CAIRO — The Lake Authority waded through discussion on marketing approaches for Tired Creek Lake on Tuesday afternoon.    

Project consultant Will Butler, also president of Real Estate InSync in Tallahassee, Florida, discussed the differences in the request for proposal (RFP) and request for qualification (RFQ) processes, seeking direction on which approach to take. 

Butler noted RFPs typically include a price for a potential developer and a RFQ does not.

Based on experience, Butler said, a RFP could cost a developer to come in and give a price, “even on part of it,” and could cost between $50,000 to $150,000, “maybe $250,000.” 

Butler also expressed concern with the RFP approach as the “market is pretty active right now,” also noting the difficulty in asking a potential developer a price on an asset that is not finished and on an asset a developer is not familiar with. 

“I’m afraid we’re not going to get a big response,” he said.  

The project consultant noted if explained to a potential developer that Tired Creek Lake is a process, a “more robust response” could be achieved. 

A document for a developer, Butler explained, could not be drafted until the Lake Authority decides to proceed with a RFP or RFQ approach. 

“I believe it’s important to go RFQ at this point,” said Lake Authority member Travis Bryant. 

Butler agreed, also noting a RFQ approach could get a better response. 

Lake Authority attorney Kevin Cauley said before a decision is made, both the Grady County Board of Commissioners and the authority “really need to be moving in the same direction.” Cauley also noted a final decision would be the result of a group of joint meetings between the two entities. 

Bryant said “the right move” from the Lake Authority would be to recommend a RFQ approach to Butler. Once a document is finalized, Bryant added, the Lake Authority would make a recommendation to the Grady commissioners and then “move on that.” 

Results from a market study for Tired Creek Lake also are in the works. 

“I’m hoping to have some good information by the end of this month,” Butler said. 

Butler also stressed the importance of a community aspect in the overall vision of Tired Creek Lake but said the vision also should be flexible enough for a potential developer. 

Activities on and off the lake also are key, Butler added. 

“We have the opportunity to do something different here,” he said, adding Grady County and the Lake Authority can dictate what happens on every “linear foot” all around the lake. 

Along with activities at Tired Creek Lake, Butler said Tired Creek Lake having one developer is the ideal goal but added would be a difficult task, based on his experience. 

Lake Authority Chairman Lee Gainous questioned how different areas of Tired Creek Lake could still belong to Grady County for public access. 

Butler said there are ways but “now is not the time,” also stressing the importance of waiting on the market study information. Regulations toward public areas could be set in the framework for a potential developer, the consultant added.  

The Lake Authority did not take action toward a RFQ or RFP approach. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.