County Cuts Direct Century Chamber Funding

October 10, 2017

Escambia County has signed off on an interlocal agreement with the the Town of Century that drastically changes how economic development dollars are allocated in Century,

During the previous fiscal year that ended September 30, the county provided a $55,000 allocation to the Century Area Chamber, up from $40,000 in previous years. That amounted to 97 percent of the chamber’s total funding and provided a $40,00o per year salary for an economic development coordinator, according to documents submitted by the chamber to the county.

With final budget approval, Escambia County has still allocated $55,000 in funding for economic development in the Century area, not just within town limits. Ideas and funding requests will be submitted by the Century Chamber of Commerce, the Century Town Council and any other group to District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry. The requests will be heard by the entire commission for approval.

No more than 10 percent of the funds can be used for daily operational expenses, and none of the county money can be used for salaries, benefits or administrative costs.

Instead. the funds can be used to cover the costs associated with implementing economic development initiatives, and programs and services to attract and recruit new businesses to the area.

The Century Town Council must still approve the interlocal agreement.

Comments

3 Responses to “County Cuts Direct Century Chamber Funding”

  1. Chelleepea on October 10th, 2017 9:25 am

    I don’t blame the county for taking these measures. As I understand these funds have been used for payroll and no projects have developed for the town of century. When the chamber working with city hall come up with projects that benefits us than they should be given the funds to execute these projects.

  2. chris on October 10th, 2017 8:15 am

    The gravy train just left the station.

  3. big jim on October 10th, 2017 6:34 am

    Great… I can’t wait until the Organic Grower hears this..

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News