By Jimmy Espy
Correspondent
LYERLY, Ga. -- Voters in this small town on Tuesday became the first in Chattooga County to authorize the sale of packaged liquor.
In a special referendum, city residents approved liquor sales in a 54-45 vote, according to Election Supervisor Joy Hampton.
However, the town will not be able to certify the vote until it receives official clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice. Hampton said she expectd to receive federal approval, but said she did not know when.
The liquor vote was put together quickly, and town officials worked feverishly until Election Day to meet state and federal guidelines.
"Once we hear from the Justice Department, I should be able to certify the vote," Hampton said.
That won't sit well with resident Teresa Hall, who said she opposed the idea.
"I'm definitely against it," Hall said. "I don't think it's a good thing for this town, and I can't see it helping anything."
Jessica Cabe disagreed.
"I voted yes for two main reasons," she said. "The money should help the town do some things that need to be done. Also, it's a good idea to keep the money here in this town and in this county; people who drink are going to buy it anyway."
Cabe hopes the voters' decision will help the town's economy develop, inducing some new businesses to open.
The 99 votes tallied Tuesday may not seem like many, but it's almost 30 more than voted in the 2008 election, which included a mayoral race and several City Council seats, officials said.
Councilman Josh Wyatt was happy with the outcome Tuesday.
"I'm glad; I think it will be an opportunity to do something good with the money," he said. "It will allow us to make some improvements around the town."
Hampton said voting "went smoothly" for the most part but that several people who lived in the Lyerly precinct were not eligible to vote because only residents living inside the town limits were eligible.
Jimmy Espy is based in Dalton, Ga. Contact him at hoodcsa@aol.com.