CAIRO — Like the rising water levels, questions arose before a consultant was named for the Tired Creek Lake project.

On Tuesday, the Grady County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 to name Will Butler, president of Real Estate inSync in Tallahassee, Florida, as consultant of the extensive project.

Prior to the board’s action, numerous questions about Butler’s experience and plans for the lake arose.

As part of initial plans for Tired Creek Lake, Butler said the first step would be to figure out what the market for the project would allow and also garner community feedback for the project.

“A lot of these things I need to understand is what the community wants out there,” Butler said.

Butler added his role would be to serve as representative for the project and ensuring the best developers are brought on for the project.

“The key here is there enough juice in the squeeze to get them to come to Grady County,” he said.

Bulter gave an initial six-month proposal for the project.

Commissioner LaFaye Copeland said since the board appoints Lake Authority members, she was in favor of the authority’s recommendation.

“If you think he is the man for the job, I am 100 percent behind you,” she said.

Each Lake Authority member was also present for the meeting.

“We need some help to put us in the right direction,” Lake Authority Chairman Lee Gainous said. “I feel like we kinda need someone to be CEO of the project.”

Lake Authority Vice-Chairman LaDon Toole said he believed Butler could bring in the right developers for the project.

“I speak development,” Butler added.

Commissioner T.D. David questioned if Butler would play a strong role with the Lake Authority and the board of commissioners.

Butler likened if he was the “quarterback” for the project, the board was the “coaches.”

Commissioner Keith Moye said he contacted several large contractors in Leon County and they had positive things to say about Butler.

Vice Chairman Ray Prince cast the lone dissenting vote in the 4-1 decision.

Prince made a motion to table action, out of respect for Chairman Elwyn Childs, an active proponent for the lake.

Childs acknowledged he has been focusing on family issues, but noted being in favor of the board’s final decision. Prince’s motion to table died for a lack of a second.

The Lake Authority approved recommending Butler as the project consultant for the commissioners’ consideration at the April 13 meeting.

Butler gave a presentation to the Lake Authority on Feb. 27.