Commissioners, council and Randolph County United debate economic‑development role and funding structure
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Summary
County leaders and Randolph County United representatives debated whether the county should retain, reshape or replace RCU’s combined chamber/economic‑development model; RCU defended grant capture work while commissioners raised concerns about structure, oversight and use of taxpayer funds.
Representatives of Randolph County United (RCU) — including executive director Sydney Shireze and RCU President Clyde Schafer — joined commissioners and council members for a lengthy discussion about the county’s economic‑development funding and the organizational structure that currently combines chamber and economic‑development functions.
Shireze and Schafer outlined RCU’s recent grant activity, including REDDY awards tied to multi‑project funding that the speakers said totaled about $1.2 million (with separate project allocations discussed). RCU representatives argued their work brought grant opportunities and aided county projects, such as childcare facility funding and infrastructure planning, and defended outreach to nonmembers: "Anytime a business has a need, we don't care if they're chamber or not chamber," they said.
Several commissioners expressed unease with the current structure, saying they would prefer an in‑house economic‑development director reporting directly to commissioners so county priorities drive work more closely. Commissioners also raised questions about travel funded through fundraising trips and asked for a clear statement of RCU’s costs and revenue — including trip profitability and staff time — to evaluate whether contract funds deliver direct county benefit.
No contractual decision was made at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to continue discussions and noted the county’s upcoming contract and budget schedule will influence any multi‑year commitments.
