Jerry Harkness

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor runs the city day to day and prepares the budget each year, meaning that they propose how much funding goes to each city department, including the police department, city parks, transportation, and the fire department. 
- The mayor also hires the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and city department heads, such as City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation. 
- Most Georgia mayors are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Demorest

Public safety

COVID-19

Public transportation

Georgia

Economy

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Mayor

James Auchincloss

Walter Ley

Buket Urgen

Jerry Harkness sworn in as Demorest mayor - Now Habersham

Harkness reflects on Demorest council seat he's assumin ...

Jerry is currently the mayor of Demorest. He was elected in 2021 and is serving his first term. He previously served on the Demorest City Council for six years.

As of September 3, 2025, Jerry Harkness did not have a website or any information online.

As of September 3, 2025, Jerry Harkness’s website did not contain information on this issue.