2026-10-20 JCDA Meeting in Commission Classroom

The Jefferson County Development Authority (JCDA) meeting, held October 20, 2026, approved a motion authorizing staff to advance two site-planning recommendations using a previously awarded $275,000 state grant. The work concerns development options and cost estimates for the Jefferson Orchard site and planning, survey, contour, timber-value, and future-development information for Lot 36 at Burr Business Park. The consultants’ names are transcribed inconsistently, but ZMM Architects & Engineers is mentioned. Grant funds are reimbursed after the JCDA fronts the costs; staff will follow up on the agreements and eligible expenses. The board also approved the FY2026 audit engagement letter for $6,000. The treasurer’s report, showing approximately $1.1 million in cash, was accepted; the report also noted continuing base-funding constraints.

Members discussed approximately $4,500 in legal fees to date for work on a proposed water-and-sewer public-private partnership agreement with West Virginia American Water. No payment or contract approval was recorded; members asked to review a draft before further work or a decision. The authority was not awarded a separate $75,000 USDA grant for preliminary engineering. Website updates for the agricultural program may involve modest additional spending, but no amount or approval was specified. Members also discussed a possible $78,000 county funding clawback and future opportunities to improve the website and develop the Blue Ridge food-truck partnership; no related procurement action was taken.