Development Authority discuss county progress

On Wednesday, March 10, The Houston County Development Authority held their monthly meeting in the early morning. The meeting was brief, however many within the county were given the opportunity to provide progress updates on working projects.

Board secretary and treasurer, Scott Cox, gave a short summary of the county’s financials, which he described as “excellent.” Within 2020’s Fiscal Year Audit, there were no irregularities found.

Chairman Ben Hulbert gave a short, gracious statement. “No findings is a great thing, and for an organization of three people, that’s not a given; it’s just a challenge to get all the internal controls with the money coming and going, and our staff does an outstanding job of keeping clean.” Following the approval of these financials, Board Director Angie Gheesling provided a staff report.

Gheesling’s report contained sparse information about various projects, many still in the planning phases. Gheesling mentioned potential growth in topics such as Life Science, Education, and the Middle Georgia Innovation Project.

The meeting also gave a platform to many members of the community to give updates on their work.

President and CEO of the Museum of Aviation Foundation, Darlene McLendon, listed quite a few upcoming events within the county. On Saturday, March 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Museum of Aviation will be hosting a Casino Night. Masks are required, and attendance is limited to 100 guests to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, the Museum of Aviation will soon launch the World War II Heritage Trail, and on May 17 will host the General Scott Golf Tournament at the Idle Hour Country Club.

President and Chief Executive Officer for Houston Healthcare Charles Briscoe gave an update to the board on current numbers for COVID-19 within the county, as well as general information about the hospitals. According to Briscoe, the hospital is currently holding 19 COVID-19 positive patients, with only nine of those being in the ICU. Briscoe also provided the number of cases in January for comparison. Earlier this year, during the highest peak the U.S. has experienced regarding COVID-19, 150 positive patients were residing within Houston Healthcare and Perry Hospital combined.

On a much more positive note, Briscoe noted, “I think we may have crossed over 11,000 [vaccines] yesterday.” Briscoe also reminded the board about the vaccines being provided to K-12 teachers. According to him, they’ve been giving out 200-300 each day. “If you are eligible, and have not gotten the vaccine, please get the vaccine,” said Briscoe. “We will hit herd immunity.”

Finally, Jeremy Nelms, CEO of Flint Electric, stood to give a progress report as well. According to Nelms, Silicon Ranch’s solar farm is “well under way.” Additionally, Nelms expressed excitement with President Biden’s plan to increase the number of electric cars on the road, and said, “We want to be able to help remove any impediment for electric vehicles.”

As the meeting came to an end, Hulbert reminded everyone to go vote for the E-SPLOST.

HHJ News