Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
DAYTON– Consultant Abbi Russell from Maul, Foster and Alongi presented the Comprehensive Plan to the Port Board of Commissioners; introduced the new Economic Development Coordinator Jill Essency; and were updated on the broadband projects, and the Fiber Lighting Ceremony on September 20.
The preliminary 2024 draft budget was presented from Executive Director Jennie Dickinson to the Commissioners for review. The expenses calculated will leave a $400k reserve. Revenues are expected to increase based on preliminary estimates of the fiber leases of a 50% adoption rate. Other income would be similar. More details will be provided at future meetings.
Abbi Russell with consulting firm Maul, Foster and Alongi that the Port contracted with to work through their comprehensive plan presented the final report. Six workshops were held over several months to build the plan that is based on discussions and research of data, programs, and other entities. The purpose of the plan is to provide a reference for making decisions about how to invest in the assets the Port maintains for the public good. According to Russell, updates to a comp plan should happen when the Commission decides they want to take action to make a change to the status of an asset, add an asset, or to surplus an asset. Following the plan will help to retain public trust in spending public dollars.
Commissioner Genie Crowe initiated discussion about the 1% allowed for the Port out of the county tax levy fund that Commissioners Seth Bryan and Johnny Watts voted not to take last year. "Just to state for the record my opinion on the 1% increase that is available to us that we have chosen not to take - I think it's a travesty that we can't use it. I realize it's only $4000, but I still feel as the Port and the Commissioners that we stand for economic development, that $4000 could be used," said Crowe.
In other Port business, Dickinson introduced the newly hired Economic Development Coordinator Jill Essency. She is a recent college graduate and lives in Dayton. Dickinson also gave updates on the broadband projects. They are moving forward with the Touchet Valley portion as the city portion is finishing. Dickinson said three areas in town are ready for service.
The Fiber Lighting Ceremony is planned for September 20. At the event, the Commissioners will do the faux lighting of the fiber, dinner will be served, and guests will hear from Commissioner Bryan and Dickinson, as well as from the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) President, County Commissioner Marty Hall, and representatives from the City, Sherwood Trust, and the Blue Mountain Community Foundation Board.
