By James B. Bartle
The Sullivan City Council appears to be on the road towards working for increased economic development activity in the city of Sullivan, following their first meeting of 2010 held on Tues., Jan. 5.
The first of three steps taken by the council was a review of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission in the city of Sullivan by city administrator Mark Falloon.
Falloon reported that the city did have a commission formed some 10 years ago, but the committee was disbanded due to a lack of projects and political interest.
However, with neighboring communities pursuing TIF commissions, Sullivan has sought a need to form a commission.
Falloon stated that the commission would require 11 members with six chosen by the Mayor for appointment and five others from the taxing districts in the city, including Sullivan schools and fire department.
Mayor J.T. Hardy stated, “We have no projects right now in front of us for this, but I think it would be good to establish a committee and be prepared for development.”
Alderman Dace stated that St. Clair and St. James are being looked at for development since they have TIF and Enhanced Enterprise Zones and, until Sullivan establishes these committees, the city will have a tough time getting looked at and he felt the city should move forward with the committees.
The council agreed to move forward with the TIF commission.
The council also agreed to move forward with the Enhanced Enterprise Zone Board, which will be comprised of seven members with the Mayor appointing five of the members. The schools in the Enhanced Enterprise Zone would choose one person to represent them on this board along with one representative from the remaining taxing districts such as the fire district.
Council members questioned what the boundaries would be for the EEZ.
The zone is still being determined at this time and must be approved by the State of Missouri. The EEZ would provide additional incentives for economic development within the EEZ.
The council directed Administrator Falloon to have the boundaries determined by the next meeting so that a committee can be formed.
Mayor Hardy encouraged anyone who would like to serve on these committees to contact Sullivan City Hall.
The third step by the council was brought before the board by alderman Jarrett Dace, who felt it was time for the city to consider filling the vacant economic developer position. Dace stated that it was important for the city growth.
Alderman Thomas Leasor requested that Administrator Falloon provide a detailed job description to the council for the position to be reviewed by the next council meeting.