By GARETT VALCOURT
The Holmes County Development Commission (HCDC) presented two checks to the Holmes County Board of County Commissioners (HCBOCC) during the board’s monthly meeting on February 4. HCDC Director Joe Rone delivered the funds, totaling in excess of $62,000, as part of ongoing county development efforts.
According to Rone, the first check, amounting to $33,362.20, covered 100% of the land-clearing expenses. The second check, totaling $28,976.43, represented the remaining balance following the closing costs associated with the sale of the Busy Bee property. These contributions were intended to support county projects and development initiatives. The $28,976.43 was a ‘good faith payment’ that went towards paying the over $636k in interest debt accrued from a loan the county paid for the Development Commission.
Following the presentation, Commissioner Brandon Newsom requested an update from Kayla Platt-Rady, the attorney representing the county for the Project Gateway resolution. Newsom inquired whether the Development Council had reviewed contractual obligations regarding the repayment of outstanding interest.
“This is the first I’ve heard that the Development Commission is not willing to pay the remaining interest,” Platt-Rady responded.
At that point, Rone interjected with a question regarding the basis for the interest obligation. However, Platt-Rady declined to engage in a legal debate, stating, “I believe the contract is clear, and we will review our legal options before providing further guidance to Mr. Nolan or Mr. Corbin.”
Commissioner Clint Erickson intervened to express his reluctance to engage in litigation with organizations that the county collaborates with. “I just want to come to a resolution, whatever that may be,” Erickson stated.
Rone subsequently returned to the podium, emphasizing his willingness to revisit the discussion in a constructive manner, suggesting that there was no need to further complicate the matter.
Both the County Commissioners and the Development Commission agreed to conduct further discussions regarding the Joint Venture Agreement. However, the commissioners requested an initial consultation with their legal counsel to clarify contractual obligations before proceeding with negotiations.
Staff Report 