The council discussed a revised contract with the Kansas Small Business Development Center after the SBDC informed the city its funding was cut and it could fund only $10,000 of the joint position rather than the $35,000 previously provided.

Economic development staff member Lund Duvall explained the legislature reduced funding that supported the SBDC partnership and that the center offered a $10,000 annual payment instead of the earlier $35,000. He told the council that, given the funding reduction, the scope of services and metrics would need to be narrowed accordingly.

Why it matters: the earlier agreement supported a joint staff position that handled small‑business counseling across multiple counties; the smaller payment would limit expectations and require the city to redefine which clients the city would serve directly and which would be referred to other SBDC centers.

Discussion and staff recommendation: Duvall said staff could continue a partnership limited to Finney County clients and would negotiate clearer performance metrics so the level of work matches the $10,000 payment. He emphasized the city can reallocate internal budget funds if necessary because workforce and small‑business development remain primary goals.

Board response and action: Board members voiced support for continuing negotiations. There was no formal vote; staff said they sought consensus to continue negotiating and, if staff and the SBDC agree to metrics the city deems appropriate, to sign a one‑year contract beginning July 1. A board member said no formal motion was required and the consensus to pursue a revised agreement was recorded.

Ending: Staff will continue to negotiate the scope and metrics, return to the board with a revised agreement and, if acceptable, execute a one‑year contract for the period beginning July 1.