The Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Macon, Schley and Sumter counties approved at its meeting Thursday the idea of reducing the number of members from each county on the JDA from five to three.

The ultimate approval of the reduction will be up the county commission of each county. The county commissions appoint the people they want to serve on the JDA.

The JDA feels that a reduction of itself from 15 to nine members will streamline operations and keep itself more manageable. A nine-member JDA will also increase the likelihood of a quorum.

A quorum is “the number of members of a group or organization required to be present to transact business legally, usually a majority.”

The JDA also voted that if a member is absent without an excuse for three consecutive meetings, that member will be reported to his or her respective county commission.

Again, this absentee amendment will ultimately have to be approved by the county commissions.

JDA member David Garriga (Sumter County) pointed out that members must show up consistently so the tasks and responsibilities of the JDA can be carried out.

State law mandates that the JDA must convene at least quarterly. Garriga also issued the following statement Thursday via a press release: “The JDA received a USDA grant to establish a revolving loan fund. Low-interest loans are available to assist existing and emerging small businesses in the Schley, Sumter and Macon Joint Development Authority area with qualified projects, which include job creation and capital purchases.

“Loan applications may be obtained from the Americus-Sumter Payroll Development office located at 900 South Georgia Technical Parkway or by phone at 229-924-7007. Applications that are received will be reviewed and submitted to the JDA for review if all the qualifications are met.”