Athens EDC accepts February financials, appoints committee members and increases one grant award

At its March 24 meeting the Athens Economic Development Corporation unanimously approved the February 2026 financial report and took several administrative actions, including appointments and a grant amendment.

Finance Director Sarah Smith reported February sales tax receipts (December collections) of $113,985.32, a decrease of $10,190.66 (8.21%) compared with February 2025. February revenues totaled $140,994.74 and expenditures were $50,312.04. Fiscal year‑to‑date revenues were $646,177.44 (43.65% of budget) and expenditures plus encumbrances total $556,030.45 (39.84% of budget). Cash balances as of Feb. 28 were $8,576,743.28 across operating and investment accounts. The board voted to accept the financials unanimously.

On committee appointments, the board unanimously appointed Brady Autry to the Grant Review Committee to replace Director Jeff Whitnah for the remainder of the fiscal year. The board also unanimously appointed Beverly Peek, Jeff Whitnah and Traci Wilkes to the Strategic Planning Committee to assist with upcoming budget preparations.

The board approved an amendment to a Performance Agreement with HCGSA after staff explained an electrical contractor’s original bid had assumed a 2‑ton HVAC unit but the project required a 4‑ton unit, increasing electrical costs by $1,840.80. The board increased AEDC funding for the project from $6,917.66 to $8,850.00 and approved the amendment unanimously.

These actions were all passed by unanimous vote; staff will continue routine financial reporting and follow up on the committee and grant tasks.