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EDA forwards proposed part-time economic development specialist to 2027 budget after funding debate
Summary
Staff proposed a part-time (20 hours/week) economic development specialist to support business retention, DEED RFP/RFI responses and EDA strategy work; commissioners debated whether to fund the role from EDA reserves or to include it in the 2027 budget and agreed to forward the position for council consideration.
Staff presented a proposal to create a part-time economic development specialist (20 hours/week) focused on business retention/expansion visits, responses to Minnesota DEED RFPs/RFIs, supporting the EDA strategy plan, and limited permit review assistance. Staff estimated the position at pay grade seven, roughly $45,000'$55,000 annually (pro rata for 20 hours/week), and said the position is not currently budgeted and would come from EDA reserves if enacted immediately.
Commissioners debated financing and fiscal prudence: several members opposed using one-time EDA reserves to fund a recurring staff position and recommended that the role be considered as part of the 2027 budget/levy process. Others suggested using hourly consultant services (the existing baseline contract with IG/IAG) as an interim measure to respond promptly to occasional DEED requests and property inquiries. After discussion the commission moved to forward the proposed position for inclusion in the 2027 budget cycle and to present the item to the city council in May for consideration.
Why it matters: the EDA's workload includes time-sensitive RFP/RFI responses and business-retention activity that staff say require dedicated capacity; the funding decision affects whether the EDA will rely more heavily on consultants or create ongoing payroll obligations.
Next steps: staff will include the position in the 2027 budget materials and will pursue interim consultant support for immediate RFP/RFI responses. Commissioners asked staff to better quantify expected hours and the measurable benefits of an in-house specialist before final budget approval.
