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Council votes to raise economic development support to $75,000 after Thrive Allen County presentation
Summary
After a presentation from Camille of Thrive Allen County requesting a one-time $15,000 boost to support a project-based economic development position and apprenticeship, the council voted to amend the 2026 economic development contract from $50,000 to $75,000.
The council voted to increase its 2026 economic development support from $50,000 to a flat $75,000 after Camille of Thrive Allen County asked for a one-time additional $15,000 to fund a project-based economic development position and a registered apprenticeship program.
Camille told the council the new position would prioritize three areas: support for businesses already invested in the region and the entrepreneurial ecosystem (including a maker space and small-business hub), a workforce coalition to address hiring and retention, and promotion tied to the planned Lehigh Portland State Park opening in the second quarter of 2026. She said the role would be project-based and intended to transition to broader public–private funding in 2027.
"I'm approaching all five of the initial investors in economic development to support this effort," Camille said, asking the council for the one-time $15,000 contribution above the existing contract. She cited a 2021 Atlas study and provided handouts with comparative data, noting local median salaries fall below Kansas and national medians.
Council members debated whether to amend the contract to $65,000 or $75,000 for 2026 and discussed how the 1.5-mill levy has recently produced higher yield than the contract baseline. One member said the council should return the full mill-levy yield to economic development and support the extra $15,000; another asked staff to clarify how the amended contract language would be written. Staff confirmed the contract amendment being considered would change the funding figure for 2026 only.
A motion to amend the economic development contract from $50,000 to $75,000 for 2026 was made and seconded; the motion passed with one opposed.
The increased funding is intended to be a one-time boost to staff an apprenticeship-focused position in 2026, with the presenter saying she planned a private-sector fundraising campaign in late 2026 to support the role thereafter. Staff said they would prepare an amended contract reflecting the new funding level and follow up with the presenter once it has been executed.
Next steps: staff will finalize the amended contract for 2026 funding and notify Camille when it is executed.
