EGF EDA supports keeping director level position

It’s still early in the budget process but several members of the East Grand Forks Economic Development Authority Board pushed back on a at least one budget cutting idea making the rounds.

During a meeting this week EDA Director Paul Gorte says his planned retirement in 2024 is seen as a potential opportunity to restructure the department. A city appointed ad hoc committee has been charged with reviewing the spending of all departments with the goal of finding savings in the general fund budget.

Council member Dale Helms – who also sits on the EDA board – says he’s not against the budget cutting exercise – but he has concerns about the other side of the equation.  “We go and apply for a 1% sales tax and then we are going to spend $20 million on parks and rec.  What are we doing here?  We are cutting money then we are going to turn around and spend all this money. ”

The general consensus of the EDA Board this week was to urge the council to retain the director’s position….explore other funding opportunities for economic development…and highlight the loss of detail if the EDA position goes away.