Competition in the business world is generally regarded as a good thing, at least from the consumer point of view. But it can be hard on locally owned businesses in small towns that have to go head-to-head against national retailers — especially in today’s tough economy.

That was the message some local business owners gave to the Macclenny City Commission last week as the five-member board discussed a proposed rezoning to pave the way for a new Tractor Supply Co. store in space formerly occupied by Food Lion in the Cornerstone Shopping Center on South 6th Street.

Local merchants said they ordinarily support free enterprise and competition but were concerned, nonetheless, about the potential impact a Tractor Supply outlet would have on their businesses.

“It’s going to greatly, greatly affect the little Mom & Pop stores out here,” Steve Williams, owner of Cycle & Marine Inc. on South Lowder Street, told commissioners at a board meeting on the evening of September 11. “We’re already struggling.”

Baker County commissioners are one step away from adopting a $28.2 million budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year, including a new method of paying for county jail inmate care that officials say will save taxpayers up to $200,000 a year.

The proposed budget was unanimously endorsed during a meeting on the afternoon of September 17, following a workshop to discuss a plan with the City of Macclenny to pave Buck Starling Road adjacent to the 10-acre site of a future public transportation center operated by the Council on Aging.

A final public hearing and adoption of the new spending plan, which holds the line on taxes and fees and was balanced by a roughly $1.5 million transfer from the county’s dwindling reserve fund, is scheduled for 6 pm on October 2 — one day after the new fiscal year begins.

Included in the $28,213,239 budget is $3,782,945 for county jail inmate care, which the commission in the past has paid in advance quarterly payments in exchange for a discount of about $80,000 a year. By paying the entire amount up front, as Sheriff Joey Dobson proposed two weeks ago, officials said the county could save up to an additional $120,000 a year.

After the sheriff pitched his idea to the board on September 4, Commission Chairman Gordon Crews noted that the plan enables the county to balance the budget without having to take quite as much out of reserves to fix a projected $1.6 million deficit.

The additional $120,000 in savings, Mr. Crews said, would require a transfer of only $1.48 million from reserves to balance the budget instead of $1.6 million. As of August 27, the reserve fund held about $7.8 million.

Arnold Clayton

The sheriff’s department charged two men with trafficking drugs from the residence of one of them in a north Sanderson neighborhood.

The arrests of Arnold (Ace) Clayton, 40, and Willis Hudson, 36, were based on a series of controlled buys at the former’s Clayton Ave. residence during a time period ranging from June 29 through August 27.

The two were picked up on August 31 when warrants were served at the address and remain in custody at county jail this week.

Because of the amount of drugs and frequency of the offenses, the case will likely be submitted to a federal grand jury. In the meantime, Mr. Clayton is being held without bond for possession of cocaine with intent to sell and sale.

For the time being, Mr. Hudson is charged only with a firearms violation.

Investigator Mike Hauge, who handles drug cases for the sheriff’s department, and Investigator Randy Crews, who is part of a regional drug task force, arranged the buys using two undercover purchasers. Police records indicate the buys took place during daylight hours on ten occasions involving cash ranging from $30 to $320.

Flags and a sign mark the anniversary of 9-11 at the highly-visible property of Bill and Kate Svagdis on SR 228 S. in Macclenny.

Four days after the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Northeast Florida Community Action Agency and community partners will honor first responders with a special day of activities focused on disaster preparedness and health.

The event on September 15 is one of eight that NFCAA is hosting this month to honor the anniversary through community service. While the event is intended to assist NFCAA’s customer base, low-income families, it’s also free and open to the public.

It all starts at 9 am at Macclenny Memorial Park on West Boulevard N. by the duck pond with tours of the sheriff’s office mobile communications center, fire safety demonstrations, and free glucose and blood pressure screenings.

Information about preparing for disasters and the health department’s stop smoking, first aid and parenting classes will also be available.

Participating organizations include the sheriff’s office, firefighters and emergency medical services, Fraser Hospital, American Red Cross, Macclenny Nursing and Rehab and the Sanderson Senior Center.

The event is scheduled to conclude at 1 pm.

“Research shows low-income persons often encounter barriers to accessing primary health care services. Routine screenings and tests prevent future emergency care visits — a costly burden to the healthcare system,” reads a press release from the agency. “Low-income families are also significantly less likely to prepare and evacuate during a natural disaster. With hurricane season underway, it is important that all residents prepare for any upcoming storms.”

For more information about the event, billed as a “Day of Service and Remembrance,” please call Judy Marek at (904) 588-4072.

NFCAA’s mission is to collaborate with community partners to empower families in Northeast Florida to achieve self-sufficiency through education, employment and advocacy.