Quitman Development Corporation (QDC) board members approved a budget to be presented to the city council for approval at this Thursday’s council meeting.

The QDC budget for the upcoming year is $283,150, a slight increase from last year’s budget of $275,150. Included is a $20,000 commitment to the Quitman Lake Country Charitable Foundation, a non-profit organization. The $20,000 will be used toward repairs at the Jim Hogg City Park pavilion. Other organizations and private citizens can donate to the foundation for the cost of pavilion repairs.

Included in the QDC budget is $85,000 with advertising and promotions getting $19,000, miscellaneous projects $1,000, park pavilion $20,000 and other city projects at $42,500. There also was an increase in landscape maintenance from $1,200 to $3,500. Various administrative costs added up to $50,185 with $25,000 of that going to management services/salary.   

The board approved $25,000 to continue their sign and façade grants for Quitman businesses. The QDC pays up to $3,000 or 75% of the costs for businesses wanting to upgrade their signage and/or building façade.

The board approved Art Force Management for $3,000 through the signage/façade grant process.  

The board also discussed appointments to the board. Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn has decided to step down after two decades of service. The board discussed several possible candidates, but tabled the matter until the next meeting.