Board approves JDA memorandum amid calls for clearer results on airport and industry development

Camden County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide funding and support to the Joint Development Authority (JDA) after an extended debate about past performance and the county’s fiscal capacity.

Supporters said the JDA’s mission is to restore industry and expand the county’s commercial tax base, pointing to lost employers over the past decades and the need to create shovel‑ready infrastructure to attract new industry. Critics and several public commenters argued the JDA has not produced promised results at the former St. Marys airport site and asked for more communication and accountability about how JDA resources are spent.

Commissioners discussed the county’s fund balance, reported near 27% for the end of fiscal year 2026, and whether using fund balance to seed JDA activities is prudent given ongoing needs such as parks maintenance. Supporters said investment in infrastructure is required to create a product for prospective industrial users and that failing to invest risks losing development opportunities to neighboring counties.

The motion to approve the MOU carried after debate; one commissioner said they could not support it this year but the MOU passed with other commissioners voting in favor or abstaining. The board instructed staff and the JDA to improve communication with the community and to provide updates on deliverables and timelines for major projects, including the former St. Marys airport property.

Next steps: staff will work with the JDA under the MOU to align priorities, return with implementation details and report to the board on progress.