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Harvey County EDC asks Newton commission for continued support and 5% funding increase for special projects
Summary
Beth Shelton, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development (EDC), summarized recent economic activity, asked funding partners for a 5% increase to cover rising costs and to set aside funds for an updated competitive realities study, and cited $21.5 million in recent capital investment countywide.
Beth Shelton, executive director of the Harvey County Economic Development (EDC), presented the EDC’s 2026 budget request to the Newton City Commission and asked member governments to consider a 5% increase to cover rising operating costs and to fund “special projects,” including an updated competitive realities report.
Why it matters: Shelton said the EDC’s work supports countywide economic growth that benefits all municipalities. She told the commission that the EDC recorded roughly $21.5 million in capital investment over the previous 12 months and cited several incoming or expanding companies as evidence of ongoing activity.
Details presented: Shelton said the EDC has operated on a funding ask level set in 2008 that was re-evaluated in 2017, and that rising costs and new initiatives — including funding a refreshed competitive realities study by Garner that previously guided local economic strategy — justify an increase. The special projects line in the proposed budget would also support workforce pathway projects and optioning land for future development.
Board and governance: Shelton explained the EDC’s funding structure: Newton and Harvey County, as the largest partners, each appoint three board members; other municipalities appoint two. She said the county manager is an ex officio member and that the EDC uses reserves and targeted funding for one-off projects.
Commissioner questions and staff notes: Commissioners asked about recent reductions in specific office costs; Shelton described shared service decisions (consolidating copier contracts, turning off lights) as part of cost control. Shelton noted the EDC awarded $10,000 last year to support a career pathway at the Brooks Trade Center and that the EDC occasionally uses reserves for strategic investments.
Ending: The commission received the presentation; Shelton thanked the commission for longstanding support and offered to provide follow-up information on specific budget lines on request.
