IDA Meetings Livestreamed Once Again
By LYDIA BERGLAR
News Editor
The April 15th meeting of the Industrial Development Authority marked the return of livestreaming of the IDA meetings. Visit the Dade County, Georgia Facebook page to view the livestream. (No need to have a Facebook account or log in.)
When the board reviewed and approved the financial statements, Leisa Cagle (board member) asked what an undescribed $7,240 credit was for. Evan Stone (executive director) thought it was the payment from CHI Memorial combined with another rent payment, but he was not entirely sure and said he would get clarification for next month’s meeting.
Stone reported that the minutes are now being posted on the IDA’s website. Seth Houts (board member) explained that on the calendar under each meeting date, agendas are posted and meeting minutes will be available once they are approved.
Stone reported that the IDA is working with five different companies that are expanding or working on new construction.
He said that Georgia Power submitted an RFI (request for information) with a very quick turnaround time, and therefore, they don’t know anything about the project yet. He said they sometimes receive RFIs with quick 24- or 36-hour turnaround times.
Spencer Hogg and Jeff Mullis with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority then spoke. Hogg said, “One of the most encouraging things is continuing to see the activity from existing industry when they look at expansion.”
Mullis added that interest in industrial growth usually slows during presidential election years, so he anticipates a slower third quarter.
James Cantrell (IDA chairman) asked Hogg to explain the JDA for those watching the livestream. Hogg said the JDA markets Chattooga, Catoosa, Walker, and Dade counties for economic development. Mullis noted that Dade County is being advertised globally to industries and companies looking for sites.
During public comment, Susie Talbott thanked the IDA for livestreaming and posting the minutes, and she asked if each month’s meeting will be livestreamed. Carey Anderson (who was delegated by the county offices to do the livestream) said they will all be livestreamed.
Talbott also asked about progress on the IDA website, noting again that the only contact information is Stone’s. She asked, “Are our board members contactable? Do they have email? Do they have a phone number?”
Cantrell explained that board member’s contact information will not be added to the website because “we had individuals going to every board member individually trying to get a different statement. Then it all got all—so we channeled it to where the attorney or Evan would be the spokesperson.”
While the authority’s bylaws do state that the chairman (Cantrell) and executive director (Stone) will serve as spokespersons when news media asks for information, this does not specify who may speak with citizens.
Talbott then asked how many of the board members have looked at the website. Nearly all raised their hands. She asked, “You feel that if someone is looking for a location or interest in developing in Dade that there is adequate information on there?” Houts then said that other information on the site will be expanded, but he does not have a timeline for completion.
The Sentinel asked the IDA for an update on the workforce housing grant. (See the May 24th, 2023 and January 17th, 2024 editions.) Cantrell said it has been tabled and they are not moving forward with it.
After executive session, the authority approved a lifetime easement on a small piece of property along Highway 11.
The authority held a special called meeting with an executive session later that week on the 19th. After the session, the authority unanimously voted to purchase a 500 foot strip of land along Highway 11 to use for sewer purposes. The price was $60,000.
