As a dues-paying member, Howard County will join area cities and institutions in establishing an organization aimed at filling the job void left by the departure of Husqvarna.
The county’s JPs voted unanimously to pay a $15,000 annual membership, after hearing from Nashville’s Economic Development Committee members Steve Cole and Gary Dan Futrell. County Judge Brent Pinkerton is also a member of the committee.
The new entity will be a 501(C)(3) organization and will have a paid “go to” person to make contact with other bodies and industries. A possible name would be “Developing Howard County” one speaker said.
In their remarks, Dr. Cole, the chancellor of UA-Cossatot, and Futrell both noted that the economic development would be of benefit for surrounding counties and cities. Dr. Cole said he already served on such organizations in Sevier and Little River counties.
The “go to” person would start out as an employee of the college.
Municipal bodies, companies and individuals will be invited to join by paying dues, in the case of an individual or small company the membership would be $500 per year.
JP Jerry Harwell’s motion to join was approved unanimously. Howard County is the first body to join.
Other items before the quorum court in its regular meeting for August included:
- The issue of a competition-excluding franchise for Pafford Ambulance was tabled for a third month. This time, John Gray of the ambulance service, explained some wording change in the suggested annual contract which would enforce payment by insurance companies at standardized rates. The JPs wanted Aaron Brasel, county attorney, to look over the amended contract. There was continued discussion about the need for ambulance presence and response in the north end of the county.
- The JPs approved a resolution declaring a vacancy on the quorum court. Veteran JP Bobby Don Turner died last month. Judge Pinkerton indicated that he would submit the name of former Circuit Clerk Bobbie Jo Green to fill out the rest of the term. Her name will go to the governor for appointment.
- The JPs approved an ordinance regulating what developers must do before a road is taken into the county road system.
- Judge Pinkerton thanked outgoing Veterans Service Officer Milton Puryear who is retiring, and introduced the new veterans’ officer, John Hill.
Present for the meeting were JPs D’Ann Rogers, Don Marks, Jerry Harwell, Kerry Strasner, Andy Hogg, Martha Hobbs, Liz McDaniel and Janet Lay O’Neal.
