Commissioner Branch Wants To Clarify Position On Administration Building

Commissioner Wants Financial Data Before Making Decision

By Sid Riley

Commissioner Jeremy Branch stopped by the Jackson County Times offices on Monday in order to clarify his stated position concerning the advisability of proceeding with the construction of the proposed county administration building as discussed at the conclusion of last Tuesday’s board meeting. He provided documentation as to his exact statements made at that session.
During the discussion of the matter at the meeting, Branch clearly stated he was in favor of doing due diligence in order to assure the projected county finances were adequate enough to provide the needed funding for payout of the loan required for the construction. He also emphasized he felt that it was the responsibility of the Commissioners to be progressive in looking forward and meeting the future infrastructure requirements of the County.
Since he made this last remark immediately after Commissioner Spires had stated he felt the commission should be progressive and we should proceed with the project, this led to the interpretation that he, too was promoting continuing with the project. This appears to not necessarily be the case.
Branch states he now wants to engage in further investigation and analysis of options before reaching his final decision.