Monticello Is Pilot for Community Assistance Team

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs names pilot community for first Community Assistance Team, according to its newsletter. A new resource the department is launching this year to help Georgia communities is DCA Community Assistance Teams.

Last year, Commissioner Knowles announced the formation of these teams and encouraged communities to apply to serve as pilot projects. The selection process was kept open through January, and Monticello-Jasper County was selected as the pilot for the new CAT program.

A team from Jasper County recently visited the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a kick-off meeting with Commissioner Camila Knowles, her staff and the DCA resource team. The focus was to address the needs of the community.

Housing, tourism, transportation, economic and downtown development were some of the issues discussed. The next step will take place in June. DCA will be sending a resource team to Monticello-Jasper County.

The Jasper County team attending the meeting included City Clerk Lathaydra Sands, Mayor ProTem Stone Workman, Mayor Bryan Standifer, DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles, County Commission Chair Carl Pennamon, Chamber of Commerce President Pam Mayer, County Commissioner Don Jernigan, City Manager Doug White, Development Authority of Jasper County Director David Dyer, County Manager Mike Benton, and County Commissioner Craig Salmon