DOWNTOWN GRAY
Gray Downtown Development Authority members looked back on a year of progress with better-thanexpected revenues and more new businesses anticipated.
Chairman Sherri Rollins called the Dec. 12 meeting to order, and the financial report was presented by recording secretary and Main Street Gray Director Ashley Roberson.
She said the balance in the checking account is $72,481.36.
All DDA members were present for the meeting, except Alan Childs.
Rollins said Butler Hall was doing very well, and all expenses were in line.
The budget shows that the actual revenues for the venue are $94,195, which is $64,195 over the $30,000 budget figure.
“People are recognizing the asset we have here in Gray,” the chairman said.
Rollins said they will start work on the 2023 budget.
The chairman reported that the video sound system had been installed at Butler Hall. The purchase and installation of the system was approved in the November meeting.
“It’s very easy to use and is a big plus,” she said.
According to the minutes of the previous meeting, the total cost of the system was just over $20,000, and it was purchased from Ken’s Audio.
Rollins said the DDA needs to discuss adding a charge for use of system to the rental contract for the venue.
Jones County/Gray Chamber Executive Director Heather Johnson attended the meeting and spoke to members about the purchase of an ad in the chamber magazine. She said the cost for a fullpage ad was $1,000.
“The ads are clickable and takes people to your website,” Johnson said.
The director explained the increase in price for the ad this year is due to increased printing cost.
DDA Member Bert King made the motion to purchase the ad, and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Johnson also requested a discount for the rental of Butler Hall for the Chamber’s annual dinner that will be held Feb. 4. Roberson said the regular rental rate is $2,500.
King suggested cutting the cost in half for the chamber.
DDA member Cecil Ethridge made a motion to rent the venue to the Chamber at a cost of $1,250, and the motion was approved unanimously.
Entertainment district
Rollins said Gray’s Design Review Committee would be meeting Wednesday to consider an entertainment district for downtown. She said the district could allow beer and wine at entertainment events without the requirement of selling food.
Rollins said the beverages would be purchased like at a package store but could be consumed on the premises. She said Zoning Officer Tim Pitrowski was involved in the discussion.
“It came up with a proposal for a small music venue,” the chairman explained. “A lot of people are really excited about it,” she said.
Rollins said the new generation loves having events outside, in a social gathering place. She said if the idea is approved by the Design Review Committee, it would be taken to city council and planning and zoning.
Rollins said it would be a different type of zoning.
“I think it could be a great thing, but the guidelines need to be set appropriately,” she added.
DDA member and City Councilman David Tufts said he sees the idea as the beginning to the amphitheater that is part of the city’s master plan.
Election of officers
The final item of New Business on the agenda was the election of officers for 2023. King immediately nominated Rollins to continue as chairman. Following a brief discussion, the complete slate of officers was nominated for another term. In addition to Rollins as chairman, the slate includes Alan Childs as vice chairman and Cecil Ethridge secretary/ treasurer.
King made a motion to reelect the officers, and the motion was approved unanimously.
Reports
Roberson said the Christmas Market went well with several vendors selling out before closing time.
“We look forward to making it bigger and better next year,” she said.
The director said Main Street is planning a festival in the Spring, and there will be a Christmas decoration contest for local businesses.
In her chairman’s report, Rollins said it had been a tough year for her personally, but the DDA was able push through and still make progress. She said paving the downtown parking lot was a huge expense, but it has made a big difference.
“More businesses are coming, and we continue to work on our design guidelines,” she said. “Relationships are the key. The DDA, city council, Main Street and the Chamber all work together, and that makes everything better.”
