(a) There is hereby created the Jackson County Economic Development Authority for Jackson County, Alabama. The authority is created for the purpose and has the responsibility of aiding and assisting current industries and coordinating efforts of all municipal and county agencies of Jackson County, as well as aiding organizations in the development of new industries which shall provide job opportunities for the citizens of Jackson County.
(b)(1) The authority shall be governed by a board of directors consisting of seven members. Three of the seven members shall be appointed by the Jackson County Commission, one of the members shall be appointed by each of the members of the House of Representatives representing Jackson County, and one of the members shall be appointed by the state senator from the district in which Jackson County is a part. One member shall be appointed by the majority decision of the legislators representing Jackson County. Subsequently, vacancies on the board shall be appointed by the same appointing authority who made the initial appointment.
(2) The initial terms of the directors shall be staggered, two shall be for a term of two years, two shall be for a term of three years, and three shall serve for a term of four years.
(3) Within 30 days following May 29, 1984, the appointing authorities shall submit in writing the name and address of the members of the board of directors to the judge of probate and such appointments shall be filed and maintained in the office of the judge of probate. At the organizational meeting of the members of the board of directors of the authority, members shall by lot select the initial term for which each shall serve. The terms shall also be filed with the Judge of Probate of Jackson County. The members shall also elect from among themselves a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Each shall serve for a period of one year, or until a successor is elected to serve. Neither shall be bonded, except the treasurer, who shall obtain bond as an official. Terms of office for all members, subsequent to the initial term, shall be for four years.
(4) Ex officio members of the board of directors shall consist of a representative from each incorporated municipality within Jackson County, one member from each industrial development board, one ex officio member shall be appointed by the Scottsboro-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and one member by the Citizens for Industry of Scottsboro, one member from the Jackson County Board of Education, one member from the City Board of Education, Scottsboro, and one each from the Sand Mountain Electric Co-op, North Alabama Electric Co-op, and the Utility Department of the City of Scottsboro. Any additional ex officio members shall be governed by the bylaws. The ex officio members shall act in advisory capacity and shall not have the right to vote as a member of the board of directors.
(c)(1) The authority may employ a qualified executive director who shall be responsible for carrying out the policies and directives of the board of directors. The executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the board. The board shall set the salary of the director and provide him or her with office space and clerical help. The office of the authority is to be maintained in the county seat.
(2) The authority may solicit and receive contributions from other government entities, corporations, partnerships, or individuals. The authority shall submit to audits by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
(3) The members of the board of directors of the authority shall receive the same per diem and mileage for actual attendance of meetings of the board as is allowed for state employees for up to 12 meetings in any calendar year.
Last modified: May 3, 2021