Jackson County commissioners approved an option agreement giving TPA Group the right to control and potentially purchase 235 acres in the county's distribution and construction park near the Family Dollar distribution center.

Economic Development Council Executive Director Darwin Gilmore and EDC Chair Alan Arpens presented the agreement and asked the board to support the option. Gilmore said the county and EDC entered a letter of intent about a year earlier and negotiated an option agreement under which TPA Group would seek qualifying projects such as manufacturing, clean tech, distribution or logistics. He said TPA's work would be to market the property and recruit a company that meets the county's criteria to exercise the purchase option.

Why it matters: The board and EDC framed the option as a tool to attract large-scale employers and diversify the county's economic base. The total acreage cited was 235 acres across three parcels (approximately 75 acres and two 80-acre parcels). EDC officials told the board they had confidence in TPA's capacity to attract projects meeting county goals.

Board action: A motion to approve the option agreement passed by unanimous consent. One commissioner's motion was recorded as moved by Donald Brown with a second from Commissioner Bryant. No sale was executed at the meeting; the action authorizes the option agreement and allows TPA to continue recruitment work under the contract terms.

Ending: Commissioners said the EDC vetted the firm and recommended approval; commissioners asked staff to remain engaged as the marketing process proceeds.