The county commission rejected the strategic plan developed as part of the requirements for the state’s Three Star Program, which recognized counties that are ready for economic development. The plan is an update of a five-year plan first developed several years ago and updated yearly. A committee with representatives of state and local organizations developed the plan.

John Pippenger made the motion to approve the plan, seconded by Buster Lewis. There was no discussion before the vote. Voting in favor were Lewis, Pippenger and Daren Waters. Voting against were Mark Bishop, Wanda Cheek and Daniel Deal. Passing were Greg Brooks and Kevin Stephens. At last month’s meeting, Pippenger made a motion to approve but there was no second.

Kim Harpe with the Southeast Tennessee Development District said counties like Polk have many people that work for its betterment since there are many things that local government can’t provide. She said the plan was developed by a variety of organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rural Development, Appalachian Regional Commission, Tennessee Overhill, city and county officials. She said the plan is not set in stone and pointed to accomplishment in the past few years, such as campus visits for high school students, support for highway improvements, water and sewer grants, grants for tourism projects and leadership development, work to bring a state lodge to the county, the Farmer’s Market and planning workshops.

Brooks pointed out that when the state lodge first came up, County Executive Mike Stinnett spoke against it. There was no other comment.

After the meeting, Brooks said he declined to vote because he had not had a chance to look the plan over. Wanda Cheek said she would rather not discuss it, noting she had several reasons for voting against. Stephens said he would like to revisit it, saying he was not sure about some of the goals and adding he would rather wait until “all this library stuff is settled.” He said, “It’s not that I’m totally against it. I don’t think it’s a problem to revisit it.”

The Three-Star Program, which was revitalized under Gov. Bredesen, is designed as a road map to assist local communities in their effort to achieve excellence in community and economic development. Participating communities are guided through a comprehensive plan of essential criteria developed by local economic development professionals and various state agencies. This program is designed to help communities take full advantage of economic development opportunities. The goals are to preserve existing employment, create new employment opportunities, increase Tennessee family income, improve quality of life and create a strong leadership base. Three Star communities are eligible for special benefits on grant applications. There is no cost for participation.

Three Star communities are recertified annually. This would have been Polk’s third year in the program.