COMMISSION TO CONSIDER NEW GROUP

JACKSON - The Cape Girardeau County Commission decided Thursday it will seek further information before agreeing to join with cities and chambers of commerce in the county to form a joint economic and industrial development organization.

Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep said he hopes the commission can make a decision at its meeting Monday morning. At 1:30 p.m. Monday, another meeting of the group is planned that includes representatives of the cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce, and the county.

When the group met two weeks ago, there was some discussion about having the office under the framework of county government. But Huckstep said it is unclear to him whether there would be reimbursement to the county for all its expenses such as costs of insurance, utilities, and office space.

"At the meeting we did not address the problem of who reimburses whom," said Huckstep. "We are concerned about it being under county government and want to get a few things clarified.

"We will make a decision whether to officially join or not Monday."

Huckstep said it is possible there may be office space available in the basement of the county courthouse where an office could be located. He said the commission would be willing to discuss using that space if all details could be worked out.

The regional group, if organized, would be governed by a seven- member board, with two representatives from the city of Cape Girardeau, two from the county, and one each from the Cape Girardeau chamber, Jackson chamber and city of Scott City, Huckstep explained.

If everyone agrees to forming the group, the city of Cape Girardeau and the county would contribute $50,000 each a year for three years; the Cape Girardeau chamber $25,000; the Jackson chamber and city government $20,000 jointly; and Scott City would contribute $5,000.

"We have made no commitments on our $50,000 at this point," said Huckstep. "There are just a lot of unanswered questions."

Several meetings have been held on the idea of taking a regional approach to economic development and there is a feeling that an annual budget of $150,000 would be necessary to operate the offices.

Huckstep indicated the County Commission was trying to be a part of the group. he said even if they vote Monday to participate, "it's not a done deal."

"There are still a lot of questions about how this will be organized," he said. "The final bylaws this organization will use are so critical to whether we will participate and whether it will be successful in accomplishing the needs that all of us have," said Huckstep.

Organizers have suggested the office could be established by the first of next year if details and funding can be worked out.