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St. Clair County commissioners weigh switching economic development work from EDA to MSU Extension amid transparency concerns
Summary
At a Feb. workshop, MSU Extension outlined a county-funded educator position costing about $117,895 annually. Public commenters pressed commissioners to pause payments to the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County, citing nondisclosure agreements and a lack of transparency. EDA officials said a response and proposal are forthcoming.
St. Clair County commissioners heard competing pitches for who should lead economic development during a Feb. workshop, with Michigan State University Extension proposing a county-funded educator post and many residents urging the board to pause funding for the Economic Development Alliance of Saint Clair County (EDA).
MSU Extension district director Carly Krueger presented a draft position description and estimated costs, saying the county’s share for a full-time MSU Extension educator would be $117,895 annually, including salary, benefits and operating costs. "MSU Extension is not interested in coming between St. Clair County and the EDA. We're not a magic solution or anything," Krueger said, adding the role would focus on food and agriculture entrepreneurship, community listening, education and helping local municipalities operationalize recommendations.
The proposal, Krueger told commissioners, would be implemented by amending the current memorandum of agreement with MSU Extension; the minimum qualification would be a master's degree and the typical recruitment timeline from posting to…
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