The McIntosh County Job Development Authority has an active track record, awarding loans or grants to about three dozen businesses during the last decade.

Officials provided information about the County JDA in response to a newspaper request. The story idea came earlier this year from a reader.

County Auditor Gina Ketterling says the JDA was established in 2004 as the result of a resolution approved by the County Commission. The first loan was not made until 2007.

"It took about three years (for a sufficient balance to be built up) before any loans could be made," Ketterling says.

Funding is provided from local tax dollars. Up to two mills per year may be levied.

"The levy is currently at that two-mill maximum," Ketterling says. Two mills generates about $37,000 per year.