Test Drive 2014 Welcome Home Magazine | Page 75

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Middle Georgia Population Change 2010-2013 Jasper -2% Lamar Jones -2% Monroe 0% +2% Upson -2% Bibb -1% Crawford -1% Houston +6% Southern Forest Industries, Inc. SOLAR FARM A new solar farm should be built and operational in Juliette by the fall of 2014. Shamus Hutchinson of Solar Support Works said he hopes to have his plant constructed and operational this fall after getting county approval. He’s buying six acres at the former Plant Camellia in Juliette for the project. Hutchinson said he has a 20-year agreement to provide electricity from the solar panels to Georgia Power. Georgia Power is adding more green energy under pressure from the state Public Service Commission, said Hutchinson. Hutchinson said the solar farm will include 3,220 310-watt panels. Hutchinson said his project will receive no federal money. After commissioners approved the project while Hutchinson prepared to leave the podium, commissioner Jim Ham had one last question. “How much will this cost?” asked Ham. “Between $1 million and $2 million,” replied Hutchinson. “OK, we just need that for the tax assessor,” said Ham, drawing chuckles from the audience. While the solar farm is not expected to create any new jobs, Ham was referring to the fact that it will produce more property tax revenue for the county. “Everybody has to get some harassment here,” laughed Ham. IVEY BUILDERS, INC. Bobby Ivey Manufacturers of quality hardwood and pine industrial timbers. SF I Timber Buyers: Ron Aivalotis Mobile: [phone] John Fleckenstein Mobile: [phone] P.O. Box 373 • Smarr, GA 31086 Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] Beautiful Renovations at El Tejado Mexican Restaurant in Forsyth, GA Custom Residential Construction and Remodeling Fully Insured • Serving Monroe County since 1985 4169 Johnstonville Rd. • P.O. Box 327 • Forsyth, GA 31029 478-994-9246 Cell: 478-214-0611 • Fax: [phone] [email protected] Voted Best Builder 2010, 201l, 2012, 2013 WWW.IVEYBUILDERSINC.COM Welcome Home: The Forsyth-Monroe County Relocation Guide and Membership Directory 75