City prioritizes 2013 goals

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January 28, 2013 - 12:00 AM

An economic incentive package for local businesses was the top priority in discussions surrounding city projects during Saturday’s strategic planning meeting.
While no decisions were made during the meeting, members of the Iola city council, and potential council candidates, had the opportunity to prioritize projects needed to be done.
The group listed the city’s projects, and then had the opportunity to vote on the most pressing issues. The need for economic development incentives for local businesses won overwhelmingly.
City council member Steve French said any economic development would help other city projects, by boosting local businesses and increasing cash flow.
“I support economic development incentives, it’ll provide money to fund other projects,” French said.
No specific plans were mentioned in regard to an incentive package, other than the need to give new and emerging businesses any sort of aid to flourish in the community.
The need for housing in Iola was another source of discussion among the attendees.
“The key issue above all is housing. Forty-five percent of our workers commute,” City Council Member David Toland said.
Workers at Gates and Russell Stover’s commute from among 14 counties to get to their jobs. The city needs to do in-depth research on why they choose to live outside city limits, Toland said.
City council member Scott Stewart said focus needs to include middle income housing needs. He said oftentimes the only attention is given to low-income families, but any workers that are coming to the city are going to be a part of the middle class.
“If we’re going to get people to move here, they’re pretty much middle income folks,” Stewart said.
The housing situation vote came in second in the priority list, and tied with the need for updated schools. Mayor Bill Shirley was the first to mention schools, saying they are in dire need of upgrades.
Other items discussed during the meeting were the highlights of 2012, in regard to projects completed in the city.
Some of the projects mentioned included the success of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), three additional staff added in the fire and EMS department, 2,000 feet of water line laid in the city and 2,500 feet of water line laid to the new hospital and the completion of the Happy Tails dog park.

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