Leesburg continues to lend a hand with county-wide growth.

At its Feb. 7 meeting, the Leesburg Town Council voted to contribute $500 to the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s Economic and Industrial Promotion project.

“Among the things that we’ve been working on is creating new Commerce tourism brochures and wall maps to help promote Cherokee County’s development,” said Chamber Executive Director Thereasa Hulgan. “Were always trying to make contacts with prospective county businesses, and we’ve been attending several in-state and out-of-state travel and boat expos. At these shows, we tell folks about the county and what it has to offer. Having KTH-Leesburg is a very attractive selling point for Leesburg, and we’re working with Paramount Pictures to have them come and do some filming at Cherokee Rock Village. The company said that they’ll need around 125 motel rooms, so that will have a great economic impact for Leesburg and for the county. We didn’t receive any lodging tax funds last year, so any help that you can give would be greatly appreciated.”

Mayor Ed Mackey, who noted that the Chamber is a good organization and Hulgan does a wonderful job as its director, requested that Hulgan consider assisting the town in making a tourism DVD about Leesburg. Hulgan agreed, pointing out that the DVD would be a great promotional asset for the town.

The council also agreed to renew its contract with the Cherokee County Youth Girls Softball League.

“I’d like to thank the Town of Leesburg for its support in 2004, and we’re expecting a good season this year,” said CCYGSL President Greg Rosser. “Without your help, we’d have a lot more to do. We have a tentative schedule, with practice beginning on Match 1 and Opening Day on April 9. We’re hoping to sign up about 200 girls this year.”

Mackey said that he is hoping to meet soon with State Rep. Richard Lindsey and the Cherokee County Commission in order to pave the Town Ballfield parking lot for the CCYGSL season. Mackey noted the project would cost approximately $15,000.

In other business, the council approved respective motions modifying the town’s sales tax ordinance; adopting the local Emergency Management Agency’s disaster plan; allowing Town Police Officer Lanny Ransum to work with the County Drug Task Force for eight hours per week; allowing a local Girl Scouts troop to meet once a week at a town-owned building, and sponsoring 10 fingerlings in the Weiss Lake Improvement Association’s 2005 Crappie Rodeo.

Before adjournment, the council agreed to order a new town police car at a cost of approximately $19,000. The council had previously approved said purchase.

At a special-called meeting on Jan. 10, the council voted to adopt Town Resolution #2005-1, which explains how the town’s former cable provider was not in compliance with the town’s current franchise tax ordinance.

At its Jan. 3 meeting, the council voted to adopt Town Resolution #2005-01, which calls for a sales tax increase from 7% to 8%.

In other business, the council agreed to donate $300 to the American Red Cross National Disaster relief fund and purchase a new radio for the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Dept.

Before adjournment, the council selected Sept. 17 as the date for the 2005 Leesburg Day