State of County address given by Nance

Clarion Top News

Friday, 01 December 2023 10:03

The State of the County address was recently given by Jackson County Commission Chairman Bill Nance. The event took place at the Goose Pond Civic Center. Jim Barclay, Chairman of the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce began the event by welcoming everyone and thanking all sponsors. Barclay recognized special guests Shane McMillan, field representative for Senator Katie Britt; Dylan Smith, District Director for Congressman Dale Strong; the Jackson County Legislative Delegation including Senator Steve Livingston, Representative Mike Kirkland and Representative Richie Whorton and Executive Director Julianna Harper; as well as all mayors, judicial officials and school officials.

Dr. Gary Speers gave the invocation, Jack Livingston led the Pledge of Allegiance and Hillary Green from Northeast Alabama Community College sang the National Anthem. Sameer Singha with CFD Resource Corporation introduced Nance. Singha began by stating, “Bill Nance is the Chairman of the Jackson County Commission. He and his wife Jonnie live in Jackson County, Alabama and attend the First Baptist Church of Scottsboro. Bill is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in Business Administration and has a Masters Degree from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is also a member of the Northeast Alabama Community College advisory board and a member of the Scottsboro Lions Club.”

“Bill Nance entered the Army in 1968 as a Private and retired after more than 34 years of service as a Major General. His Army career included assignments as platoon leader, company commander, Professor of Acquisition Management of the Defense Systems Management college, Executive Officer for the Army Tacticle Missile Systems, Deputy Commanding General of the Army Space and Defense Command, Program Director and Program Executive officer of the National Missile Defense Program and Program Executive Officer for Ballistic Missile Defense Systems. In 2002, Bill joined Cypress International as Chief Executive Officer and retired in 2013 as President and Chief Operating Officer,” stated Singha.

Singha went on to state, “In May 2021, Governor Ivey appointed Bill as Chairman of the Jackson County Commission to fill an unexpired term. In November 2022, Bill was elected to serve a four year term as Chairman of the Jackson County Commission. Bill and Jonnie are the proud parents of four children, Sherry, Stacy, Christy and Eric and are the proud grandparents of ten grandchildren.”

Nance began by thanking everyone for being at the event. He then went on to explain that since the 2020 Census, Jackson County has seen growth. Nance explained that he would be providing a status of the 2024 Jackson County budget, give an update on Jackson County departments and discuss how the American Rescue Plan Act funding would be used.

Nance said, “I want to say that what makes Jackson County strong, is the work of our county departments, but also those people and organizations whose work makes Jackson County a great place to visit, a great place to live, a great place to raise a family, to work, and a great place to locate a business. Working together, we can create more opportunities for our county to grow and to thrive. I want to recognize some of those contributions this morning. First, to the 230 county employees that make up our county team: They do a great job everyday serving our citizens. I am honored and proud to have the opportunity to work with each of them. To our commissioners: Chris Gulley, Paul Kennamer, A.J. Buckner and Kevin McBride, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to work with this team of commissioners. And, to work with them to represent, serve and support Jackson County and all of our citizens.”

“Jackson County is one of the most beautiful counties, not only in Alabama, but I believe one of the most beautiful counties in our nation. Sitting at the southern foot of the Appalachians, it is truly, as we say, where the mountains meet the lakes. The fifth largest county in Alabama, Jackson County comprises 1,170 square miles of area, with 30 miles of the Tennessee River running through the county. Our current population is 52,891, an increase from the 2020 census. Growth in Jackson County’s population has led to growth in our key economic areas,” stated Nance.
Nance continued, “2023 data shows that appraised value of Jackson County real and personal property has increased to $611 million. Single family homes have increased to 18,103 and business and personal property accounts has grown to 2,129.”

Nance explained Jackson County’s workforce data shows that the county unemployment rate is 2.3% as of July 2023, with the national average being 3.8%. The county’s top industrial sectors are manufacturing, retail, trade, healthcare, public administration, education, hospitality and food services, construction and agriculture. Jackson County’s gross domestic product, as of the end of 2022, was slightly above $1.5 billion. Nance stated that Jackson County is seeing a growing expansion of existing and new retail across the county that is adding jobs and increasing county revenue. Also the expansion of existing and new industries has accounted for a capital investment of over $124.5 million. Nance explained that the top ten industrial employers accounted for 3,794 employees.

“Tourism is a key component for Jackson County’s economy. The beauty of our county coupled with access to the Tennessee River and attractions like Unclaimed Baggage, Scottsboro Boys Museum, Payne’s, Russell Cave, Buck’s Pocket and the Walls of Jericho, make our county a tourism destination. Tourism has contributed to our economy. It grew from $77.4 million in 2021 to nearly $86.3 million in 2022,” stated Nance.

Nance further stated, “Our county is in a sound financial condition. We take a conservative approach to our budget by under projecting revenues and over projecting expenses. The 2024 Jackson County budget of $29,179,329 fully funds county services and departments including Public Works, Solid Waste, the Jackson County Park and the general fund. The general fund budget of $10,701,450 funds the Sheriff’s office, the Jackson County Jail, Jackson County Revenue Commission, Jackson County Probate office, the Jackson County Commission office and our maintenance department and some others.”

Nance stated the four major sources of Jackson County’s general revenue are ad valorem taxes, TVA payment in lieu of taxes, simplified users tax and Revenue Commission fees. He explained that the four comprise 74% of the general fund revenue, that has increased approximately 15% since 2021.

Nance announced that with the 2024 budget, they were able to give a 5% cost of living raise to Jackson County employees. Two Sheriff’s deputies were added to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, and a strip paving road crew has been added to Public Works. The supplement for family health insurance has also been increased.

“Increases in county revenue, grants from the state and funds from the American Rescue Act will allow us to make needed repairs to our courthouse, refurbish county buildings, modernize the operating systems, resurface roads, improvements to the water system and add services for the citizens of Jackson County,” stated Nance.

Nance said that the Jackson County Park’s laundry facility, one of the bath houses and the public restrooms have been renovated.

He also announced that the county plans to renovate the former Department of Human Resources building on Liberty Lane. Once renovated, Jackson County Revenue Commission offices, Jackson County Probate and Community Action will be moved to the building. The renovations are expected to begin February 2024.

 

by Heather Dohring