It appears the Coweta County Board of Commissioners is inching toward a solution with the Chattahoochee-Flint Regional Development Center over the issue of unpaid dues.

For months, the commissioners have disputed paying more than $41,000 to the development agency for a variety of reasons.

First, the commission disputed the way the agency counted population and established a per-person fee to the agency.

But now, the commission is angry over the city of LaGrange not paying its dues for the last four years. The city has agreed to pay this year's dues, but still owes the agency nearly $100,000 in back fees.

Commissioner Jim McGuffey, who represents the county on the Chatt-Flint board, said Coweta County's refusal to pay their dues spurred the agency to put increased pressure on LaGrange officials.

Now that LaGrange has paid, the county should go ahead and bite the bullet and pay its assessment, McGuffey said.

McGuffey read a letter from former Attorney General Mike Bowers that makes it clear that counties should pay their share to their regional development centers.

“Isn't it just as illegal for Coweta County to withhold payments?” said McGuffey.

But Commissioner Vernon “Mutt” Hunter remains opposed to paying the funds until the county receives a clearer signal from LaGrange officials.

“We told the Chatt-Flint director we would pay our dues when he collected from LaGrange. They can at least tell how they're going to pay it. Even the IRS gives you a plan to pay,” he said.

McGuffey said that LaGrange is showing that it is willing to pay and said he would bring back the issue at the commission's July 6 meeting for a vote by the board.

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