The county commission is investing $68,000 to purchase land in the Oswego Industrial Park in the Jellico area. The property was sold years ago to develop an electronics plant that was never built. With this purchase the county now has a tract of industrial land in the 5th District that can be marketed and sold. Commissioner J.L. Davis, of the 5th District, regards it as the best property in the park due to its location and already existing amenities.
The commission finally voted to have a special called meeting to replace retired 3rd District Commissioner Melvin Boshears. This comes after 3rd District citizen Jeremy Young came before the commission during their workshop session and asked the commission to appoint him so that his district could have equal representation. No candidate’s names were floated about as to who may actually be appointed to fill the position.
The commissioners were rebuked by County Clerk Debbie Wilson when Marie Ayers of the 1st District made a motion the commission request Wilson begin selling state building permits. Wilson told them no. She cited that her office is understaffed and the small funds these permits generate would not be worth further stretching her workforce. As Wilson is an elected official the commission has no authority to order her to do anything.
