City, county hold planning meeting
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Plans for the future of Millen and Jenkins County were topics of discussion at a joint meeting of Millen City Council and the Jenkins County Commissioners held Tuesday, Sept. 11, at the City of Millen Municipal Building.

Renewal of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) was discussed with commission chairman James Henry reporting that the projected $2.5 million that had been previously approved for collection over a 5-year period by local voters would be realized a year earlier than anticipated. Increases in gas prices and sales generated by the new Fred's store were identified as possible reasons.

Plans for renewing the SPLOST and possible future projects were discussed. These included the need for a new county jail and a new 9- 1-1 system.

Mayor King Rocker reported that the local 9-1-1 system was "out of date" with availability of parts for repairs being a serious problem. Approximately $162,000 would be needed to implement a new system, he said.

The cost of constructing a new jail was estimated at $2-2.5 million.

The need for development of property purchased by the Jenkins County Development Authority as two additional industrial parks was also discussed. The need for the coordination of efforts between the two governing bodies for the development of gas, water and sewer lines and entrances and roads on the sites was noted.

In the area of promoting businesses and industries, community appearance, job training and incentives were noted as necessary components.

Plans for future joint meetings to continue the discussions were made.