JDA Meets in Monticello Tuesday
Joint Development Authority members of the Jasper, Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties Industrial Board convened Tuesday in Monticello for its regular monthly meeting during which authority members approved a 2021 fiscal year budget and discussed plans for the Stanton Springs North expansion project.
The JDA will look to have a $2 million surplus on their accounting books according to financial projections, barring any unforeseen expenditures. With financial receipts of $8.2 million anticipated and expenditures of $5.6 million, the JDA figures shared by its treasurer reflect a $2.56 million surplus.
In monthly financial reports, the JDA’s current average daily checking balance is $71,000 plus with more than $5 million in money market accounts distributed among financial institutions within the four counties.
In addition to approving a budget, authority members approved the payment of monthly invoices and the engagement letter for a 2020 audit of the organization’s finances.
Authority members spent a considerable amount of time discussing plans for the recent purchase of an additional 665 acres which is deemed Stanton Springs North. Discussions on that project included creating a Service Delivery Strategy for Walton and Morgan counties as well as devising a revenue sharing agreement amendment.
A town hall meeting format was suggested so that the 11 governmental bodies that will be affected directly by the expansion project can discuss the revenue sharing agreement.
Also approved were two hunting lease extensions on the Stanton Springs property. The first involves the JDA’s lease from the Pollard Lumber Company which the JDA then subleases to the Harmon Family.
Authority members discussed possible plans for a memorial of past JDA members. The idea initially surfaced last year after the passing of Carl Pennamon, a longtime Jasper County Commissioner who served on the JDA. Authority member Mike Owens said he envisioned creating a space that honored the commitment of those that had served since the organization’s inception.
Mr. Owens suggested a green space located within the park that perhaps included a garden, a spring or waterfall, and perhaps a memorial wall. Authority members agreed to proceed with the memorial project.
A representative from each of the four counties provided a brief economic update of ongoing activities. Morgan reported an upcoming job fair; Jasper reported a decrease in unemployment numbers and a forthcoming announcement of a company location here; Newton reported a July 22 regional job fair; and Walton reported trying to close out two projects.
Authority members entered into executive session to discuss land acquisition.
