Developing Howard County Commission Reviews Economic Growth, Community Engagement, and Funding Opportunities at January Meeting
Thursday, January 23rd, the Developing Howard County Commission met for their regular monthly meeting. The members discussed the recent focus group/public meeting that was held on January 14th, recent economic developments and the possibility of establishing a Developing Howard County fundraiser.
Executive Director Vanessa Weeks reported it’s been a good couple of days for Howard County. She said several site visits have been made in connection with the former Husqvarna properties.
Commission vice-president Charles Smith stated the focus group/public meeting was well attended and there appeared to be a lot of interest from the public. The commission will now move forward with the selection of group leaders and invite community members to participate on the focus groups.
Andy Tackett of ARDot gave the commission information about several programs that provide local funding for projects. The programs were the Intersection Improvement Program (IIP), the Local Bridge Program and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
Nashville mayor Larry Dunaway stated the city is currently using TAP funds to construct the sidewalks on South Main Street. He said this is the fifth project that had been approved by the state and the city has one more sidewalk project that’s been approved.
County Judge Brent Pinkerton reported the Howard County Quorum Court will discuss keeping a 1-cent sales tax on the books during the February meeting. He said a representative from the Friday, Eldredge and Clark law firm will meet with the Justices of the Peace. JPs will then decide if they want to place the issue on the May School Election ballot. Pinkerton said the tax is scheduled to sunset in June or a little later, depending on sales tax collections over the next several months.
