CEIDC Meeting Monday
By Greg Ritchie
Messenger Reporter
CROCKETT – Crockett City Council will hold a meeting Monday, Jan. 27 to put the final touches on the plan approved by voters to close Crockett Economic and Industrial Development Corporation (CEIDC) for good. Voters overwhelmingly approved two motions to close the troubled entity and use those funds to pay off its debts and give property tax payers a discount.
CEIDC has long been a lightning rod for controversy, from questionable bookkeeping to questions about its usefulness and purpose. Embattled Executive Director James Gentry fought hard to defend his reputation and the accomplishments of the corporation, but voters weren’t convinced, voting by almost 60% to end the corporation.
There was official silence after the vote, with few details about what steps would be needed to tie up all of CEIDC’s financial loose ends. There are several federal and other financial obligations which must be handled before the corporation can officially end. While Gentry and his Executive Assistant Carolyn McKnight continue to receive a salary and report for work, officially, at least, there is not much for them to do. After the vote, CEIDC was unable to legally enter into any agreement of any kind.
Sources did reveal to The Messenger some of the hectic work going on behind the scenes, where special legal counsel was working with the city to meet with different groups to make sure any financial obligations would be met and that any closure would be accepted by outside parties to whom CEIDC owes money. With the meeting set for Monday, it would seem those ducks are now in a row, as council is set to hold an executive session to discuss the final details regarding the shut down.
According to the meeting agenda, council is set to consider and approve a
“termination and distribution of assets plan” and to execute all documents necessary for the “CEIDC windup and dissolution in accordance with state law.”
The city is also set to appoint a new city attorney and approve an agreement for their legal services.
Council will meet beginning at 6 p.m. at Crockett City Hall, located at 200 North Fifth Street.
Greg Ritchie can be reached at [email protected]
