County development council plans survey
Marion County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) met Wednesday and decided to send surveys to appointees regarding meeting day and time.
In an effort to encourage more attendance by those MCEDC representatives, chairman Steve Garrett, City of Hillsboro administrator, will send questionnaires asking for meeting preferences.
MCEDC has been meeting at 11:45 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Hillsboro city building.
Suggestions were to move the location of the meeting to different cities each month to encourage more participation and attendance, extend the noon meeting from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., have a specific program each month to encourage attendance, consider an evening meeting.
Programs that were suggested were Corps. of Engineers related to additional funding for projects, Enterprise Facilitation information, Resource Conservation and Development representative, and other informational topics.
In other business:
— Garrett reported to the council the task force met and a job description was written. Once completed, it will be sent to Marion County Commission for review.
"There was good discussion," said Garrett, "but I still have some concerns regarding the programming."
Garrett added it needs to be discussed on a "county commission level."
David Mayfield, City of Marion administrator and a member of the task force, agreed.
"They're (Marion County Commission) looking for direction," said Mayfield, "that's why they appointed this task force."
Mayfield said he sees the role of the county coordinator assisting cities with information that the cities do not have regarding starting or assisting a business.
"I'll still show the person the lot and explain the city's incentives," said Mayfield, but the county contact could assist with financing information and other information Mayfield cannot provide.
Sarah Cope, Florence economic development director, asked for clarification of the financial participation of the cities. The response was the cities are not expected to "kick in" any funds for the position.
"It wouldn't be fair for larger communities to pay more and expect more return for their money," said Mayfield.
Discussion followed regarding the county's role in joint county efforts. Marion County is a part of a 13-county area designed by the state for planning economic development activities. Larger population counties in that planning area are Sedgwick, Harvey, Cowley, and Sumner. Pros and cons of being a part of larger areas were discussed.
— Garrett will verify the county's financial support of the annual Labor Day fireworks display at the Marion County Park and Lake.
— MCEDC will have a booth at the Sports, Boat, and Travel Show Wednesday through Sunday at Wichita.
