Austell will not be lighting downtown businesses with city Christmas lights due to complaints from some business owners.

Jim Graham, director of the city’s Community Development and Parks Departments, told the City Council during Monday’s pre-agenda meeting the city buildings will be lit and “we’ll still make a good showing.”

Graham said some business owners did not want the city to use their electricity and “they’ve been blaming us for their roof leaks” with one business throwing away the city’s Christmas lights.

For that $8,000 cost, Graham said the city can use the money for lighting trees or later on displays.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com