Agenda 05/25/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 27, 2004 Benjamin Gardner, Chairman, Coalition for Economic Progress, reported that the Henry County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a $500,000 cash contribution contingent upon the Mar[insville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce increasing its contribution to $100,000, and the City's share of $400,000. Hence, he is requesting a $400,000 cash contribution from the City. A discussion ensued. Council Member Cobbe stated that the Coalition was appointed by the governing bodies and that the money should be given as requested. Mayor Teague questioned whether the Coalition will assume all of the City Economic Development Office's duties. Mr. Gardner replied in the negative stating "not all of its duties are associated with economic development." Council Member Ferrill stated that the full contribution needs to be made without negotiation. Vice Mayor Roop stated that he cannot recall a time when Council committed this amount of money to an entity without budget approval. In response to Council Member Cobbe's question as to how Henry County approved its contribution so easily, Mayor Teague replied, "Its Office of Commerce does not have non-economic development duties." Council Member Cobbe moved to contribute $400,000 to the Coalition by the following guidelines; the motion was duly seconded and carried by the Vote 4 - 1; Yeas (4) - Cobbe, Ferrill, Roop, following vote, with all members voting: Teague; Nays (1) - Dallas: 1. All duties of the Office of Economic Development as they are currently performed will be transferred to the responsibility of the Coalition. All expenses including lease, phone, and utilities of the current office location will become the responsibility of the Coalition and paid for by funds outlines in this agreement. The use of this space and current terms of lease are responsibility of the Coalition. Current personnel in the Martinsville Economic Development Office will remain on payroll of the City for service and 123