By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County government began the process of selling an estimated 18.8 acres in its Industrial Park in August. While negotiations are still underway and no deed has been signed, dirt is being moved for what could be a large warehouse site.
In August, commissioners signed a resolution authorizing County Manager Debbie Mauney to negotiate with the Atlanta-based company JB2 Partners, LLC “to build a warehouse and distribution center.”
The resolution does not say exactly what the facility will be nor who the tenant will be, but the language indicates it could be something like an Amazon warehouse and it will bring jobs to the area.
The resolution in part says “The county believes the proposed conveyance will stimulate the local economy, result in the creation of substantial number of new jobs in the county and result in increased tax revenues to the county.”
The proposed 18.8 acre sale on McDonald Road was the topic of a public hearing held Aug. 20. A legal notice that ran in the Aug. 10 newspaper and on the county’s website said the proposed consideration of the sale is $564,000, which is current market value of the property. The notice also said “The Board of Commissioners intends to approve the sale.”
Project details are being held tight as Mauney continues to work with the consulting company.
“Being that this falls under economic development, it would be premature to speak to the specifics of what that final project may look like or whom the tenant may ultimately be,” said Commission Chairman Rob Peck. “ JB2 Partners continues to do their due diligence ahead of any final agreement.”
Peck did say that the potential investment in “building a large facility within the Industrial Park could drive tremendous revenue” to the county and surrounding areas while also creating numerous jobs.
“The potential purchasers proposal could result in up to 10 full time jobs and a 100 or more part-time positions. An additional 100 or more jobs would be created by contracting out additional services with a third party,” he explained.
The wages to be paid workers by the business is anticipated to meet and/or exceed the median average wage in the county as computed by the N.C. Department of Commerce, which is currently $20.50 per hour, according to the resolution.
JB2 Partners has offered to purchase the 18.8 +/- acres for the sum of $30,000 per acre for a total of $564,000 subject to the number of exact acreage being determined by a certified survey, according to the resolution.
While Mauney has the greenlight to “effectuate the sale of the property to the purchases,” the exception is the actual deed at closing which will be executed by the commissioners.
No time frame has been given as far as finalizing the deal. The Progress left a message with JRs Partners firm Wednesday morning, but had not heard back from them by press-time.
According to JB2’s website, “At JB2 Government Contracting Consultants, our unwavering commitment is to deliver unparalleled value to our esteemed government clients. Through fostering robust partnerships and offering expert guidance, we strive to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions to address the challenges faced by agencies.”