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Oceana County officials hear pitch to boost economic development funding to 0.7% of budget
Summary
Oceana County Economic Alliance leaders urged county commissioners to phase up funding for a professionalized economic development effort, proposing a start at 0.7% of the county budget (about $140,000) to sustain staff and programs after ARPA funding ends.
Oceana County commissioners on Aug. 14 heard a request from the Oceana County Economic Alliance (OCEA) to increase county funding for economic development to help sustain staffing and long-term programs.
"We need more strength and leadership in economic development so we can focus on long-term growth," OCEA Chair Phil Morse told the Finance and Administration Committee, arguing the organization has helped expand the county tax base and spur investment. Executive Director Curtis Burdette said the Alliance focuses on "people, place and business," citing workforce initiatives, downtown improvements and support for manufacturers that target outdoor-recreation markets.
Why it matters: Morse said the Alliance’s annual revenues average about $97,000 while expenses run about $127,000; the county currently contributes $67,860 (47% of the budget). He said the organization’s fund balance stood at about $38,000 at the end of 2024 and could fall to roughly $8,000 by year-end if revenues mirror 2024. As a result, Morse proposed the county phase toward contributing 1% of the county budget but to begin with 0.7% this year (which he estimated at roughly $140,000).
BurDette emphasized return on investment: "We show measurable tax dollars, capital investment and payroll tied to projects," and said dedicating staff time to fundraising would reduce his availability for core economic development work. Shelly Comstock, President and CEO of Shelby Bank, described the partnership with The Right Place and local funders as a catalyst for recent successes.
Commissioner reaction was cautious. Commissioner Joel McCormick asked whether Morse could identify specific budget cuts that would fund the increase; Morse said he could not. Commissioner Paul Erickson, who described a recent productive planning session with Burdette, said the county’s partnership with The Right Place and OCEA has generated "tremendous community impact" and supported projects such as Fiesta Grand and Blue Photon. No formal funding change was adopted at the meeting.
What’s next: OCEA requested additional administrative support (about 5–10 hours weekly) and asked the county to consider phasing up the appropriation; commissioners asked staff and OCEA to continue discussions and options. The board did not adopt a budget change at the Aug. 14 meeting.
