Emporia Enterprises is officially opposed to the Emporia City Commission’s push to restructure the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas Board of Directors, passing a resolution to that end Wednesday.
Board members voted 7-1 in favor of the resolution, according to board chair Justin Mallon. Tyler Curtis, the City Commission’s representative, voted against.
Mallon says Emporia Enterprises felt it was best to align with the RDA, Lyon County Commission and Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce. He also says the City Commission’s request to reset the RDA board, giving the city a majority of slots, was unjustified.
The RDA has until Jan. 21 to respond to Mayor Erren Harter’s letter demanding changes or else risk the loss of city funding. Harter cited the City Commission’s role as the sole funder for the RDA, coupled with a decision not to renew prior board char Kala Maxfield in that role, as reasons for the letter.
The RDA Board of Directors meets at 7 am Friday, with two meetings on tap:
*Agenda items for the reorganization meeting include election of officers, selection of the at-large officer, board member reports and the 2024 annual report.
*The agenda for the regular meeting to follow includes the official consideration of the City Commission’s request, followed by an executive session and board member comments.
Both meetings will be at the Trusler Business Center.
