Coming up with a strategic plan for how Chilton County could move forward in the way of economic development will be a topic discussed at a work session March 21 at 5 p.m.

Members of the Chilton County Commission voted during the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday to schedule a work session after hearing from Dr. David Dyson, who proposed a way to help the commissioners and other community leaders see the county grow.

Dyson told commissioners he wanted to help Chilton County have a plan and be one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

Commissioner Shannon Welch said he thought the county needed a master plan.

“It is essential that the county have a road map of where are going in the future,” Welch said. “It is important to have a plan because without a plan, we are destined to fail.”

Dyson he could help the county come up with a “master plan” that could be useful in the governance of the county as well as materials for economic development and content for a website about the plans and opportunities available to residents, businesses or young professionals.

Commission Chairman Allen Caton said he thought because of the amount of information Dyson was proposing, it would be best for a work session to be scheduled.

Dyson would like to meet with commissioners as a group and then one-on-one to find out what they would like to accomplish for the county, he said.

Dyson said he moved to Chilton County five years ago due to the county having a great space for his horses and being near his parents who are retired.

“I was told the county really needed a plan,” Dyson said. “I was introduced to individuals at the Chamber of Commerce and invited to attend some other events around town and started getting involved.”

Dyson said he has also been involved with the Chilton County Humane Society since moving here.

The work session is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in the commission chamber at the Chilton County Courthouse.

The commission also voted to table a proposal to hire Me2graphics regarding a four- phase plan for the county to include website updates, branding, social media, and a mission statement workshop. The 12-month process would cost $27,725, requiring 10-percent down ($2,772.50) and 12 monthly payments of $2,079.37 to be paid out of the commission’s budget.

Commissioner Joseph Parnell suggested tabling the proposal until after the work session when Dyson makes his proposal to the commission.