2008-07-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Carpenter seconded. The roll call count was 7 for and 0 against. The ordinance was given #2008-07-01. NEW BUSINESS A) MR. BILL WALMSLEY REGARDING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mr. Bill Walmsley, a local attorney, and Mr. Jonah Shumate, President of the Batesville Chamber of Commerce, addressed the council with results from the recently appointed 22 member Economic Development task force. Mr. Walmsley said all the members worked tirelessly for the betterment of Batesville and Independence County. They visited several other cities and counties that have passed sales taxes to fund Economic Development. Mr. Shumate said that Batesville was being considered with two other States for a new industry. He said he was hopeful however if the industry comes to Batesville is it because the State has stepped up and offered the potential business incentives to locate here. Mr. Shumate said the State is helping us this time but the City will be on its own in the future and without any funds for Economic Development we cannot compete with other cities and states for new industry. The task force has recommended a sales tax that would sunset in 7 years, to be held during a special election. The percent of the sales tax and whether it be a city or county tax was not clearly decided. Mr. Walmsley said he would do the legal work to set up a non-profit board at no expense to the city or county. He said the city and county needed to meet and decide how to proceed. Mayor Elumbaugh said he would contact the County Judge and set up a meeting as soon as possible.