I recently received a message that sheds light on the history of Jasper United and the promises made by former Mayor Gatlin when he ran for re-election. Jasper United was created by former Mayor Gatlin, Ted Walker (JEDCO’s attorney), Danny Walker, and Denise Kelly. Despite the initial optimism, Jasper United has become a significant debt and liability for the citizens of Jasper, benefiting only a select few.
Here are some key points from the shared article:
“Currently, the City of Jasper finds itself in a promising economic situation. The City has a solid working relationship with the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber of Commerce and Jasper Economic Development Company (JEDCO). The City and JEDCO have recently developed a joint partnership named ‘Jasper United’. Jasper United has entered a new contractual relationship with a company from the State of Alabama, and projects this venture to have tremendous impact on the City of Jasper and its citizens. The company has the potential of bringing over one hundred (100) jobs to Jasper over the next 3-5 years. The economic impact of $10,000,000.00 – $12,000,000.00, annually, for the City of Jasper and surrounding areas translates to new jobs, new businesses, new homes and updated schools, financial security to the City of Jasper and its citizens. Without the working relationship and vision between the City of Jasper, JEDCO, and its leaders, this opportunity would not have been possible.”
Mayor Gatlin
After further exploring, here are the incentives provided per the contract between Jasper United and the Company:
- 60-month contract
- Free maintenance and cleaning for the duration of the contract (public records showed an individual receiving $5,000 a month for cleaning)
- Free utilities for 12 months
- Facility land purchased and prepared by Jasper United (the group purchased the building from local businessman Ben Stover for $207,000)
- Facility will be deeded to the company
- Free administrative assistance for obtaining grants
- $1,800 per new full-time employee for 5 years (up to $360,000 total)
- Up to $20,000 for relocation expenses
- Temporary housing for leadership for 6 months
- Facility build-out handled by Jasper United — $2,954,238.00
- Temporary facility at 534 S Wheeler with free rent, utilities, maintenance, and cleaning until the new facility is ready
Is it a success or not — you decide.
- Have we seen the promised return on investment from Jasper United and the company?
- How many of the new jobs created by the company have been given to citizens of Jasper?
- Has the economic impact of $10–12 million annually been realized?
- What steps are being taken to ensure that the community benefits from these investments?
It all sounds good until you read between the lines. Without the huge incentive package provided by Jasper United, would the company even be here? A quick search on Indeed reveals employee reviews indicating that Provalus offers minimal pay and tends to hire mostly outside of Jasper. After considering all this information, I find myself questioning the true success of Provalus and the actual benefits it has brought to Jasper.
It’s crucial for us to continue seeking transparency and questioning the use of public funds and the real impact these investments have had on our community. My aim is to help the citizens of Jasper become more aware of what is happening behind the scenes. I’m just providing information — it’s up to you to do your own research and make your own decision.