County making progress with economic development
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Tom Brown of Savant Services met Monday with the county commission and economic development director Teresa Huffman for a yearly review of the county's strategic plan.
He said the plan addresses three main areas: 1) infrastructure and services; 2) economic vitality; and 3) quality of life.
In suggesting that the county develop a master plan for roads and bridges, Brown noted that county revenue is flat but expenses are not flat.
He suggested the commission organize a study group of citizens who will decide which county roads always will be paved and which roads should be returned to gravel. He said those gravel roads should be kept in "top-notch" shape.
"Maybe gravel is the better choice rather than raising the mill levy," he suggested. "It probably won't lower your cost but will help you afford the gravel."
Brown also suggested the county develop an overall capital budget with a prioritized list. He said it should include a small percentage which is set aside for small purchases.
In addressing economic vitality, Brown said, "We have to be able to raise money for the county without raising the mill levy."
He quizzed Huffman on what actions she is taking to connect with other economic development entities and with local communities. She noted the county's membership in the Greater Wichita Economic Development Council and in the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition.
She said she has visited the small towns in the county to encourage them to develop places and events to attract tourists.
She announced that Marion County will take part in a Heritage Conference Oct. 19 at Cottonwood Falls in an effort to promote this area of the state.
She also said Marion County now has a business resource directory which is posted on the county website. She said it has proved to be "very beneficial."
She is investigating a new program called Hometown Competitiveness to encourage cooperation between communities.
Brown was pleased with the progress being made.
"We have the visibility and someone directing it," he said. "With no economic development director, we were just treading water. Now, we should begin to see progress. We don't want to lose more people."
Huffman said a housing and jobs fair is in the planning stages to address those two important areas.
Brown suggested Huffman contact the Kansas Health Foundation as a possible source of funds and assistance in organizing the fair and promoting other programs.
A revised strategic plan will be due in September 2008. Brown plans to meet with the commission Feb. 4 for an afternoon work session which will be open to the public.
"The plan is only as good as the action that follows it up," he said. "Keep it simple, and don't try to do too much."
