Carlton County approves Economic Development Authority

Talk about it

“I believe this is the direction of the future,” stated Carlton County Commissioner Ted Pihlman after county board members unanimously supported the formation of a County Economic Development Authority (EDA) on Tuesday.

While the idea of a county EDA first started to percolate through the ranks as long as several years ago, it took a while for the idea to take hold and make its way through the policies and procedures that precede the formation of such an organization.

The county board approved the concept of an EDA in theory earlier this spring, allowing Economic Development Director Pat Oman to proceed with exploring the idea and how it would impact the county.

But it wasn’t until the board formally passed the resolution this week authorizing its formation that the idea actually became reality.

Oman termed the fledgling concept “an economic development authority with housing and redevelopment powers.” In other words, although the new county EDA will have primary authority to bond for and build government buildings, own land and put economic development deals together, Oman said it will also be able to work to help restore and improve blighted areas where substandard housing cannot be redeveloped without government assistance, or where there is a shortage of adequate low income or affordable housing available.

Oman said other positives linked to the formation of a county EDA are the fact it will provide an option to apply for federal money through the EDA Planning Grant Program, assist with the construction of a proposed new government center in the county, promote jobs and increase the tax base through economic development projects.

Oman explained the EDA will be comprised of nine members, including at least two commissioners as well as representatives from both large and small cities in the county, townships and private sector citizens.

Responding to issues related to the proposed EDA that came up during the recent public hearing, Oman said the enabling resolution states any bonds or levies issued by the EDA must first be approved by the county board.

Further, he said all cities in the county will have the option to either elect to participate or not participate in the EDA.

If a city elects not to participate, its property taxpayers will not be subject to whatever property tax is levied for under the EDA, but its will also forfeit the right to access whatever benefits are available through the EDA programs.

The next step will be to put together bylaws for the new EDA, assemble a slate of members and establish goals for moving forward.

Tags: carlton, county, economic, development, authority