Commissioners weigh city cost‑share to restore economic development staff amid push for commercial growth

John McCrae, economic development, told the Miami County Board of Commissioners the office’s proposed budget for next year is largely unchanged from this year but consolidates some funds to prepare for World Cup–related marketing and potential professional services needs. “The proposed budget that you have for next year is very similar to the 1 that we currently are under, with the exception of me consolidating some of the funds in a couple of the core areas,” McCrae said.

The discussion centered on whether the county should restore a part‑time economic development position and whether cities should help pay for it. Commissioner Paul (name not provided) proposed asking the county’s three core cities — Paola, Lewisburg and Osawatomie — for $15,000 each annually, Spring Hill for $7,500 and Fontana for $3,000 to help fund the position and offset county costs. He characterized the ask as a way to give cities “skin in the game” and to make additional staff time available for…