Developing an Economic Strategy for a Small County

 Last week was a very busy week for myself and members of the Fiscal Court. We have been involved in several meetings this past week with leaders from across the State concerning many issues that Fiscal Courts face and are anticipated to face in the coming years. 

These issues include transportation projects, road funds, jail costs, opioid settlement funds, county budget preparation, grants, emergency services and many other topics. The meetings allowed us to hear from state and local leaders on various concerns as well as allowed us to share what we are facing in budget restraints in Jackson County. 

Bigger counties have more tax base and revenue to work with on development and community needs so we have to find every resource we can to help with any projects we maybe able to secure in the future. 

Funds are going to become more stressed in the coming years and we will need to find alternate sources of revenue to help maintain what we have in Jackson County. 
 
One thing I have learned in the past week is that counties that are relative in size to ours are also beginning to fill the same financial crunch that we are. Counties that are larger in population are naturally going to draw more interest from investors, state leaders, large corporations and companies. How do we, as a small County, become competitive in today's market? 

We have tax incentives that the Federal Government put in place through the old empowerment zone that are offered to companies that look at Jackson County as a place to start a business or provide jobs. 

We also have the old Midsouth Electrics Property available on the state economic development cabinets website for sale or lease. These alone are not enough in today's landscape for development. 

This year I plan on spending more time with economic development leaders to try and put some strategic planning in place. I will keep the community updated as we go along 

Have a blessed week.