The Holcomb City Council on Wednesday received its quarterly report from the Finney County Economic Development Corporation, which transitioned into discussion that gave the council a better understanding what what the FCEDC does for the county and the cities of Holcomb and Garden City.
There also was discussion indicating there needed to be better communication between the two entities.
Lona DuVall, president of the FCEDC, along with chairman Tom Walker were on hand during Wednesday’s meeting to discuss the quarterly report.
During past meetings, Mayor Brian Rupp disputed Holcomb’s $25,000 membership contribution to the FCEDC for its 2017 dues, which was a $10,000 increase from the previous year. Rupp has said on multiple occasions that he believes Holcomb’s contribution should be more per capita-based.
After disputing the payment late last year, FCEDC officials visited with Holcomb officials in February, who ultimately approved the $25,000 payment for 2017 earlier this year.
Rupp raising questions about the $25,000 contribution led other council members — Jerry Quint and Nicole Faulconer — to inquire with DuVall and other FCEDC officials to learn more about what the organization does for not just Holcomb, but the county.
“All of our owners are public entities — the City of Garden City, Finney County, City of Holcomb and Garden City Community College — you guys own the corporation… We are the arm that connects you guys to the private sector, and that’s the role of our agency to connect to the private sector, to advocate for your community and for your businesses in the legislature, but also at the state and federal levels…” DuVall said during Wednesday’s meeting. “I don’t think you guys really understood that before…”
(Read more: News – The Garden City Telegram)