Bridgeport City Manager Kim Haws and a majority of Council are literally banking that an agency that will lead development efforts for all of Harrison County will provide results beneficial for all involved. On Monday, Council appropriated $25,000 by a 4-2 vote to a soon-to-be-formed Harrison County Economic Development Corporation.

 

Haws said that the new entity will eventually replace the existing Harrison County Development Authority and the initial funding will come from Bridgeport, the Harrison County Commission and Clarksburg. Clarksburg, which is expected to vote on the matter at its next City Council meeting, is also being asked to provide $25,000, while the Commission’s total commitment is more than $80,000.

 

The initial money will help an interim board hire an executive director. Haws said he hopes that the hiring process will be on the fast track.

 

“The plan is in two to two and a half months to have an executive director on board,” said Haws.

 

Although the county has had a development authority since Haws arrived 16 years ago as city manager, they haven’t had an executive director for some time. Haws said that if there is to be a concerted effort in development that has to change.

 

“The (Authority) has been without an executive director for 12 years, which means the county development efforts have been rudderless,” said Haws. “There have been great volunteers, but volunteers don’t have the time to attract and nurture a business.”

 

The new entity, with an executive director, will hopefully do that, Haws said. He said that the success will ultimately be determined by whether or not there is a buy-in from the private sector, which is going to be allowed to literally “buy-in” to the board. The new entity will have a seven member board that will be chosen by the members, which can buy memberships ranging from $500 to $2,500. There is no limit on how many members can buy into the board.

 

The “buy-in” part is the key reason Council member Darrell Bowen voted against the memorandum of understanding between the new entity and the city. Bowen said that the early “buy-in” will heavily favor government entities. Haws admitted that it was a concern, but added that the initial funds need would have to come from the government end and if it is to succeed that the business, or private sector, would need to have about a 50 percent buy-in to the program.

 

“The only way to have true economic development is to have every buy in to it,” said Haws. “The best way this would work is for the private sector to have a minimum of 50 percent and to actually have more … Ultimately, we have to realize that development in Bridgeport is going for Clarksburg and the rest of the county and if it happens in Clarksburg it’s good for Bridgeport.”

 

The new entity would not prohibit Bridgeport, from in the future, creating its own development position or working on development. Rather, Haws said the State Economic Development Authority doesn’t like to work with any agency beyond those headed up by the group at the county level and the Harrison County Commission has worked toward creating this new entity.

 

While Bowen voted against the MOU, he was joined by Council member John Wilson in voting against the funding. Wilson felt it was too early to provide the funding, focusing on the funding being set to begin in July 1 – the next fiscal year – and that the entity has yet to be officially established. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of City Manager Kim Haws, while Council member Darrell Bowen, middle, and fellow Council member John Wilson are also pictured at Monday's meeting.