Local leaders anxious to hold get-together
As soon as a new county administrator is hired a group of local leaders wants representatives of local government to sit down and break bread together.
During recent meetings of the Grady County Joint Development Authority and most recently the Cairo City Council Monday night, local leaders have expressed an interest in a city-county-JDA joint meeting.
“We used to have regular meetings with the county commissioners and the school board, but we haven’t had one in a long time,” Cairo Mayor Richard VanLandingham stated Monday night.
JDA Executive Director Chadd Mathis told members of the development authority it would be better to plan for such a meeting after a new county administrator is hired.
Cairo City Councilman James H. (Jimmy) Douglas agrees and said this week, “Until the county hires a new administrator it wouldn’t be worthwhile. We need to wait until they hire someone.”
Cairo City Manager Chris Addleton briefed the council on the discussion of a joint meeting that took place at the most recent session of the JDA. Addleton said an update on economic development activities should also be included on the joint meeting agenda.
“I think it would be good for us to meet and discuss what is best for the community as a whole,” Mayor VanLandingham said.
Local officials may not have to wait very long since three finalists for the county administrator position were named last week and a vote to hire a new administrator could come 14 days later.
Barry G. Amos, Carlos F. Tobar and Gregory S. Wood have been identified as finalists for the job left vacant since the death of former administrator Rusty Moye on Sept. 27, 2012.
In other action Monday night, the Cairo City Council:
‰Approved the special event application from the Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming Great Southern Antique Car Rally, street dance and gas light parade.
‰Heard an update from City Manager Addleton regarding the ongoing budget preparations. The city manager is planning to hold a budget workshop to go over his proposed 2013-2014 operating budget following the regular meeting on Monday, May 13.
