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Franklin County tables state grant resolution amid questions about Keaton Lane authority and public process
Summary
Fiscal Court tabled a resolution naming Franklin County as grantee for state PDI funds tied to the proposed Keaton Lane industrial park after magistrates said the draft reads as if an industrial authority and site decisions already exist; members pressed for clarity and compliance with the county's comprehensive plan.
Franklin County's Fiscal Court on Nov. 6 delayed action on a state-required resolution that would name the county as grantee for phase-two PDI (Public Development Infrastructure) grant work connected to a proposed Keaton Lane regional industrial park.
Penny, the executive director who presented the resolution, said the document is a state-required instrument and "is a formality" needed to advance application steps for assessing whether a company might be attracted to the site. She told the court the resolution does not by itself commit the county beyond earlier contingencies the court set: adequate land, rezoning where needed and an eventual target of 1,500 advanced-manufacturing jobs.
Several magistrates pushed back, saying the draft language reads as if a Keaton Lane Regional Industrial Authority already exists and has been performing due diligence. "It made me somewhat baffled," Squire Sebastian said, arguing interlocal agreements and any authority formation should come before the court only after public vetting. Squire Wiman said the resolution's preamble and recital language could be read to assert facts that are not yet established and said she could not support the measure "in any way this evening."
County Attorney Max advised the court that an official opinion from the attorney general could be sought, but that the county must weigh the circuit court's prior rulings about what testimony counts in zoning matters. Magistrates expressed concern that acting now could invite legal challenges if the public perceives process irregularities.
The court voted to table the resolution so staff can clarify language, ensure the action does not preempt the comprehensive-plan process and confirm what legal and interlocal steps would follow before any authority is formed or state funds are accepted.
Next steps: staff and counsel will return with revised paperwork and clearer language about the county's role; the court left in place the earlier contingencies related to rezoning, land availability and the stated jobs target.
