2026-07-21 JCDA Board of Directors Meeting

The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) Board of Directors met on July 21, 2026. The board approved its treasurer’s report, which described positive FY2026 net income, reduced liabilities, and adequate cash for operations and strategic initiatives. Members discussed the preliminary FY2027 budget: the county’s support for JCDA operating expenses is expected to fall from about $105,000 to $47,800, while the authority may receive a separate state grant of approximately $30,000–$40,000, likely late in the fiscal year. Staff will work with the treasurer to refine the budget and return with a proposal; no FY2027 budget was approved. Members also raised questions about the authority’s mission, available reserves, and uncertainty around ARPA funds and other reserve balances.

The board voted to establish a temporary committee—comprising Tumulo, Mood, and Lutman—to recommend how to use two $75,000 West Virginia Ready site-development grants. The committee is to sunset at year-end, report recommendations to the full board, and has no authority to make spending decisions. The grants reimburse eligible engineering costs, so JCDA may need to advance up to $150,000 before seeking reimbursement. Staff also reported that a Summit Point water and sewer grant application remains pending and that JCDA had provided a letter of support for a Harper’s Ferry infrastructure project. A strategic-plan proposal was discussed, with an estimated total cost of $45,000–$50,000, including $15,000 already spent; members requested more clarity on the authority’s mission and funding before considering additional spending. No contract award or final purchasing decision was made.