In the first of two regularly scheduled joint work sessions for 2025, Dade County’s Commission convened Thursday night with Trenton’s City Commission and respective local agencies, for an update on individual and collective efforts of each. No matter the vantage point at the roundtable; all agreed upon the need for more state and federal grant writing to fund new infrastructure and spur future growth and development.
Dade County Executive Don Townsend pointed to the county’s recent hire of a part-time grant writer, who is currently pursuing more than a dozen state and federal grants on behalf of Dade County.
Dade County Vice-Chair Bob Woods, who spoke on behalf of and as a member of the joint city/county Animal Control Facility Subcommittee, says the proposed building would likely be seeded with local funds already committed as a foundation for the build out, but would be completed by a montage of donation and grant funding.
Woods says the subcommittee’s working plan is to build a shell of a structure, in order to qualify for a 501 C3 tax exempt status. The facility’s interior would be funded by community donation appeals. Woods says a draft for non-profit status for the facility is in the works.
AFC Subcommittee member Monda Wooten agreed with Woods that there is significant community support for the proposed facility and greater animal welfare, including spay and neutering efforts.
Woods added Dade Public Works Director Billy Massengale has prepared the proposed four acre building site behind the water treatment plant and is nearly ready for groundbreaking.
Trenton Mayor Alex Case lauded both the joint animal control effort as well as the use of grant funding to lessen taxpayer burden, saying the city of Trenton is working with the Northwest Georgia Regional Planning Commission to help secure available grants for water and sewer improvements.
Mayor Case says Trenton’s infrastructure upgrades are long overdue, with the city’s circa-1960’s clay pipe system now nearly crumbling. Case said he’s envisioning a future 25-35 year window of future commercial and residential utilities needs, as well as a more immediate answer to handle waste water solids from Dade’s industrial community.
Evan Stone of the Industrial Development Authority reported he’s been busy since the start of the year fielding inquiries from prospective businesses looking to possibly relocate in Dade County. Stone was pleased to announce a collective $45 million dollars in new investment from the industrial park’s five businesses, but suggested the county is still hobbled by the aftermath of the 2011 tornado.
Stone underscored the need to restore affordable housing that was lost in the tragedy.
Dade Schools Superintendent Josh Ingle says the lasting impact of the tornado is evident in classrooms across the county, saying there are approximately 400 less students today system wide, compared to 2011.
Looking ahead, the Superintendent says he expects another ESPLOST on the November ballot per recent guidance from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.
The Alliance of Dade will soon be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new home at the recently restored Dade Courthouse. County Executive Townsend is welcoming the community to attend the Wednesday, April 16th event, set to begin at 2:30pm.
By Vince Lennon