THOMASVILLE — An industrial park-related amendment to Thomas County’s comprehensive plan will be transmitted to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Thomas County commissioners voted Tuesday to send the amended document — a change necessary because of an anticipated zoning change from residential to industrial.

“This would be a business-type park,” said Johnny Reichert, county government planning, zoning and land-use director.

Reichert was referring to a 293.5-acre tract on U.S. 319 North. He said the state found no reason not to amend the comp plan, which refers frequently to economic development.

“We are completely surrounded by the proposed land change,” Caroline Taylor told commissioners. She asked the board why the land could not be zoned commercial, rather than industrial.

Taylor also asked what would keep heavy industry form locating at the site.

The park would accommodate facilities such as offices and distribution centers and operate from daylight to dark, officials told Taylor.

Don Sims, Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce president, told commissioners the chamber has been successful in recent years in bringing industry here from South Florida.

“You would hardly know they’re there,” Sims told commissioners, describing the industries.

Among Thomas County’s 122 industries, there have been no major closures, Sims explained.

However, he added, the community has no industrial land available as the recession ends.

Taylor and Marvin Gibson, who owns land north of the proposed industrial site, questioned commissioners about the source of funding for the $2 million price tag on the land.

Commission Chairman Josh Herring said the project would be funded by the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority, with most of the money coming from grants. County tax dollars will not buy the land, he added.

Dan Crocker, owner of a local real estate agency, pointed out that Lowndes County recently purchased a 400-acre industrial site.

“That’s what we’re competing with. … We need some jobs,” Crocker said.

Bruce Dillard, whose home is near the site, told the board, “I think 200 houses would hurt me worse than an industrial site.”

Dillard expressed concern about water runoff from an industrial park. Instead of asphalt paving, he suggested gravel.

Steve Sykes, Thomasville city manager, said retention ponds would hold water runoff at the park.

Rezoning of the tract will be addressed in the near future.