Commissioners increase IDA funding to $400,000 amid debate over a $47,000 dirt purchase
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Summary
The Board approved raising the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) budget from $300,000 to $400,000 after debate. Commissioners questioned a prior $47,000 purchase of dirt by the IDA that was unsuitable for the industrial park; some commissioners expressed concern about stewardship of taxpayer funds.
The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners voted on Sept. 23 to raise the proposed FY 2025–26 allocation for the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) from $300,000 to $400,000.
Jane Ferrer, representing the development authority, outlined industrial tax revenue and a five-year projection for job growth. Ferrer asked for additional funding above the proposed $300,000 to cover operating expenses, engineering costs and to allow the IDA to pursue land-assembly goals. Ferrer said the IDA had carried $295,000 for many years and last year received a modest increase.
Commission discussion turned to a prior IDA purchase of fill dirt for $47,000 that, according to Ferrer and other speakers, proved unsuitable (insufficient compaction) for the intended road base. Commissioners raised concerns that the IDA bought dirt to resell, questioned oversight and said the action exposed taxpayer funds to risk. Ferrer said the purchase was made based on staff and engineer advice and described it as a mistake; she offered to address outstanding invoices and remedial work.
After extended discussion, one commissioner moved to increase the IDA allocation to $400,000 for the coming budget year, saying the additional funds would enable the IDA to pay invoices, cover a $50,000 dirt-related obligation she would absorb from the $400,000 allocation, and allow modest salary increases. Another commissioner expressed opposition to increasing the allocation while unresolved accounting and procurement questions remained. The motion to raise the IDA allocation to $400,000 passed by voice vote.
The board directed that any further requests during the year be brought back through the regular budget amendment process and emphasized that the IDA should return with documentation when requesting additional funds.