Development Authority Hears about Industry

The Development Authority of Jasper County (DAJC) heard a presentation during its regular meeting Tuesday from Mike Conrad of Farrar Log and Lumber.

Mr. Conrad explained that his two biggest challenges are good labor and inventory. He said the problem with labor is trying to find consistency, dedication, and people who will “show up” for work. He said he has unskilled and skilled labor positions, paying from $8 per hour to more than $30 per hour.

Members of the DAJC were to visit the plant later in the day.

Board attorney Robby Kelly presented the summary of term limits for board members from 1998 to present. The board was reconstituted in 1998 when Permatherm came, and it was unclear the exact length of each term, as terms expired and persons were re-appointed or replacements named.

His research revealed that the term of Thurman Willis expires this month and he needs to be reappointed. The Jasper County Commission reappointed Rusty Bullard and Steve Jordan in April, as well as naming Bill O’Keeffe to replace Joyce McDonald on the board. Mrs. McDonald resigned.
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Tracy Trovillo, executive director, presented a budget review through March, and said next month she would try to get comparables to the same time last year.

Mr. Willis asked County Manager Greg Williams about the money the county had cut from DAJC’s budget and put in contingency. He asked at what point in time will the commission decide if there’s enough money to return the funds to the budget line they were taken from.

Mr. Williams said it is a board decision. In answer to a question from Mr. Willis, Mr. Williams said the board has not yet reviewed those numbers. Mr. Willis asked if they would transfer the money by entity or in one lump sum. Mr. Williams said he did not know.

Ms. Trovillo gave a brief update on two prospects, reporting that one of them is also being courted by Waynesboro (Burke County). That group has apparently offered a $3 million incentive to locate there.

Ms. Trovillo asked for the board’s input on themes to use to market the community for business and tourism, and suggested a few. It should be fitting to attract business people, visitors, and retirees, she said.

Near the end of the meeting, Mr. O’Keeffe attending for this first time, said as the new kid on the block he is relaying a message he got that morning. He said Jack Bernard called him and said the commission is not happy about JCWSA presenting at the Team Jasper meeting this Friday. “All I’m saying is the commission wanted the DAJC board to be aware,” said Mr. O’Keeffe.

Team Jasper is an extension of Economic Development. Community leaders gather the first Friday in each month for breakfast, round table discussions, and to hear from experts in various fields. This week, Tom Brazil, chairman of the Jasper County Water and Sewer Authority, is planning a presentation on Jasper County’s Water—Past, Present, Future.

Mr. O’Keeffe said Mr. Bernard said that he did not want someone who is no longer on the board making such a presentation. (Mr. Brazil’s term ends May 31, and the county commission voted Monday to replace him with Ray Runge.)

DAJC Chair Rusty Bullard said he did not understand. He said certainly someone who has served for several years would be knowledgeable on the topic, and even suggested the new members of JCWSA would be interested in hearing what Mr. Brazil has to say as he shares his expertise.

(Mr. O’Keeffe several times said “the commission,” after saying the admonition came from Mr. Bernard in a phone call. The County Commission did not discuss Team Jasper at its meeting Monday, so if it is a consensus of the commission that Mr. Brazil should not be heard from, it was obviously reached outside of a public meeting setting.)

Mr. Jordan gave an update on the Four County Development Authority. He said that bids had been opened for the road through the development, and as everyone is learning post-Katrina, they were much higher than anticipated. He said they had agreed to accept the low bidder, and negotiate to see if there is any way to cut costs.

He said the authority is in serious negotiations with two prospects—one brought by state officials and one who found Stanton Springs on its own. He said the road building was imperative to moving forward.

DAJC members were reminded of Industry Appreciation Dinner to be held on Monday, May 22.