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Madison County economic development committee presents draft plan; board to advertise public hearing
Summary
Board received a near‑final economic development plan from the committee, discussed priorities including sewer expansion and site readiness, and directed staff to advertise the plan for public hearing and bring printed materials to upcoming equalization meetings.
A near‑final Madison County economic development plan was presented to the Board of Supervisors on March 11; the board agreed to advertise the draft for public comment and to make printed materials available at the county’s upcoming equalization meetings.
Committee members said the document is substantively complete and recommended adoption at a future meeting after minor edits and the addition of an executive summary and cover page. The plan frames priorities that include advancing sewer upgrades to enable development on the Route 29 corridor, improving site readiness and marketing county‑owned property (including discussion of the transfer station/landfill acreage), exploring power and natural gas infrastructure options, and evaluating targeted tax and zoning tools to encourage desired commercial investment.
The committee cited findings from a recent business survey: broadband remains the top infrastructure priority for respondents, followed by expanded public sewer. Committee members argued the county should pursue site readiness and utility coordination to attract targeted development and recommended the Economic Development Committee take the lead on implementing the plan’s action items.
Supervisor discussion emphasized balancing rural character and economic opportunity, reviewing thresholds for fiscal‑impact and economic‑impact analyses for large proposals, and avoiding onerous new requirements for small, home‑based businesses. The board asked staff to advertise a public hearing on the economic development plan (one‑week advertisement was discussed as acceptable for this type of matter) and requested printed copies be available at the equalization meeting so residents can review the material before comment.
Committee members said the plan is intended as a multi‑year roadmap rather than a mandate to adopt specific projects; the board directed staff to return with an advertised hearing and the final package for adoption consideration.
