Economic development staff told the committee the county received an application from a large commercial project and may consider a loan from the Adams County Special Projects Fund. Derek said the overall project is roughly $33 million and that the loan application under review was for $600,000; staff said any loan would be fully collateralized and that the board may consider a lower amount depending on fund availability.

Derek also reported an offer on a 5.6-acre parcel in the Jackson industrial park; if the sale proceeds, the park would be nearly sold out. Committee members asked whether other developers had expressed interest; Derek said staff is preparing a developer packet but has not spoken directly with other developers about those lots.

The treasurer reported there are "1,102 parcels that are behind on taxes," and raised questions about county fund placement and interest earnings. The treasurer said Prevail (a Wood County bank) had been used and that 1 Community Bank offered a competitive rate; the finance director suggested PMA investments for longer-term, locked-in rates. Committee members asked staff to put bank-placement decisions on next month's agenda and provide comparative rate information so the committee can decide where to place county funds.

Why this matters: potential county lending and land sales affect economic development outcomes, county collateral exposure and special-project fund capacity. Delinquent property taxes and fund-placement decisions affect county revenue and cash management.