Cortland council tables resolution to create economic and community development manager

Cortland City Council on April 21 voted to table Resolution R-21-25, a mayor-submitted measure to create a new economic and community development manager position, after roughly an hour of debate over funding, overlap with existing consultants and the timing of grant cycles.

The resolution, submitted by the mayor, would establish the position and list essential duties and functions but does not itself authorize hiring or a specific salary. Supporters said the position is intended to seek grants and nontraditional funding streams to offset city costs and assist capital projects such as downtown waterlines and storm-sewer repairs. Opponents and several council members said residents deserved an opportunity to review and comment before the council moved forward.

Council members who spoke in favor argued that a dedicated staffer could pursue state and federal grants that the city might otherwise miss. One council member told the body the city likely missed out on an estimated $1.5 million in Department of Transportation funding for a storm-sewer project in the St. Andrews…