Bass

THOMASVILLE — The recently appointed interim Thomasville Utilities superintendent said the community needs industry, workforce development and housing and industrial recruitment.

“Thomasville is a great sell,” Keith Bass said, “It will take everybody getting on the same page.”

In Bass’ opinion, “This is the best sell in Southwest Georgia.”

Monday was his first day on the job. Bass was hired for six months — or longer if needed — to help find a permanent Thomasville Utilities general superintendent.

Bass said he is retired and has no interest in the job on a permanent basis. He lives in a renovated former business on West Jackson Street — a three-minute walk from his office.

Having grown up in North Georgia, Bass has lived in Marietta since 1974. He is a Southern Tech graduate with a degree in electrical engineering. The former executive director of Electric Cities of Georgia, Bass owns a consulting firm.

He said that while employed by Electric Cities, he always stayed in Thomasville when visiting Southwest Georgia towns.

“All cities have challenges,” Bass said, adding, “you need some industry.”

To bring people who grew up here back to the community after receiving an education and to draw new residents, an attractive job market must be in place, Bass said.

Describing downtown Thomasville as “great,” Bass said the community should not try to attract industries offering 500 jobs. The numbers of jobs would be a big boost, but if the business closed, results would be devastating to not only people losing their jobs, but to revenue resulting from the employment and to the tax base.

Twenty to 50 employees is a “good fit,” Bass added.

Thomasville Utilities can provide all services required by industry — electricity, water, natural gas, Internet, he said.

“Utilities needs to be heavily involved in economic development,” Bass said.

His first choice for a permanent utilities general superintendent would be someone in-house. If no one is available, the search would go outside city personnel.

Noting talent among city employees, Bass said personnel is made up of “a good bunch of folks who love the city and want to do their best for the city.”

The city needs a utilities superintendent with a vision of where the community should go, he said.

Thomasville is an attractive community, Bass said, and there should not be a problem drawing candidates for the job.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820