If the economic development agency 21st Century Coweta does not become more accountable for its funding, it could lose it.

That's the stern message that Commissioner Robert Wood delivered during Tuesday afternoon's meeting of the county commissioners.

Wood's threat of a possible cut in funding came after a lengthy discussion of 21st Century by Commissioner Jim McGuffey.

“I'm not opposed to the concept (of 21st Century), I just want them to be accountable,” he said.

McGuffey said the group is working in conjunction with the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce on marketing the county.

He is all in favor of marketing the county, but said county government cannot give funds to private organizations, such as the chamber. McGuffey wants to make sure that county funds are not being funneled from 21st Century to the chamber.

Commissioner Vernon “Mutt” Hunter agreed with McGuffey.

“You've told me there is no co-mingling funds; now show me,” he said.

Wood said he had talked with 21st Century's accountant, who assured him there was not any fund mixing occurring. The commissioners have asked several times in the past for a report on where the organization's funds are going, but have not received one.

If they don't receive one in the future, Wood would be in favor of cutting the group's funding.

Tuesday's debate was the latest in a series of debates over funding for the organization. Last week, the commissioners voted to include an additional $53,000 in funds to the group to help market Shenandoah Industrial Park, which the county just purchased.

The agency is a public and private venture established to market and bring industrial companies to Coweta County.

Back to News Home Page | Back to the top of the page