Commissioner Tommy Thompson discusses his experiences with the SETDD during the board's May meeting.
JASPER, Tenn. - Marion County leaders have approved a new two-year contract with the Southeast Tennessee Development District, which means a fee increase.
The agency administers grants, writes grants, and provides planning services for 10 counties in Southeast Tennessee, including Marion, as well as parts of North Georgia and North Carolina, among other services.
County Mayor David Jackson said he has been on the agency's executive board since 2004, and during that time, there hasn't been an increase in the organization's service fees.
"So, the executive board voted late last year to increase the fees by one penny per capita," he said at the Marion County Commission's May meeting. "So, we [Marion County] were paying $10,000 a year. It will go to $13,750."
Jackson encouraged the board to authorize him to sign a two-year contract.
Before the vote, Commissioner Steven Franklin questioned whether or not the Southeast Tennessee Development District was the only company to go to for the types of services they provide.
"At this cost, yes," Jackson said.
Commissioner Tommy Thompson said at one time the county did hire "private people" to perform the same services that the current agency does now.
"I'm going to tell you, we got very little results for our money back in those days," he said. "The development district has done a world of good for this county, and they've brought in [a lot] of grant money for us. So, I'm on board with this contract."
The board voted unanimously to accept the two-year contract for $13,750 per year.
"The development district does a lot for us, and I think it's money well spent," Jackson said.
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.