The Claiborne Industrial Development Board wants to create a new Industrial Park with the help of a five-year $250,000 capital outlay note taken out by the county. Existing monies from Fund 119 is expected to cover the remainder of the proposed $510,000 project costs.

The proposal calls for the development of 34 acres currently belonging to the Russell Brothers, located adjacent to the Claiborne Animal Shelter and the railroad.

According to resolution 2017-076, the Industrial Board has determined it would improve the growth of jobs in the county if the proposed park was made available to prospective industry.

“The Industrial Board anticipates that this property will meet the state criteria for a state certified industrial site, which will result in the Economic Development Division of the State of Tennessee assisting in advertising and marketing,” reads the resolution, in part.

If adopted, county finance officer Sam Owens would be responsible for bidding and entering into the capital outlay note, which would be repaid with the Fund 119 monies.

The Claiborne Commission will be deciding the issue during its regular monthly meeting on Dec. 18.

That evening, the commissioners will also vote on resolution 2017-075, a Claiborne Board of Education amendment to the Federal Projects Budget. The resolution, if adopted, will allow the school system to adjust the balance by $2,500 with Gear Up grant donation funds.

Under new state reporting requirements for federal projects, county budgets are required to match the state budgets to the penny. As the state continues to amend its budgets throughout the year, the counties are required to bring each change before local government as they occur in order to receive the federal funds.

This resolution involves no state or local tax dollars.

The Claiborne commissioners will also review the Yearly Financial Report from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. This report is submitted to the commission for information purposes, only.

As is usually the case, the Claiborne Commission could add to or scratch items on the agenda.

The next meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. inside the large courtroom of the Claiborne Courthouse.