The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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September 2, 2008

Commissioners slated to discuss independent economic development

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer

Enid city commissioners will discuss development of an independent economic development authority Thursday during their study session preceding their regular meeting.

The meeting was moved to Thursday due to the Labor Day holiday Monday. Commission meeting is 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 401 W. Garriott. The study session starts at 5 p.m. in the lower level conference room.

At their July 19 study session, commissioners talked with Jon Blankenship, executive director of Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce, about developing an additional economic development arm for the city and the chamber.

Blankenship presented his case for adding more economic development staff and increasing funds the city contributes toward economic development. Blankenship told commissioners there is a need to double the economic development operating budget, adding two staff members to focus on adding and retaining quality jobs in the region and seeking a dedicated revenue stream for business and job recruitment incentives.

City Manager Eric Benson will make a number of proposals to the commission to find an additional $500,000 to use for economic development. The commission will make the final decision.

Also during the study session, commissioners also will discuss rules for governing meetings, which were tabled at their last meeting.

The rules contained in the original ordinance have been altered at the request of Ward 5 Commissioner Daron Rudy. The changes were to decorum rules to affect behavior rather than speech.

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