Organization

County grant spells progress for the EG

Posted by Jackson Citizen Patriot
August 26, 2008 07:19AM
Categories: Editorial

If we were Scott Fleming, executive director of the Enterprise Group, we would not spend that $100,000 semi-pledge from Jackson County officials quite yet. But it sure feels good to know the tide has turned, that the EG has regained the respect of county officials.

Last week Randy Treacher, county administrator and an EG Board member, said the county might increase its $80,000 annual contribution to the EG by $100,000 next month. He explained, “In years past there was a dissatisfaction with the EG ... and with the direction the EG was going. That has quickly changed with the direction of Scott, and they do need some financial assistance.”

That “might-give” depends on a vote by Jackson County commissioners at their Sept. 23 meeting. There are other pressing budget concerns, including tentative plans to cut about 33 positions from the county payroll as a budget-balancing measure. However, Treacher reasons that there is room in the budget for a one-time $100,000 contribution. His reasons make good sense.

Local government and the EG have long had a difficult relationship. As the county’s premiere economic-development agency, the EG serves interests of various stakeholders. It is a private-sector organization with voluntary links to some local governments that contribute funding for the benefits of development. Those local governments usually have a seat on the EG board, but from time to time may be pleased — or not — with the leadership and direction of the EG.

County officials had come to the point several years ago where they let their contributions spell out their unhappiness. Specifically, they cut their normal $100,000 annual contributions to $80,000. Treacher said the proposed $100,000 one-time contribution would bring this year’s total to $180,000 and also make whole the EG for cuts in the county’s annual contributions over the past five years. He also hopes to get greater representation by the county on the EG Board.

We’ll add our two cents’ worth to the matter by encouraging commissioners to follow through on this pledge. Even with the county’s long-term budget concerns, it makes sense to invest in the EG’s valuable work on behalf of the county and its residents. The county’s contribution will be a timely boost, since the EG is on the threshhold of a new capital campaign.

But if the contribution makes good sense for the county, the same applies to the city of Jackson. City officials have, over the years, had their own issues with the EG and have chosen a more independent course, with more tightly defined economic-development goals through city staff. The city contributes to the EG, but only $10,000 annually — far less than the county or Blackman Township.

The EG’s efforts benefit the city, whether directly or indirectly. Therefore city officials — both elected and appointed — should revisit the city’s contribution level. We can’t say what it should be, only that $10,000 is an under-investment for a city that is the centerpiece of a community desperately in need of economic development.

— Jackson Citizen Patriot