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EDA approves $2,500 trial payment to Ready program, to reassess after six months
Summary
Kasson City’s EDA voted to provide a $2,500 trial payment to the Ready regional economic development initiative (half the prior $5,000 contribution), with the expectation staff will reassess value and consider ending support if tangible leads are not produced.
The Kasson City Economic Development Authority voted to provide a $2,500 trial payment to the Ready regional economic development organization for the first six months of the coming year and to reassess the arrangement if Ready does not produce tangible leads or value for the city.
Members said the standard annual contribution to Ready has been $5,000 and that board members value regional partnerships, but several said Kasson has not seen proportional returns on the full payment in recent cycles. The board discussed options including reduced upfront payment, a six‑month review and asking Ready for more hands‑on assistance with site selection (particularly for potential data‑center sites) and reuse planning for the historic school building.
One board member proposed cutting the initial contribution to $2,500 and making further payments contingent on measurable results. After a motion and a second, the board approved the $2,500 trial payment by voice vote; the transcript does not show roll‑call vote names.
Staff and members said they will communicate expectations to Ready — including more direct lead generation and assistance with site‑selection work — and will evaluate performance before deciding on full renewal for 2026.
