Economic development will become a priority for Allen County commissioners.
Tuesday they voted unanimously to form an economic development board with Chuck Apt, an Iola attorney, as its chairman. From there, a committee of six will be developed.
“I want something for the betterment of the entire county and its residents,” Commissioner Tom Williams said, which would include considering stipends for nonprofits as well as new or existing businesses and industries. Williams further said he would prefer board members to have experience in business and community affairs, and having demonstrated wisdom in the ways of the world.
Commissioners will depend on board members — much as they do planning commissioners — to filter requests for funds and then make recommendations. Commissioners will have final say on any request.
“If Hope Unlimited runs into (financial) problems, they could ask for help,” Williams said. “If they need a swing set in Savonburg for the kids, we could help out.”
He has every intention for the county group to work in concert with cities throughout the county, Thrive Allen County and Iola Industries, but retain its autonomy in decision-making.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels agreed. “Requests need to be decided case by case and they’ll have to be well documented before I decide to give (funding). I’m looking at more of a grant fund, not loans, and I don’t want to give county money to another organization” for its distribution.
No specific mention was made of how much money initially will be available, although funds accrued courtesy of the Enbridge pipeline have sweetened the pot.
While Commissioners Daniels and Williams were keen on the topic, Commissioner Jim Talkington was lukewarm, suggesting those needing assistance might find it through a state or federal program.
“I don’t think it’s our place to put (county) government money into private enterprise,” he said.
Williams’ response: “I don’t want our (county) money to grow government. What I want is to make Allen County a better place for everyone to live.”
At another point, when Mitch Garner, director of Public Works, asked about hiring a full-time employee, Williams said, “I’m not picking on you, but whenever we hire someone I want written documentation of why we are doing it.”
IN OTHER NEWS, commissioners:
— Agreed to award Allen County Animal Rescue Foundation $1,000 to help its flagging budget. Commissioners said they wouldn’t make the grant a line item in their budget, but would consider needs on an annual basis.
— Learned from Carl Dubose, manager of Southern Building Company, fencing and survey crews would be in Iola today to begin work on the new G&W grocery. Dubose, in a call to Daniels and an email to Williams, said heavy equipment was due on site by next week and concrete work should start by the week of May 22. Dubose said foul weather in Alabama, where his construction company currently is engaged, had prevented earlier arrival in Iola. Talkington asked when commissioners would impose a $1,000 a day fine against G&W for construction not starting on May 1, as provided in a contract awarding G&W $180,000 in county funds. Daniels and Williams were not eager to follow that trail immediately.
— Learned removal of a huge accumulation of brush and trees wedged against the north side of the Marsh arch bridge over the Neosho at the west edge of Humboldt may be removed later this summer. Garner said he would contact companies capable of doing the work — county equipment isn’t large enough — when high water receded. The bridge is county property.
