Economic Development Focus of Council's Efforts

The Canton City Council will discuss several aspects of the city's resurrected economic development office, including funding and the Economic Development Coordinator's job description, during their Thursday meeting.

In order to fund this new office, money from the Downtown Development budget is being transferred to the new "Economic Development Administration." Some $38,000 will be saved by transferring downtown development functions to the new office and eliminating funding for unnecessary programs.

Additionally, the council will discuss the job description for the new Economic Development Coordinator. This position will include the functions performed by former Main Street Director Ginger Garrard, but will expand the overall vision beyond downtown and to the city as a whole.

Council members will also discuss the recent request made by County Chairman Buzz Ahrens that Cherokee's cities contribute to the county's Office of Economic Development.

During the Feb. 21 meeting, Councilman Glen Cummins .

Councilman Bob Rush, who received a less than warm welcome from citizens during Monday's town hall on the upcoming fire bond referendum, will present a discussion on fire department financing. Mayor Gene Hobgood is also expected to speak on the referendum during his allotted comment period.

Other discussions on tap for tonight include appointments to the Committee on Canton's Future and possibly changing the format of council meetings to allow voting to take place during each biweekly assembly.

See the attached agenda, budget amendment, and job description to learn more about what is planned for tonight's meeting.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at City Hall. If you are unable to make it to the meeting in person, Canton-Sixes Patch will be hosting a live stream of the event.