THOMASVILLE — A new industry and a hotel under construction translate into jobs and progress, said Thomasville Mayor Pro Tem Terry Scott during a look back at 2019.

Check-Mate, manufacturer of firearm magazines, among other products, occupied the former Caterpillar building in 2019, and ultimately will result in about 230 jobs.

Scott also pointed out the construction of a Courtyard Marriott hotel at Remington Avenue and South Dawson Street and the jobs and progress the project represents.

Thomas County Commission Chairman Wiley Grady said the first phase of combining Thomas County Fire/Rescue and Thomas County Emergency Medical Service will save taxpayers a projected $600,000 annually when merger of the two agencies is completed in four to five years.

All emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will cross-train as firefighters, Grady said, and firefighters will cross-train as EMTs.

The two services can be provided with less people, who will receive higher pay to help prevent the pay-related turnover among employees in the two entities, the chairman explained.

Last year saw construction of a county state-of-the-art shooting range that will open in mid-2020.

A state-required Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) building — required in every Georgia county — was displaced by the shooting range. A new DOT office and new county shop will be constructed side by side on property where Thomas County Prison was located until it was closed and razed.

“We accomplished a lot this year,” Scott said, pointing to City Manager Alan Carson, who assumed the post in January 2019.

“He has a great vision for the city,” the mayor pro tem said. “He sees better things we can do for the city.”

Scott said no utilities increases are budgeted in 2020.

Sidewalks and curbs and gutters were installed on South Martin Luther King Drive in 2019, and Fletcherville streets were resurfaced.

Said Scott, “A city council member has to have a vision for your community.”

Scott said he set city-related goals when he ran for office the first time four years ago, and he accomplished the goals during his first term.

Grady said county government has no debt. 

“We’re in great financial shape,” he said.

An increase in property taxes is not anticipated in the foreseeable future, the chairman said.

The commission’s eight members have a “great working relationship,” said Grady, who credited the county manager, department heads and 300 dedicated employees with county government’s success.

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