Houston County joins regional development authority

PERRY — Houston County Board of Commissioners recently approved to join the Mid-Georgia Gateway Joint Development Authority, and also entered into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Macon-Bibb and Peach counties. 

According to the agenda, becoming a member of the authority would allow the county to market a mega-site in Peach County, while pursuing an industrial tenant for the property. 

The county will also participate in a revenue sharing agreement for the authority. Financial contributions will come from the General Fund. 

Chairman Dan Perdue said he and Houston County Development Authority Executive Director Angie Gheesling have been working with representatives from Macon-Bibb and Peach counties for the last nine months to set up the partnership. 

“The state has invested a lot of money in land and even more money in infrastructure to prepare this site,” Perdue said. “We are a very large industrial manufacturer bringing a lot of jobs to our region.” 

Commissioner Mark Byrd said if there is a mega site in a neighboring county, they’d want input. 

“This affords us that opportunity to have a seat and voice at the table, and I’m very thankful for that opportunity,” Byrd said. 

Commissioners also issued a proclamation for the Salvation Army. Tim Blevins said their mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and speak in His word without discrimination. 

“We appreciate this emphasis so that we can help increase the community’s awareness,” Blevins said. 

Founders William and Katherine Booth were the epitome of service and Blevins encouraged the masses to serve in any way you see fit. 

The board then presented a proclamation for Public Works Appreciation Week, recognizing employees for their service. 

Judith Malone of the Houston County Library System spoke on the vacation reading program. The theme this year is “Unearth the Story,” with dinosaurs as the focal point.

There are over 100 programs; pre-registration begins on May 20. 

“The reading program is a great way to avoid the ‘summer slide’ and a good way to get them back reading their books,” Malone said. 

The next Houston County Commissioners meeting will be held Tuesday, May 19, at 5 p.m. at the Houston County Annex on Carl Vinson Parkway. The full agenda to this meeting can be found at www.houstoncountyga.gov/minutes/2026-05-05%20Department%20Heads%20Copy.pdf