For the second time in six-months, Lincoln County Supervisorshave balked on making a decision for funding a new industrial park– a joint venture with the city that would put this area back inthe game for industrial expansion and job growth.

In their first meeting of the New Year, board members revisitedthe proposal that would commit $2.2 million in county money tobuild a desperately-needed new industrial park west of Brookhaven.While the city board has committed the funds, the county has not.Unfortunately, as happened during the summer, the decision wasagain postponed over a bit of politics about the distribution ofpotential school tax revenue.

The issue arose last summer because the proposed new park wouldbe located inside the Brookhaven Separate School District. Somesupervisors felt that potential school tax revenue should be sharedwith the Lincoln County School District since county money ispaying half the initial cost.

Despite legal research showing no statutory authority to allowsuch revenue sharing, the county board decided last week to put offmaking a decision and agreed to seek out an Attorney General’sopinion on the matter. That’s a good move, but it is one that couldand should have been done months ago. One supervisor suggestedputting the decision on hold until possible legislation could bepassed. That’s a bad move because we are already behind. There alsois no guarantee such a bill would pass since it likely to have astatewide affect.

One can see the validity of the board’s concern. Both schooldistricts sorely need additional funding. One cannot blame countyofficials for looking out for the best interest of their countyschool constituents, although since the city district encompasses alarge part of the county they may find a large group ofconstituents who’s opinion may differ.

The potential for a rift between the city and county over thisdebate is likely, troublesome and should be avoided.

Education and education funding are vital for this area, andquality schools –regardless of the district — are vital, but soare good quality jobs. For almost five years, efforts have beenmade to build this new industrial park. One hundred thousanddollars of private and public money has been spent studying wherebest to place the park.

During those five years, like an aging quarterback, LincolnCounty has slowly been put on the sidelines of the economicdevelopment game. Our current park is now effectively full with nolarge tracts available, so all we can do is watch as othercommunities wine and dine potential jobs.

With the state and national economy coming out of its doldrums,a new governor and a new economic development leader, the time isnow to be a ready player. Those communities with marketableindustrial sites will be the first on the list when opportunitycomes knocking. Unfortunately, for us currently, we cannot claimour rightful spot.

Brookhaven and Lincoln County are an economic success storybecause we have worked together for the common good, joining forcesto unite to entice the likes of Delphi-Packard, Wal-MartDistribution Center and others.

With new jobs come new revenues for both school districts as thetax base increases through new home construction and retailexpansion. Growth to the area means more money for school districtsthrough state funds generated by increased school enrollment.

A new industrial park is a win-win situation for both the cityand the county, but the clock is ticking. Our competitors in othercommunities are ready and waiting.

Write to Bill Jacobs at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, Miss.39602, or send e-mail to bjacobs@dailyleader.com.