Discussions on tourism and the county’s speculative building are expected to highlight meetings of the Development Authority of Polk County during 2013.

Jamie Morris will serve as the vice chairman and Charles Pinkard, treasurer.

Chairman David Williams said he and other board members have “heard the voice of the people” of Polk County. “They want us to bring industry and jobs to our communities,” he said.

Williams fills the position previously held by Roger Waldrop.

The group, during the January meeting, discussed the status of the new speculative building in Cedartown North Business Park.

They voted to contract with R.J. Wood & Company for engineering and related services up to $81,000, pending legal review.

President Eric McDonald said a new sign has been placed at the Cedartown North Business Park. “The project was completed under budget at $14,300,” he said.

McDonald presented facts on solar panels and commented on an off the shelf incentive plan that recognizes rapidly depreciating property. He said solar panels don’t create jobs but generate a tremendous amount of tax.

This is the type of industry that does not put trucks on the road, kids in school, sewerage in water or trash in landfills, according to McDonald.

“Typically, they want land that has no other use,” he said.

An example, presented during the meeting, indicated the county would lose $2,000 and the school board $3,000 of revenue in seven years. However, the county would get $48,644 and the school system $35,000 at the end of that period.

No decision was made but the subject will be viewed at a later date.

Chairman Jean Laltrello, Tourism Committee, requested and received approval for $14,500 of budgeted funds.

She said the committee is working on two of the four recommendations of Polk’s strategic plan. These include ways to elevate the marketing efforts of the Silver Comet Trail and new gateway signage.

Cost and planned projects were also presented. These include:

$4,000 to partner with the Rockmart Cultural Arts Center for a sculpture that would be placed in front of the Silver Comet Trail Building (downtown Rockmart)

$1,000 to provide funds to help Euharlee Valley Historical Society in purchase of property near historic Van Wert Church

$3,000 for engineering expenses tied to a grant request in 2013 for a spur from Silver Comet Trail to Van Wert Church

$1,000 for two brochures – listing all businesses with antiques and a self guided walking art tour

$3,000 to provide a large enclosed locking bulletin board for community and trail events, display case for souvenirs, folding tables for conference area, and tool repair stands at the Silver Comet Trail Building.

$2,000 for matching funds requests from event planners to include signage and banners as co-sponsored by the Polk Tourism Committee.

$500 to provide funds for a Silver Comet Summit with all stakeholders for planning international tourism date, coordinate events and expand marketing of the trail.