Board endorses recommending Joseph Ash as contract economic development consultant to city council

The Stafford EDC board voted to recommend that city council consider contracting with consultant Joseph (Joe) Ash to provide economic-development services on a contract/hourly basis while a permanent director search continues.

City staff and board members described a lengthy recruitment process that produced candidates but no hire. Chanel (staff) told the board the city interviewed three finalists and negotiated with a selected candidate without reaching agreement. As an interim option, staff proposed contracting with Joe Ash, an economic-development consultant who has worked with multiple Fort Bend County municipalities. Ash attended the meeting and described his background and approach: “When I bring things to you, I’ll tell you what I believe are the pros and cons on both sides,” he said, adding that he intends to provide candid advice based on experience.

Supporters told the board the consultant arrangement allows the city to quickly obtain capacity for project work and is more flexible than hiring a full-time employee. Several board members said they favored contracting because it avoids hiring a salaried employee who might be paid during slow periods; others noted the candidate’s local experience and contacts. One board member described the consultant model as a way to “get someone in this role and performing these duties…until we figured out a different plan.”

The board voted to recommend that city council approve contract services with Joseph Ash; the motion carried. The board directed staff to forward the recommendation and to coordinate the contract terms and scope of services with council.