Bond Resolution Could Bring More Jobs to Paulding

Paulding Commissioners discussed a resolution to allow the Industrial Building Authority to issue two bonds in the amount of $1.2 million and $7.2 million during this morning's work session, with final action to be taken during the business session at 7 p.m.

The Series A bond for $1.2 million would fund construction of a new water tank at or near the airport and the Series B bond for $7.2 million would provide funds for a new hangar and a film studio project.

"We knew that we had to have the water tank to provide for the airport and companies in the area," Airport Director Blake Swafford said.  Although the project would not provide any revenue, it is necessary for development of the area around the airport, according to Swafford.

"We need the new hangar for the larger corporate jets used by some of the companies that are considering locating in the county; the current hangar will only accommodate small private planes," Swafford added.

Swafford and Board Chairman David Austin have been working with the state and a company from California during the past 12 months in putting together a package that would attract the film industry to the county.

That company, Roadtown Enterprises, would have two contracts; one contract would be to develop the buildings and the second would be to manage the property.

Commissioner Tommie Graham pointed out that even if the studio did not attract the expected film projects, the property could be used for other development.

Most of the films done in Georgia thus far were due to state incentives, and there are very few studio facilities in the state. The new studio would enable Paulding to be out front in attracting the film industry.

Under the proposed bond sales, the county would acquire a 30,000 square foot building and 11 acres of land along Bill Carruth Parkway and build an additional structure of 60,000 square feet on the property.

"Quite honestly, this probably could not have happened if we had not gotten such a bargain price on the property," Austin said.

Questioned about the county liability should the hangar and film studio project not provide expected revenues, Swafford expressed confidence that income from the projects would pay for the bond issue.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development reviewed the proposal and informed the county that it was a sound plan, based on experience with other movies shot in Georgia. 

Should revenues not develop as planned, the county might have to resort to a 1-percent increase in ad valorem tax to fund the bonds. In effect, the county is backing the bonds if the board passes the resolution but the parties were optimistic that revenue will be sufficient to fund the bonds.

Graham and Swafford anticipate that 100-300 jobs can be expected when a movie is filmed in the studio. 

"This is not just about movie stars coming into the area for a movie, but it is about the jobs that are needed to build sets and do the other work that is necessary for the film," Graham said.

"Just about every support service will see an increase in revenues. Hotels, restaurants and building supply companies would all benefit from workers coming into the area to build sets for movies being made in the studio," Swafford said.

Swafford and Graham have also reached out to labor organizations that would be a part of any work at the studio and reported a favorable response from those organizations.

In addition to the bond resolution, the board also discussed seven other items of new business, six consent agenda items, and one bid award, with all to be considered in tonight's session.

Four of the new business agenda items involve road improvements in the county.

One calls for a consultant agreement with PBS&J for an asphalt assessment for 1,005 miles of county roads, with the cost not to exceed $78,000.

Action was recommended to approve a supplemental agreement for the Bill Carruth Parkway Phase 1 project in the amount of $107,676.24.

The largest of the projects calls for renewal of the countywide shoulder maintenance project with Clear River Construction Company, for an amount not to exceed $425,011.14.

Another action would be to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Cobb County for the concept report and environmental documentation for the Cedarcrest Road Improvement Project.

Two of the new business items deal with changes to the county code.

Chapter 40 of the code regarding vegetation height would be changed to allow building lots without a structure, and no imminent plans to build, to revert to the natural habitat. Under the current code, grass over 24 inches must be cut.

The other change would be in Chapter 18 of the code and deals with operating permits for telecommunications towers, antennas and billboard facilities.

The last item of new business was a request for the board to approve the employee benefits plan renewal, with a projected decrease in costs of $540,000 for the new year.

There was one bid award discussed, a recommendation to award a bid to Peek Pavement Markings for 37.2 linear miles of thermoplastic line striping in the amount of $62,868.

According to a briefing from E-911 Director David Mumford, the Paulding 911 system is being upgraded continuously with a goal of meeting all national standards. Recent changes should mean fewer busy signals with better call answering times.

The board recognized three individuals during the meeting.

Fire Chief Mike Earwood received the Patriotic Employer Award for his support of military personnel.

Deputy Marshal Tony Collum received the Public Safety Appreciation Award.

The board presented the "Boys and Girls Club Week " proclamation to Kevie Dixon with the Paulding County Boys and Girls Clubs.

Dallas Police Chief Scott Halter praised the efforts of Dixon and the work being done with youth in the area.

Commissioner Todd Pownall told of his positive experience with foster children who lived in his home being a part of the Boys and Girls Club.

Dixon said, "Growing up without a dad, I know what a lot of these kids are going through."

The club serves about 500 kids a year and always is in need of financial donations.

"This is a great place for support from churches and civic organizations," Austin said.