Crook County commissioners approve EDCO funding increase subject to budget review

The Crook County Board of Commissioners agreed to move forward with a request to increase local funding for Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), asking staff to identify budget sources to cover a $10,000 program support increase and a $10,000 platinum-level membership and to consider a 3–5% annual increase in future years subject to the budget committee.

EDCO Prineville director Kelsey Lucas presented economic data and the funding request, saying Crook County’s economy has seen “remarkable” gains in recent years and that EDCO provides a locally based staff member backed by regional resources. “We prefer to be funded privately and through events and things like that,” Lucas said, describing EDCO’s mix of private membership and public contract support and the role local program funding plays in retaining staff.

John Stark, EDCO CEO, told commissioners the organization stretches local dollars by combining them with private membership and regional leadership. “That dollar is derived from lottery fund monies at the county level,” Stark said, describing EDCO’s funding mix and the benefits counties receive through EDCO’s regional advocacy and business recruitment work. Greg Lambert, a Cook County member of EDCO’s executive committee, urged the county to consider compensation levels for talent retention.

The request before the board would increase Cook County’s program support and membership so EDCO can maintain a full-time presence in Prineville backed by regional staff. EDCO described tangible metrics — local GDP and income growth, new building permits, and inventory of industrial space — to justify the investment. Commissioners acknowledged those gains and discussed options for locating the $20,000 in the current budget; the board approved the request “subject to budget finding the funds from the budget committee.”

Commissioners and EDCO officials emphasized that EDCO performs advocacy and testimony before state bodies but said the organization does not engage in paid lobbying. Stark said EDCO “testify[ies] on behalf of the business community” and coordinates with statewide groups to align positions.

The board asked that staff identify specific budget adjustments and return the details to the budget committee; implementation will depend on the budget committee’s recommendation and final approval.

Ending: County staff will present the recommended budget adjustments to the budget committee so the two $10,000 items can be finalized during the budget process. EDCO and county leaders said they will revisit annual adjustments in future budget cycles.