Hancock County Council and Commissioners Joint Meeting: 6/30/26

Joint Meeting-Hancock Co. Council & Commission

06/30/26

Terry Bynum

Planning Director Kayla Brooks shared some data with the members about how busy the Planning Dept is–as of June 1, they've processed 1 million dollars in building permits, 70 million in non-residential permits, 34 pool construction applications and 55 new single family home.  Since the boards have a stated goal of no new employees, in an effort to help get the work done, AND determine if another employee is necessary, she asked the county to enter into a contract for a part time senior level planning consultant. Not to exceed $32,900 for the year.

Boards also listened to an informational presentation on a potential abatement request for the Ambrose project–3826 West 300 North. This is the former Exeter project that was only partially developed.  Exeter wanted to build a million square foot spec warehouse in late 2021 early 2022, and received a tax abatement for it. The project was never completed.  Ambrose developers want to build a 250 thousand square foot building-with the potential to go to 500 thousand square feet. They claim to be in negotiations with a tenant who will probably not sign without a tax abatement.  Information only–no discussion or decision by the board. 

They passed a salary ordinance amendment changing a position in the Behavioral Health department.

They also approved a waiver of non compliance of the CF1 for the 70Connect III project–a spec warehouse just off I70.  The developer says they have sent out 35 proposals trying to get a tenant into the building with no luck.  One of the investors wants out, and the developer is negotiating with a buyer for the building–and the buyer claims they have several potential tenants for the building. The sale is to close by the end of July, but again, would probably fall through if the non compliance was confirmed, and the abatement was removed. 

The meeting ended with public comment on two abatement proposals. 

First, a public hearing on Scales for Success project.  The abatement was granted. 

A few people spoke against abatements in general, while welcoming the Scales for Success business proposal.