05-21-07 Item 2B, 2008 Prelim Budget Discussion

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION This division performs a variety of administrative functions relating to business retention, small business attraction and manufacturing base attraction through the support of K-REDI. In addition, this division serves as the public information office for the City_ This division is headed by the Assistant City Manager who also oversees Municipal Court. General staff support is provided to the City Manager. OBJECTIVESIGOALS . Continue to provide support ($100,000) and assistance to K-REDI to attract additional manufacturing/industrial jobs to the community_ . Develop a program for small business attraction. . Work with the Downtown Partners and T1F Commission to plan for the implementation of recommendations from the Downtown design standards_ . Continue to strengthen relationships with key business and industry personnel_ . Work with the Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the first year of the lodging tax and tourism advisory board. . Administer grants received by the City and continue to identify grant resources that can be used to offset the costs of identified infrastructure improvement projects and community development projects that are approved by the City Council. . Continue to work with the Telecommunications Commission and the Telecommunications Community Resource Center (TCRC) to improve and expand services to Kirksville residents. . Carry out duties of the Public Information office including: improving the City's website, informing the public through press releases and other City publications ($12,200); and updating cable channel 3 and promoting its availability to the public. HIGHLlGHTSISIGNIFICANT CHANGES Voters approved in 2006 a lodging tax, which will be collected beginning in January 2007. This division will work with the Kirksville Chamber of Commerce on establishing a tourism advisory board in early 2007 and to get tourism activities underway later in the year. The City's annual membership in the Regional Planning Commission ($5,200) was moved from this budget to the Council (10-01) budget for 2007. - 82- II . .. . . . . . . .. .. III .. III . .