Overview of Authority

In 1968, the Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners recognized the need for an industrial development authority for the purpose of negotiation, developing and promoting industry, commerce, and natural resources for the public good and general welfare. On February 6, 1968, the Wilkinson County Board of Commissioners established the Wilkinson County Development Authority with the appointment of  Allen Mills, Brooks Bailey, Charles Dennard, Joe Boone, A.T. Land, Jr., Hubert Lord and Joe Mason to the board.

In 1999, Wilkinson County received $10,000.00 in local development funds from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. These funds were matched with cash from Wilkinson County and in-kind revenues totaling more than $40,000.00. The funds were used for repairing and renovating the Old County Jail for use as the headquarters of the Wilkinson County Development Authority and the Wilkinson County Chamber of Commerce. Although the first floor of the old jail has been renovated, the old cells remain intact upstairs.

Mission: The mission of the Development Authority of Wilkinson County is to encourage economic activity in and adjacent to the County which will strengthen the tax base, provide employment for our citizens, and raise the standard of living and quality of life.