Encouragement for the future of the Ocoee Whitewater Center (OWC), discussion over hiring a CPA, and the fact that non-voting members no longer exist on its board were all topics at the July meeting of the Polk County Industrial and Economic Development (IED) Board.
Paul Wright presented the board with what he sees as the positive impact the Whitewater Center could have on the county if it is managed as a business. However, he predicted that could only happen if the U.S. Forest Service turns the facility over to Tennessee State Parks.
Wright previously worked for the Forest Service and was head of the OWC build project, overseeing everything from the building to the riverbed, IED Board Chairman Ryan Cooke said.
Wright talked about how the “Olympics were meant to be a catalyst and not the conclusion of the process.”
He encouraged the board to “re-imagine the site for its original purpose...how it can better contribute to the area economy.” Wright used the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as an example. That facility offers water sports, land sports and aerial sports.
Giving the OWC to State Parks would “put it in the hands of an organization that already knows” how to run a business.
Board members continued their discussion over the need for a CPA (certified public accountant).
Board Attorney Eric Brooks had encouraged the board look into such a service at the last meeting. Tuesday night, at the board’s meeting in Benton, Brooks told the board members, “Currently, (you) do not need an audit,” but it would be good to have a firm “lined up.”
IED Board Secretary Monica Farrow agreed that a CPA firm “would help avoid a lot of issues.” as the board takes on more projects.
Cooke suggested the firm of Matlock Clements, PC, of Murfreesboro, which was found after several CPA firms were contacted.
Board members agreed to table a decision while the rates they offered were researched.
Board Treasurer Mark Allen was not at the meeting to participate in the discussion. He resigned the next morning. (See related story).
County Executive Robby Hatcher told the board that the positions of non-voting members no longer existed, that they had expired in April. Those positions were held by Sarah Mickens Haynes, Lynne McClary, Cassie Bell, and Christy Hardin, who had already come off the board per law after being elected to the county commission.
Hatcher said it would be up to the county commission whether or not to re-appoint any non-voting members.
The board was also presented updated bylaws. Discussions resulted in minor changes, which Brooks will make so they can be voted on at the next meeting.