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Resolution close for county developer job

After more than a year of discussion, job interviews, and reflection, it appears that Marion County Commission may be ready to commit to an administrative staff person to operate a county economic development office.

During Monday's commission meeting, Susan Neu Poth Cadoret of Kansas Department of Commerce, business development division, re-enforced the importance of a county economic development presence.

When the state is contacted by a prospective business wanting to locate to a Kansas community, information is sent to those communities that fit the bill, said Cadoret.

"Notices aren't sent to those counties that do not have a contact address," she said.

However, she added that Marion Chamber of Commerce was the name and address that is the contact for the state.

A web site is available for cities and counties to post available buildings and sites and Marion city is among those that use it.

"The problem is there's nobody putting it on the web site for the county," said Marion City Administrator and Marion County Economic Development Council member David Mayfield.

Mike Kleiber of Hillsboro likes the idea of an executive secretary or administrative assistant.

"This is the right direction," he said, and added similar businesses within the county could be linked and promoted.

Megan Kilgore, director of Hillsboro Development Corp. and a member of MCEDC, also was supportive of the position.

"This is a great step forward," said Kilgore. "It's essential to understand that this is an executive secretary who doesn't know everything but knows who does know."

Commission chairman Dan Holub said MCEDC will be the connecting link.

As a result of the discussion, it was determined that the county commission would hire the person as a county employee. A job description will be compiled by MCEDC and the commission.

Cadoret advised the commission to realize that this would be a support staff person, not an economic development expert.

Also, the department definitely needs to have its own address (i.e., post office box) but could share a telephone line.

MCEDC would be an advisory board for the department, but not set policy or direct the employee.

Currently, each city within the county has an opportunity to participate in the council. The volunteer group is comprised of interested business and professional people. The group has goals but finds it difficult to fulfill because they have full-time jobs.

The next concern voiced by the commission was the location of an office.

Cadoret, who was the former Osborne County Economic Development Director, said she shared office space and a secretary with the local chamber of commerce.

"It might be good to co-locate with a local economic development person," she said.

Cadoret added that "the right person would need to be compensated."

County clerk Carol Maggard suggested the commission focus on finding office space, and determine a workable budget to supply an office with necessary furniture and equipment.

The commission asked MCEDC to provide a list of functions for the position.

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