MOUNT VERNON — On Thursday, the Knox County Commissioners agreed to increase their financial support for the Area Development Foundation. ADF Director Jeff Harris said the additional money will allow him to hire additional staff.
Harris asked the county to partner with the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon & Knox County to provide $120,000 a year for 2018, 2019 and 2020, and $60,000 a year for 2021 and 2022. As one-third partners, the county and community foundation will each provide $180,000 over the next five years ($40,00 in 2018-20 and $20,000 in 2021-22). Businesses, organizations and municipalities will provide the remaining one-third.
Harris plans to add two positions: administrative support and a planning/land bank professional. “This additional support will allow us to go to a truly ‘best model’ organization,” he said, adding that it will provide a level of expertise that he does not have.
Commissioner Teresa Bemiller told Harris that with the ADF taking on the county land bank in addition to marketing Siemens and the former American National Can properties and economic planning, “we knew you wouldn’t be able to do everything yourself.” “We obviously want [the land bank] to be successful,” she said.
“We anticipate the land bank will generate funding that will take care of the funding you need,” said Commissioner Roger Reed. “I appreciate your willingness to take on these projects.”
Following the commissioners’ vote to approve more funding, Harris said, “Now I can start to see some light.”
The commissioners signed an agreement authorizing the Knox County Land Reutilization Corp. (land bank) to act as its agent for any properties acquired. They also approved appointing special counsel to represent the county in its suit against companies wrongfully distributing prescription opiates.
