Twin Rivers group asks county for more money
By Kathryn F. Pickard
Contributing Writer

Two of the directors of the new Twin Rivers Economic Development Partnership attended the Clarke County Commission meeting Tuesday to repeat a request made a few weeks ago for funding for the new cooperative effort between Clarke and Choctaw counties.

Twin Rivers was organized to promote the two-county region for economic development. The concept is gaining support around the state and country as a way for larger areas to work together to seek new business and industry and to improve quality of life.

Twin Rivers has requested a $2 per person appropriation from Clarke County, which would amount to about $56,000 annually.

Director Buddy Bedwell of Thomasville told the commissioners that a fundraising company, Funding Solutions of Austin, Texas, has talked with 40 business leaders in Clarke County and 20 in Choctaw County and is optimistic that $150,000 per year over five years can be raised to fund the organization and hire a professional economic developer to promote the region. "The response has been overwhelming," he said.

But, he said, there is only a two week window to sign a contract with the fundraising company "or the whole program will be delayed for a year.

"Quite frankly, the partnership is out on a limb" and he said a commitment is sorely needed from the county.

"What we need is a letter indicating support of the Twin Rivers Partnership," he said.

Bedwell said, "I've lived here 63 years and this is the greatest opportunity I've seen" to develop the region.

Bedwell and Director Chip Harrigan met with commissioners recently and made the initial appropriation request.

Commissioner Rhondel Rhone said he was concerned about duplication as well as getting "the biggest bang for our buck." He said he understood the municipalities of Jackson and Thomasville were being asked to contribute $20,000 each and he had thought that would have come out of the county's per person appropriation.

Bedwell said that he and the other directors were faced with having to sign a personal note on $150,000 to get the organization going if that goal can't be achieved. "That is how dedicated these directors are," he said.

Bedwell said he and the other directors understand money and budgets but he hoped the county could see a way to contribute.

Commissioner Paul Bradford said $25,000 is in the new budget for Twin Rivers and asked if other funds could be contributed later when the budget can be readjusted. Bedwell replied that it could.

Director Paul Parham stated his support of the program and said it is an opportunity that the county can't afford not to participate in.

Tallahatta Springs/Opine VFD

Commissioners formally formed the Tallahatta Springs/Opine Volunteer Fire Department and fire district. The department has been operating for some time now.

Commisisoner Rhone said he could see a need for the department in the area but said he was concerned that the financial pie is being sliced smaller and smaller. He said he would like to see no more fire departments added unless there is a dire need or the county grows tremendously.

Other business

County Engineer Sam Noble told commissioners that work is progressing on the County Route 2 bridge over Sizemore Creek and that the U.S. Corps of Engineers has completed repairs to the Gainestown boat ramp and it has been reopened.

EMA Director Roy Waite said the county is working to achieve E-Map accreditation. Commissioners approved an EMA training plan toward that end.

Derek Gates, a Clarke County resident residing in the Alma area, said the Manila Road needs bushhogging and said the county should pursue paving and other developments for the county. He said a congressman and senator had told him there is plenty of money for paving and he said it should be pursued. Commissioner Bradford wanted to know who said that and he said Congressman Jo Bonner and State Sen. Pat Lindsey.

Commissioners approved an agreement between Alabama Power and Louisiana Pacific for an electrical easement to the new OSB plant site. The agreement is between those two but the county had to approve it because it is the owner of the property, Bradford explained.

Commissioners approved a 200,000 elevated water tank bid of $467,117. The largest part of the tank, which will be built in the Zimco community, is grant funded but it did run over budget by about $75,000 because of high steel prices.

The county adjusted the appraisal department budget downward $704 because of an addition error in the original budget.

Andrews' last meeting

Commissioner Bradford said there will be no work session on Nov. 13 but that the new commission will meet Tuesday, Nov. 14. The Nov. 7 election will decide two seats on the commission.

Commissioner Rubye Andrews is retiring after 30 years of service to the county. She has been District 1 commissioner for 16 years (four terms) and worked in District 1 for 14 years before that.

She said "I want to thank everyone for their kind support. I do hate to leave. I have truly enjoyed my work with the county."

Her fellow commissioners thanked her for her service.

Elma Averett is running for the seat as a Democrat. Henry Burge is the Republican candidate.

Democratic Commissioner Patricia DuBose is also facing opposition on Nov. 7 from Clint Odom.

Bradford said since it was her last official meeting, he thought it fitting that Andrews make the motion to adjourn. She did so with tears in her eyes.

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