PFA Learns about $7 Million Bond

Three members of the Public Facilities Authority (PFA) were presented with documents last Friday morning for the $7 million bond issue toward the expansion/renovation of the Jasper County Detention Center.

Chairman James Thiele and members Bill Nash and Commissioner Don Jernigan, who serves on the authority, heard from Tom Owens, Managing Director, Georgia Public Finance, with Raymond James and Tommy Ratchford, attorney with Murray Barnes Finister LLP.

They explained the intergovernmental agreement with the county and the actual bond resolution that will raise $7 million for the project.

They explained the project could cost more, but the bonds would raise that amount, and the county would cover any overages. The county has Special Purpose Local O ption Sales Tax funds, and could have other funds, as well.

The documents are designed to protect the PFA members as well as carry out the wishes of the county commission to get the project done.

Mr. Thiele asked if there were any red flags that the PFA should be aware of, and was assured there were not. County Attorney David Ozburn agreed with Mr. Ratchford that there are none.

Mr. Nash had several questions about the documents, and about the process. He wanted to be certain the County Commission was on board with what the PFA is doing.

Commissioner Don Jernigan assured him the commissioners have discussed the project and are in favor.

The PFA serves as the conduit for the commission to complete the project. The PFA was formed just last year for the purpose of this project and others. It is a five-member board with one commissioner among the members. The county is currently seeking a fifth person for the board as Charles Forsyth did not want to be reappointed when his one-year term was up.

Also in attendance at the meeting were County Manager Mike Benton, County Attorney David Ozburn and Sheriff Donnie Pope.