CAIRO, Ga. — Questions and concerns on Tired Creek Lake’s marketing future were raised Tuesday, eventually leading to the go-ahead for releasing a drafted document meant to attract potential development.  

In a joint meeting with Lake Authority members, Grady County commissioners approved in a 3-2 vote publishing a request for qualifications (RFQ) for Tired Creek Lake. 

“I don’t see any issues,” said Commissioner Keith Moye. 

Vice-Chairman T.D. David and LaFaye Copeland also voted in favor. Chairman Ray Prince and Commissioner June Duke Knight voted against. 

“Y’all haven’t said yet where this money is coming from,” Knight said, noting infrastructure costs. 

Releasing the RFQ was the subject of a split vote at a May 1 meeting. The vote was deadlocked because of a commissioner’s absence.  

Project consultant Will Butler said the RFQ will seek the “qualifications for all interested parties.”

“I feel like it communicates what we want to communicate to the development community,” Butler said. 

The “two major things at play” with the RFQ, Butler said, are generating money for bond repayment and activity out at the lake. 

Richard Jordan, who had several questions for commissioners, asked if the RFQ would led to a “simple sale” of the land and if additional bonds would be sought. Jordan also asked if the RFQ would incur additional debt and eliminate the county’s current debt. 

“We don’t know at this point; the developer will tell us,” Jennifer Herzog, county attorney, said of the potential land sale. 

Herzog also said she did not think the commission “has any intent” on taking on more debt.  

“Tired Creek is probably the biggest issue in Grady County and we have spent a significant amount of time on it,” she added. 

Other residents also spoke out on the lake marketing document. 

Gloria Smith said she could not fathom the commission going against Grady County residents.  

“Why punish the citizens of the county for things you can’t afford?” she asked.   

Betty Godwin said the public was “not informed” properly about the intent of the meeting. Godwin said she was told the RFQ would be explained at the Tuesday meeting.  

Following its approval, Butler spelled out the next steps of the RFQ. 

“As this thing goes on, we’ll be developing a ‘Plan B,'” he said, in case negotiations with a potential developer do not come to fruition.

Butler also said he could not stress enough being serious and receptive toward the lake project. 

“We will see that in the responses,” he said. 

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