A staff report
Elizabethtown, NC – May 21, 2024 – The Bladen County Board of Commissioners has announced a public hearing to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2024-25 appropriations for various economic development activities. The hearing will take place on Monday, June 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, located on the lower level of the Bladen County Courthouse at 106 East Broad Street.
The proposed appropriations for FY 2024-25 cover a range of economic development initiatives, including funding for the Bladen County Economic Development Commission, the Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial, Inc. (BBAI), North Carolina’s Southeast Partnership (NCSE), and the Southeastern Economic Development Commission (SEDC).
Key Appropriations Include:
Bladen County Economic Development Commission:
– Salaries for two part-time staff members and one full-time staff member totaling $182,297.
– Operating costs including advertising, utilities, memberships, travel, and more totaling $13,852.
– Severn Peanut incentive payment (amount yet to be determined).
Elizabethtown-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce:
– Allocation of $5,500 to support operating costs, marketing, and events.
Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial, Inc. (BBAI):
– Rents received from the state of North Carolina amounting to $491,461 for the NC Department of Motor Vehicle Call Center and the Elizabethtown JobLink center.
– Bladen County’s allocation of $30,000 for space used by county employees and services in the JobLink center.
North Carolina’s Southeast Partnership (NCSE):
– Allocation of $25,000 to support marketing, advertising, and technical support services for business and industry recruitment in Southeastern North Carolina.
Southeastern Economic Development Commission (SEDC):
– Allocation of $2,665 to provide grant writing and administrative services for US Economic Development Administration grants. Membership in SEDC is required for eligibility for the EDA grant.
The Board of Commissioners invites the public to attend the hearing and provide input on these proposed appropriations. This is an opportunity for residents to engage in the economic development planning process and voice their opinions on the allocation of funds.
Details of the Public Hearing:
– Date: Monday, June 3, 2024
– Time: 6:30 PM
– Location: Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Lower Level, Bladen County Courthouse, 106 East Broad Street, Elizabethtown, NC
For more information, please visit the Bladen County website or contact the County Manager’s Office.
Contact:
Charles Peterson
Chairman
Bladen County Board of Commissioners
http://www.bladeninfo.org
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