At the meeting, speaking on behalf of the EDA was Loudon City mayor/realtor Jeff Harris. Also in attendance was EDA director, Jack Qualls. Even though his 100k + job was on the line, Qualls did not address the commission.

Harris informed the commission that he was now the chairman of the EDA board of directors. But come to find out, Harris isn't even on the EDA board of directors and thus, can not be the chairman. Historically, the county mayor position has always been the chairman. But back in September, the EDA board of voted county mayor, Buddy Bradshaw out and Harris in as chair.

The director of the EDA, Jack Qualls, has been hostile to county commission, almost since he was hired back in 2016. He has ignored the county's requests and questions and even called a member of the commission a liar. Qualls is a major determent to Loudon County. And just two days after the funding vote, Qualls addressed a small group of Tellico Villagers where he took the opportunity to again disparage the county. 

The EDA is such an obsolete and messed up organization, it's a shame the county tax payers will have to continue to fund them, at least for a little longer.