Community Petition

Date: August 22, 2026

To: City of Jasper Officials, including Mayor Kirk Raffield; City Council Members John Frost, Jim Looney, Steve Lawrence, Tony Davis, and Brandon Hannah; City Manager Brandon Douglas; and Vice City Manager Kim Goldener.

Re: Support for the Expansion of Piedmont Hospital

We, the undersigned residents, community members, and supporters, respectfully request that the City promptly grant any necessary permits and approvals required for Piedmont Hospital to move forward with the proposed expansion of its existing facilities.

We understand that Piedmont Hospital was informed by the city that it would not accept permit applications for the expansion of the hospital's current campus due to the critical condition of the city's water system. We understand that the hospital was advised it may need to utilize temporary water tankers on its property because of the possibility of a total failure of the City's water system.

We also understand that Pickens County has offered to provide the water necessary for the city to supply the hospital with the water required for the proposed expansion.

We respectfully request that the city take the following actions as soon as reasonably possible:

1. Execute the proposed agreement offered by Pickens County to provide the water necessary to support Piedmont Hospital's proposed expansion.

2. Accept, review, and promptly approve Piedmont Hospital's application for the expansion of its campus, provided it meets all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

3. Work diligently to resolve any obstacles that may prevent or delay Piedmont Hospital's proposed expansion, including, but not limited to, issues related to zoning, land use, utilities, infrastructure, and permitting.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. We believe these actions will strengthen healthcare services, support economic growth, and provide lasting benefits to the residents of Jasper and the surrounding community.

We respectfully urge the City to work collaboratively with all parties involved to ensure this important project can move forward without unnecessary delay.