Committee asks personnel to evaluate full‑time economic development and tourism specialist

The Rusk County Joint City‑Zoning‑Tourism Committee voted to ask the county personnel committee to study creating a full‑time economic development and tourism specialist, a position members said would centralize grant‑writing, marketing and business outreach.

Committee members described difficulty retaining part‑time staff and said a full‑time specialist could pursue grants, maintain up‑to‑date event listings and coordinate countywide tourism promotion. One committee member said the part‑time role has led to gaps in outreach and social‑media activity; another argued a full‑time hire would increase the county’s ability to apply for and manage grants and to support local businesses.

Discussion at the meeting touched on salary estimates and budget considerations; speakers referenced a possible salary range in the $40,000–$50,000 area as an illustrative figure for a competitive full‑time hire. Some members raised concerns about overlap with the Rusk Area Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations and urged coordination to avoid duplication of effort.

The committee approved a motion to forward a recommendation to the personnel committee to evaluate a full‑time economic development/tourism specialist and to develop a job description and staffing steps. Committee members noted the personnel committee would also need to consult the finance committee for budget implications. The personnel committee’s discussion was scheduled for early April.

The committee’s action is advisory: any creation of a new full‑time position, salary and funding source will require personnel and finance review and a county board budget decision.