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Commissioners back reorganization of economic development office and set $250,000 placeholder for diversification work
Summary
The board reviewed a proposed reorganization of Economic and Community Development into a streamlined Economic Development department, discussed privatization of the Community Development Corporation and BRAC/SEDS planning, and agreed to set aside $250,000 in fund balance for near-term diversification studies and initiatives.
The Board of County Commissioners reviewed a proposed reorganization of the Economic and Community Development department and discussed how to finance immediate strategic planning work tied to BRAC and regional diversification.
County staff described a reorganization that renames the division to Economic Development, creates a deputy director role focused on outreach (including Navy relations) and recommends keeping the previously funded business-manager position frozen while using contract services to meet short-term needs.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the county must position itself to capitalize on technology, research and BRAC-related opportunities while coordinating with nearby jurisdictions and the University of Maryland system initiatives. Staff said the county’s earlier $350,000 allocation for economic development spent $75,000 on a SWOT analysis and that remaining funds were expected to be encumbered in FY2014 for consultant work; commissioners wanted a similar placeholder for FY2015.
Funding direction: After discussion the board agreed to designate $250,000 as a nonrecurring use of fund balance to provide a near-term reserve for economic-diversification work, consultant studies and tourism/marketing initiatives. Commissioners said contracts for SEDS (Strategic Economic Development Strategy) consulting work and other studies would be brought forward for approval; staff said some contracts were being prepared and that much of the FY2014 allocation is expected to be encumbered before June 30.
Tourism and partnerships: Commissioners also discussed tourism distribution, the northern welcome center and potential tri-county cooperation with Charles County and others to achieve economies of scale for regional tourism promotion.
Next steps: Staff will bring contracts, a plan to spend the FY2014 balance and proposed uses of the FY2015 placeholder back to the board; the reorganization chart and footnotes will be incorporated into the recommended budget packet for recruitment actions if the board supports the change.
