The Dana Corporation building in Crenshaw could be providing employment again soon if the investors of Crenshaw International and the Board of Supervisors can reach a lease agreement- soon.

Steve Plumley, one of the partners in the new company that would produce rubber products similar to those manufactured by Dana Corp., told the supervisors that some of his partners in the venture were becoming restless.

"They all of a sudden see a real sense of urgency to complete this transaction," he said.
Plumley explained that the ownership trust wanted a lease agreement completed within a matter of days.

"This doesn’t mean just collecting all of the signatures," he said. "It is important that every last detail be ironed out."

Plumley added that one of the partners owns a facility in Florida and has shown interest in locating the company there.

"I am not trying to add any extra pressure to the situation," he said. "I am pushing the other owners to keep the company in Crenshaw because they need the jobs.

"But we are going to do what is in our best interest," Plumley said.

Language in the lease agreement was the next topic of discussion for the supervisors.

"There are a few things that our attorney sees as minor details that need to be changed," he said. "I think this is something we can work through."

The lease agreement was presented to board attorney William McKenzie with the proposed changes.

David LaVergne appeared before the Board of Supervisors on Monday asking the status of the building.

"I am here with my Boys & Girls Club of Panola County hat on this time," he said.

LaVergne said he would like to have the building leased to the group.

"The Boys & Girls Club is in need of a new home," he said. "We are growing a lot."

Board attorney William McKenzie said the ownership of the building makes it difficult for the county to say the club could have the facility.

"I think everyone is aware that the building is owned by both the county and the City of Batesville," he said. "So you have to know what the city wants to do before we can make a ruling of any sort."

LaVergne said if the lease was allowed and the club could have use of the building, they would like the four acres of land and the right to make improvements.

"We want to be able to add services and options to the facility and the property," he said. "That way if we want to add baseball or softball fields we can do so."

LaVergne also said the club had no problems with the Boy Scouts using the huts behind the armory as their meeting place.

"The city and county will have to reach an agreement about the future of the building and whatever we do will have to be in accordance to the law," McKenzie said. "We are not sure right now if this is something we will have to put out for bids or not."