Oconee County Chairman Met With Firm Representing Developer Of Auto Dealership After Negative Vote Of Planning Commission

The day after the Oconee County Planning Commission recommended that the Board of Commissioners turn down a rezone request for an auto dealership complex on SR 316, the administrative assistant to Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin Davis set up a meeting for Davis with the firm representing the developer of the project.

Davis attended the scheduled meeting with Jon Williams of Williams and Associates on May 23–a week after the Planning Commission vote--at the firm’s offices at 2470 Daniells Bridge Road.

Oconee County Administrative Officer Jeff Benko also asked county Economic Development Director J.R. Charles to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the project for the county.

Charles produced that report on June 3, sending a copy to Benko, the members of the county’s Industrial Development Authority and the members of the Board of Commissioners.

Charles relied on information he received from the developer in producing that report, and he sent a copy to Williams, also on June 3.

Williams used the information in that report, attributing it to Charles, in his presentation to the Board of Commissioners before it approved that rezone in a 2 to 1 vote on June 14.

For more on this story, and a time line on the developments, go to Oconee County Observations.

Pictured: Jon Williams on June 14, 2016.