The Emporia City Commission and Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas appear to be on the same page when it comes to the future of economic development locally.
During their recent action meeting Tuesday morning, Emporia City Commissioners accepted an agreement with the RDA which will see the city’s Economic Development Advancement Committee lead a review of potential changes to the entity’s makeup. This was the request from city commissioners in a letter sent to the RDA in December.
Originally, the RDA was given a deadline of January 21, Tuesday, to make said changes or take steps towards that direction, or else additional action, including the cessation of funding from the city, may be taken. KVOE News spoke with Emporia Mayor Erren Harter Tuesday who says the city is happy with the plan set forth.
Harter says the RDA has stated it should have recommendations ready for presentation by mid to late April. Harter tells KVOE News he is hopeful those recommendations will fall in line with recommendations made by the VisionFirst economic study and will benefit all levels and sizes of business in Emporia.
Harter also stated that the ultimatum regarding the cessation of funding issued by the city is “off the table for now.”
Additionally, Harter says he does not believe any tensions that arose due to the city’s move will be an issue going forward for local leadership.
In other action business Wednesday, commissioners approved the city’s 2025 legislative statement and adopted a resolution instituting mandatory contractual provisions for city contracts.
Following the action session, the first meeting of the city’s Public Building Commission was convened during which time the board appointed Harter to serve as President, Vice-Mayor Becky Smith to serve as Vice-President and City Clerk Kerry Sull to serve as the PBC secretary. Additional actions included the adoption of PBC bylaws and policies and a municipal advisory agreement for series 2025 PBC revenue bonds with Raymond James and Associates, Inc.
The PBC was officially approved by city commissioners earlier this month and will act as a separate entity from the city commission, even though the membership of both commissions is identical. The PBC is a state-authorized alternative funding mechanism for local municipalities that has the authority to issue bonds for various projects that do not count against the city’s bonding authority.
In other business Tuesday commissioners:
- Received a presentation on the Wall That Heals
- Discussed codes of procedure for commission meetings
- Appointed Commissioner Harter to the Emporia Library Board
- Reviewed the list of preview of 2025 Street Rehab projects
- Discussed new public works employees.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene for their slate of regular meetings on Wednesday, February 5 at 11 am inside of the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.