BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority is negotiating with the county school board to exchange properties. The EDA discussed the matter and other business in a meeting June 14.

The specifics of the property swap, involving a parcel adjacent to Martin County High School, remain confidential as the board went into executive session to discuss the details.

EDA Chairman James Ayers stated the EDA’s legal representative would present the proposal to the Board of Education for their approval.

Meanwhile, EDA director Carolea Mills reported that the speculative building on Honey Branch requires more cleanup and landscaping. The board instructed Mills to procure three lawn service quotes and select the least expensive option to fulfill the grasscutting needs.

Mills reported that she recently met with Colby Kirk of One East Kentucky, indicating that a potential tenant is interested in the Honey Branch building. She expressed admiration for the facility’s unique features, such as its four ceiling cranes, which she believes would greatly support job creation in the area.

Despite needing some maintenance, Mills assured the spec building is still in good condition. With the scheduled maintenance, she expects it to look “brand-new” in the coming months.

On another note, Mills provided feedback about the recently held TEK Center ribbon-cutting ceremony, which saw an attendance of over 100 people.

The TEK Center, situated on the first floor of the Martin County Business Center on Main Street, currently has 68 students enrolled. Mills expressed her enthusiasm for the TEK Center’s progress and encouraged continued student enrollment to utilize the facility fully.