a $1,950 contract with Rock Creek Outfitters to provide kayak clinics for three straight Saturdays starting Sept. 8 at the park being built at the Haig Mill reservoir. The clinics will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will be free to the public. Officials will use the clinics to determine whether there is enough interest to have kayak rentals at the park.

• Approve a $187,952 contract with Dominica Recreation Products of Florida to build a playground at the Haig Mill park.

• Approve a change order to the Hag Mill park project to formally extend the construction period for the park until Oct. 15. This will allow engineers to remain on site to oversee the remaining work. It will not add to the cost of the project.

• Approve a $4,967.50 bid from Weatherproofing Technologies Inc./Tremco of Ohio for roof leak repair of the cupola on the old post office at 100 S. Hamilton St. The building, which is owned by the city, now houses the Carpet and Rug Institute and the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce.

• Approve an interest-free loan of $42,565 to Wylene Crow to repair her Jeans Street home. The loan will come from the city’s federal Community Home Investment Program (CHIP) grant.