By CARLEY TUCKER
news@wood.cm
A funding request for the proposed Memory Care Life Center, along with updates from the Quitman Chamber of Commerce and the City of Quitman, was heard during the Quitman Development Corporation’s regular meeting Monday, June 8.
The board approved the consent agenda, including financial reports and meeting minutes, before hearing reports from city and chamber representatives.
Megan Whitworth, the newly hired executive director of the Quitman Chamber of Commerce and communications director for the city, provided her first report to the board. Whitworth officially began working full time from the chamber office May 23 after initially working remotely.
In her report, Whitworth highlighted the recent launch of the city’s new mobile app, My Quitman, which provides access to city services, event information, notifications and utility bill payment options. She then invited everyone to join her Friday at the chamber as it hosts a “Morning Coffee with the City” networking event Friday, June 12, to promote the launch of the new app and provide information to residents and business owners.
Whitworth also reported on several chamber initiatives, including the launch of a sponsorship and marketing guide, plans for a new business directory in partnership with the Wood County Monitor and a new “Red Carpet Salute” program recognizing existing businesses. The first event celebrated the one-year anniversary of Rocking S&S.
Whitworth then shared social media metrics showing significant growth in online engagement. According to Whitworth, the city’s Facebook page reached more than 100,000 people in the past 28 days, while the chamber’s page reached more than 169,000 people during the same period.
Whitworth also promoted the city’s upcoming Fourth of July celebration, Liberty Fest, which will feature a 5K race, fun run, food trucks, vendors, a car show, games and other activities at Governor Jim Hogg City Park.
Board members discussed future event opportunities aimed at increasing tourism and economic activity, including live music events, seasonal festivals and community gatherings.
City Manager Allan Gilbert updated the board on several ongoing projects.
Gilbert reported the recently completed re-striping of the downtown parking lot has received positive feedback from residents and visitors.
Facade grant projects continue to move forward, Gilbert said, highlighting improvements to downtown buildings.
The board also discussed concerns about deteriorating sidewalks around the downtown square. Gilbert said several business owners have expressed interest in transferring ownership of sidewalk areas to the city so repairs and accessibility improvements can be made.
Board members discussed the possibility of using economic development funds to assist with sidewalk improvements before transferring responsibility to the city.
Gilbert then discussed additional tree carvings and public art projects are planned for the city park that will build on the popularity of the recently installed Bigfoot carving at the arboretum.
Later in the meeting, Debbie Robinson of the Wood County Health Care Foundation addressed the board regarding the proposed Memory Care Life Center project.
Robinson said the organization has received a $6 million federal grant but continues to seek funding for expenses not covered by the grant, including an environmental study, communications materials and project administration.
She requested $50,000 from the development corporation to help fund those efforts.
Robinson said the project recently received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to move forward without the previously required state funding match, allowing planning and design work to continue.
The board indicated it would discuss the request further during executive session; however, no action was taken regarding the project after executive session.
The QDC also began preliminary discussions on its 2026-27 budget. Gilbert proposed beginning budget workshops earlier this year than in previous years.
Board members agreed to move their July meeting to July 6 and begin budget discussions at that time, with the goal of having a proposed budget largely completed by August.
The board then moved into executive session but made no decisions regarding the topics discussed during the session.