If the

economic development agency 21st Century Coweta does not

become more accountable for its funding, it could lose

it.

That's the

stern message that Commissioner Robert Wood delivered

during Tuesday afternoon's meeting of the county

commissioners.

Wood's

threat of a possible cut in funding came after a lengthy

discussion of 21st Century by Commissioner Jim McGuffey.

"I'm

not opposed to the concept (of 21st Century), I just want

them to be accountable," he said.

McGuffey

said the group is working in conjunction with the

Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce on marketing the

county.

He is all

in favor of marketing the county, but said county

government cannot give funds to private organizations,

such as the chamber. McGuffey wants to make sure that

county funds are not being funneled from 21st Century to

the chamber.

Commissioner

Vernon "Mutt" Hunter agreed with McGuffey.

"You've

told me there is no co-mingling funds; now show me,"

he said.

Wood said

he had talked with 21st Century's accountant, who assured

him there was not any fund mixing occurring. The

commissioners have asked several times in the past for a

report on where the organization's funds are going, but

have not received one.

If they

don't receive one in the future, Wood would be in favor

of cutting the group's funding.

Tuesday's

debate was the latest in a series of debates over funding

for the organization. Last week, the commissioners voted

to include an additional $53,000 in funds to the group to

help market Shenandoah Industrial Park, which the county

just purchased.

The agency

is a public and private venture established to market and

bring industrial companies to Coweta County.