The final meeting of 2025 for the Gray Downtown Development Authority included saying goodbye to a long-serving member and welcoming a new face to the board.
The Dec. 1 meeting was called to order by Chairman Sherri Rollins, and the first item was the financial report. The chairman said all was in order with the major expense for the month the new roof for 102 E. Clinton St.
The cost of the roof was $30,000, but the job is complete. She said the interior work on the building would begin after the first of the year.
Rollins said Butler Hall is expected to meet its revenue goal for the year.
Old Business included an updated license agreement for Butler Hall. Board member Bert King said the agreement is a work in progress and was close to completion.
The chairman suggested waiting for the lease agreement for 102 E. Clinton until the work on the building was further along.
Main Street Director Ashley Roberson, who also serves as DDA Secretary, gave an update for Butler Hall’s activities. She said seven events were booked in December, and there were already 15 events scheduled in 2026.
Roberson said she was contacted about advertising the venue on another billboard and asked if there was interest. The idea was discussed but no decision reached.
Members and officers
The election of officers was next on the agenda, but the terms of three board members needed to be determined first. Roberson said members Vickie Ethridge and Cecil Ethridge had agreed to another term, but King decided to roll off the board.
In addition to serving on the board, the attorney has also assisted the board with legal matters.
“It’s been an honor to serve,” King said.
Roberson was prepared for the news and suggested the appointment of Alex Smith, who is also an attorney, to fill the position.
The motion to nominate Smith to serve on the DDA was made by Cecil Ethridge, and the vote to approve was unanimous. Smith’s nomination was subsequently submitted to Gray City Council members at their Dec. 1 meeting, along with the renewal of the terms for Vickie Ethridge and Cecil Ethridge. Those terms will begin Jan. 1, 2026.
Council members unanimously approved the appointments.
The DDA meeting addressed the election of officers. Rollins was asked to remain president and Cecil Ethridge treasurer. Board member Rick Childs nominated board member David Tufts for vice president, and the vote to approve was unanimous.
Rollins said she and Roberson would get together to put the 2026 budget together and have it ready to present at the January meeting.
Roberson said the Jones County Development Authority wanted a lease agreement for the business center and presented her with a draft copy. King said he would get with JDA attorney Kevin Brown to discuss it.
Roberson also presented members with a branding update with prototypes for the DDA and Main Street Gray. DDA members said they like the concept but had a few suggestions.
In her Main Street report, the director talked about the success of the Downtown Christmas Market. She said there were 90 vendors, but several had double spaces. That means the income received equaled that of 100 vendors.
Roberson said the event was packed in the morning and steady throughout the day. She said the ice-skating rink was a success with Wednesday the busiest day. The rink was open Nov. 25-30.
The director thanked Gray public works employees for all their help with the various events and venues.
“I really appreciate all they do to help,” she added.
Roberson also commented on the success of the new bakery, Ava Kate’s Confections, located at 106 W. Clinton St., the former Main Street Gray building.
“She’s been selling out almost every day.”
The meeting was adjourned to enter closed session to discuss real estate.
