Council weighs changes to economic development commission schedule; staff urged to publicize workforce training

County staff told the Marion County Council that the seven‑member Economic Development Commission has struggled to achieve a quorum at its regular monthly meetings, which are held the fourth Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. The deputy administrator said the commission has been meeting monthly but recommended that council consider moving to quarterly meetings or changing the meeting time to encourage attendance; council members asked staff to return with options.

During member comments, a council member reported attending a regional NESA fall conference where the Secretary of Commerce and other staff discussed assistance for manufacturing workers affected by tariffs. The council member suggested staff follow up with the Secretary of Commerce’s office to get details and identify local employees who might access available support.

Council members also discussed outreach and meeting times for volunteer commissions. No formal ordinance or policy change was made; staff were asked to investigate adjustments to appointment practices, meeting frequency, or meeting times and to assist with publicizing workforce training opportunities.