Video: Board Of Supervisors Approves Bond Intent

OKTIBBEHA CO., Miss. (WCBI) — The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Notice of Intent for issuing seven million dollars toward the industrial park project.

The amount approved is the same amount of money that the Starkville Board of Alderman approved last week.

“We just decided that we want to get into the game…”, said Board President Orlando Trainer, “…we’re not just trying to compete with Columbus, or Tupelo, or Meridian…we seem to think that there’s enough out there that we have to offer that we can be in the running against not only those communities but we’re looking to compete against other communities nationwide and possibly worldwide”

Trainer said the board has been looking to move forward on an opportunity like this for years.

Trainer also said the area has been looked into for industrial development, but the county did not have the infrastructure to bring it in.

Golden Triangle LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins was grateful of the Board’s decision, and said the development’s next move is to meet with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History regarding the cultural resources on the approved site.

Trainer and Higgins said the decision on the bonds now rests in the people, and that residents have 30 days to compile signatures in protest against the bonds, and to make it a referendum.

Trainer said while the investment “will raise taxes”, he said the amount of jobs and the “return on investment” is worth the cost.

While county leaders are excited about moving forward with the project, some residents are concerned about where the county is investing millions of dollars into.

“If you’re going to go out and invest seven million dollars to invest in  a certain project, tack on seven million dollars more for road improvements”, said county resident Fred Allen, Jr.

Allen also said he’s against using subsidies to bring in business, and that economic development is not a top priority for the community.

Trainer said the public hearing regarding issuing bonds will be August first.