Bank of Holly Springs

IDA secures $1 million for park

A $1 million grant to go toward infrastructure at Springs Industrial Park is coming, according to Justin Hall, executive director of the Marshall County Indus­trial Development Authority.

The board of supervisors recently approved a motion to advertise for proposals for an engineer through the state procurement system.

Plans are to move forward as soon as possible with site development of the 3,000 acres, located adjacent to I-22.

Springs Industrial Park is a joint effort of the county and the City of Holly Springs. Some positives for the site are its proximity to the interstate, to the airport and to rail service.

In other news, supervisors heard from consultant Gary Anderson on the board’s wishes for a public hearing on the merits of a housing committee task force report.

Although bankers, developers and educators met with the committee, they have not seen the report, he said.

Supervisors want to expand the number of people who may want input into the study including smaller developers and realtors.

“This board needs to come together and talk and decide which direction,” supervisor George Zinn III said.

He was concerned how the public hearing would be conducted and whether it would be legal for all supervisors to attend because of public meeting laws. Zinn said the supervisors could just listen to public input.

Anderson suggested the board would want to hear suggestions.

“We already have a mechanism,” Zinn said.

Anderson said additional information could come out by expanding participation.

Supervisor Charles Terry suggested certain people be invited, particularly millennials, so they can be asked why they are leaving the area.

“This board could come to the hearing to listen and to answer questions but not to direct the discussion,” he said.

Supervisor Eddie Dixon asked attorney Kent Smith if it could be considered a meeting.

“Yes,” Smith said.

“Then why not list it as a board meeting?” Zinn asked.

Smith said an Attorney General’s opinion says if three members huddle in a meeting, it’s a public meeting.

In Larry Hall’s report to the board, he said the county has 35 summer workers placed in this summer’s youth work program.

Hall also suggested the county get an appraisal on some property in District 5 and do a quick take (imminent domain).

The board approved the measure since the county has been trying to get a project completed for two years without success with adjacent land owners.

McArthur King thanked the board of supervisors for the educational building at Chulahoma Community Center. He said 72 children who were failing were allowed to catch up in three months of after-school tutoring at the center. The students passed on to the next grade, he said.

“It was a success,” King said. “I thank the board for everything you’ve done.”

Holly Springs South Reporter

P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
PH: (662) 252-4261
FAX: (662) 252-3388
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