COUNTY AGREES TO IMPART MONEY TO ECONOMIC GROUP

JACKSON -- Cape Girardeau County will contribute $150,000 over three years to an economic and industrial development group, a county official said Monday.

Presiding Commissioner Gene Huckstep said the county is one of six entities that will contribute to the group's $150,000 annual budget.

The contribution was made official Monday by a vote of the county commissioners.

The cities of Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City and the Jackson and Cape Girardeau Chambers of Commerce also will be represented by the group.

The Cape Girardeau City Council last month approved contributing $50,000 annually for three years toward the project. The Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce will contribute $25,000 per year; the Jackson chamber and city government $20,000 jointly; and Scott City, $5,000 per year.

Huckstep said although the organization, which has yet to be named, likely will operate out of county-owned offices, the county wouldn't provide free office space.

"If Cape Girardeau County makes a commitment of $50,000 (per year) for this, we will not furnish anything else at county expense," he said.

Huckstep recommended the organization operate out of the first floor of the county courthouse, but that it pay rent to the county for the space. That cost would be about $5,000 per year.

At it's last meeting, the organization considered a plan to place its operations "under the umbrella" of the county, meaning the county would be reimbursed by the organization for providing insurance and other necessities for employees.

But Huckstep said Monday he'll have to consult an attorney before agreeing to such an arrangement.

A seven-member board representing the five organizations involved is expected to take over governing the group after its next meeting Aug. 24.

Two members will represent Cape Girardeau County, two the city of Cape Girardeau, and one each Scott City and the Cape Girardeau and Jackson Chambers of Commerce.

Huckstep said the group could appoint temporary board members in two weeks. He said one probably will be a county commissioner. The temporary board will focus on drawing up bylaws for the organization.

Organizers have suggested the group could be established by Jan. 1 if funding is in place.

A large part of the $150,000 annual budget will be spent on marketing the area to businesses that might consider locating here, and on the salaries of a director and assistant. The director's annual salary will be about $50,000, according to the group's budget.

Walt Wildman of the Regional Commerce and Growth Association said the group's director will solicit industries to move into the county, which would result in more jobs.

"The county has a natural role of leadership of this group," Wildman said.

Scott City is included in the project because part of it's Nash Road industrial park is situated in Cape Girardeau County.