Commissioners discuss JDA

Much of last week’s regular meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission was spent discussing Joint Development Authority (JDA) issues, including needed repairs to The Big House which houses the JDA, the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Tourism offices.
JDA Director Oakley Perry presented a revolving loan fund application for Googes of Hazlehurst. The commissioners voted to accepted the application.
Perry then shared with the commissioners several upgrades needed at The Big House. Perry presented photographs of damage to the county-owned building that needed to be addressed.
He also asked the commissioners to pay $375 to SAM Service, a business that addresses food equipment, refrigeration and HVAC problems for commercial food service and hospitality industries. The JDA has asked that SAM Service help with getting the Big House kitchen facility back into operation.
Commissioner Ricky Crosby made a motion to pay for the service and Commissioner James Benjamin seconded the motion. But commissioners Vann Wooten and James Emory Tate opposed making the payment. With Commission Chairman Hank Hobbs absent from the meeting, the motion failed on a 2-2 vote.
Perry then asked the commissioners to allow the JDA to begin a capital fundraising campaign to raise money for the repairs on the Big House, and run the campaign through the Chamber of Commerce. The commissioners unanimously approved the campaign.
Perry also shared with the Board that there were a few Americans with Disabilities Act concerns regarding the elevator in the Big House. He stated that at this time the elevator was out of service and needed major repairs. Perry also stated that there was a need for handrails on the stairs going into and out of the Big House building. Commissioner Wooten advised Perry to get quotes for possible repairs to the elevator.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners….
….recognized the recreation department state champions from the baseball, softball, swim team, tennis and golf programs.
…. discussed Mackey Lane with Commissioner James Benjamin asking that a landowner be considered for a right of way for his driveway.
…. heard from Alex Patel, owner of 221 Quick Stop on the Uvalda Highway, who asked that liquor sales be allowed in the county. The commissioners voted to begin the process of placing the matter on a referendum.
…. agreed to give road department employees a $50 gift card in appreciation for their hard work during Hurricane Debby.
…. agreed at Commissioner Vann Wooten’s suggestion to begin a zoning process for the county.
…. accepted a warranty deed for right of way for Longleaf Investment Company.
…. heard from Benjamin who said he would like to see the County come up with a list of local Contractors that can help during the time of a local disaster.