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Applicant seeks $22,000 loan to open exotic-pet store; commissioners revisit revolving loan fund rules
Summary
Thomas Scarborough asked Ben Hill County commissioners for a $22,000 loan at 3.75% over five to seven years to open Scarborough Exotics in Fitzgerald; commissioners questioned market demand and directed staff to review revolving loan fund guidelines and board vacancies per Department of Community Affairs guidance.
Thomas Scarborough, an entrepreneur introduced by Development Authority Director O.D. Netter, asked the Ben Hill County commissioners on Jan. 22 for a $22,000 loan at 3.75% interest with a five-to-seven-year term to open an exotic-pet retail store in Fitzgerald. Scarborough said he has roughly 10 years of industry experience, operates an existing online business, and will provide an inventory list of exotic and domestic animals; he said he will not sell dogs or cats and has discussed adoption partnerships with the Fitzgerald Ben Hill County Humane Society.
O.D. Netter introduced Scarborough’s request to the board; Chairman Steve Taylor and County Manager Michael Dinnerman asked questions about Scarborough’s projected customer base in Fitzgerald and surrounding areas and about inventory and operations. The commissioners also reviewed the history of previous revolving-loan program outcomes while considering the applicant’s proposal.
Vice-Chair Hope Harmon used the discussion to note vacancies on the Revolving Loan Fund Board and recommended recruiters with stronger business backgrounds. Chairman Taylor said the county should review Department of Community Affairs guidelines, update board membership, and revise the revolving loan fund guidelines to make the program more beneficial to the community; he asked commissioners to examine the Commissioner Virtual Office and submit suggested CVO content and any recommended rule changes by the end of January.
No formal loan motion or vote was recorded in the workshop minutes. The commission asked staff to gather additional information on the applicant’s plan and on the revolving loan fund’s guidelines and membership before taking a formal vote.
