Quitman County Development Organization files Chapter 11
State Sen. Robert Jackson, the longtime president and CEO of Quitman County Development Organization, Inc., is fighting a garnishment of $168,604.33, according to documents from the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Mississippi.
Quitman County Development Organization, Inc. is a nonprofit community organization, which provides services such as after school programs. Quitman County Development Organization, Inc. filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Mississippi (Oxford) in March.
“Nonprofits have been taking hits since the financial crisis back in 2008 and we are blessed to have gotten this far and haven’t had any hiccups,” said Jackson. “We are facing a shrinkage of dollars with support of nonprofits and we are taking the necessary steps to protect the organization and its assets. Chapter 11 affords us that opportunity and thank God for that.
“The shrinkage of our economy in the Delta and the outward migration of our population is something we have to grapple with. We have to be there on a day-to-day basis for our constituents and we’ll be there whenever we can. I have been in public service for 47 years and I give it all I can.”
Jackson recently filed an emergency motion in the United States Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Mississippi (Oxford) to put a hold on any money Quitman County Development Organization, Inc. has in its account at First Security Bank.
North Delta Mississippi Enterprise Community Development Corporation, which is a housing agency, and First Security Bank were creditors attempting to collect the debt from Quitman County Development Organization, Inc.
First Security Bank issued a garnishment for the money Quitman County Development Organization, Inc., owed them in the circuit court of Panola County for $154.292.76. That includes outstanding balance of $81,916.78, interest of $33,461.68, court costs and attorney fees. As of this date, with interest, the amount owed is $168,604.33.
Jackson’s emergency motion is attempting to put a hold on any money Quitman County Development Organization, Inc. has in its account at First Security Bank.
Jackson has served 16 years in the state senate and is currently up for reelection against challenger Kim Seals in the Democratic primary Aug. 6.
With the election less than a month away, Jackson believes people are making an issue of the bankruptcy for political purposes.
“I invite people to engage in the political process in the coming weeks and to make their selections known,” Jackson said. “I am proud of my record and will stand on it.”
Jackson said he hopes the public is able to see the good work of Quitman County Development Organization, Inc., and attempt to assist the organization in its efforts.
“We, a social service organization, we provide scholarships for kids,” Jackson said. “We provide after school programs. We provide low-income housing.”
Those wishing to assist may contact Quitman County Development Organization, Inc., at 662-326-4000 or through the website at www.qcdo.org
