The Greene County Development Corporation Board met Tuesday in regular session.

Jefferson Building Official Chad Stevens gave an update. He said the two properties the City recently purchased have had the residences demolished on Perry Street and North Wilson Avenue. He mentioned that the new Greene County Animal Shelter is now operational. The steering committee is working on establishing an advisory board to handle the operations and create an ordinance.

Greene County School District Superintendent Brett Abbotts said a new website for the Career Academy launched on December 21st and there are 36 high school students enrolled in classes there, which is more than last year’s 17 students.

A discussion took place about a possible tenant for the former Aureon building that GCDC owns. GCDC President Sid Jones said Midwest Ministries is looking for an Iowa location. A Jefferson resident mentioned the group to GCDC and negotiations are underway for a multiple year lease agreement, with the possibility of eventually owning the property.

Jacque Andrew with The Children’s Center reported that they are now up to 100 kids that they are serving and they have a capacity of 148. 

GCDC Director Ken Paxton ended the meeting by mentioning that they are looking to alternative funding methods to try and continuing promoting the Neuva Vida en Greene County initiative to bring Latinos to work and live in the county. He also mentioned the Boone and Ogden economic development groups made visits to GCDC to learn about their success and how they can replicate that in their communities.