MOUNT VERNON — Jeff Harris, president of the Knox County Area Development Foundation, told the county commissioners on Tuesday that he sees a benefit in Knox County becoming a member of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission “at whatever level deemed necessary” for the budget.
The commissioners agreed, voting unanimously to join MORPC as a full member.
“This has been several years in consideration, and it’s good to see it come to fruition,” said Commissioner Thom Collier.
Collier said that when the commissioners previously considered membership, it was not practical. Since then, they have seen the benefit of MORPC’s data and planning resources through participation in a pilot transportation program.
“Thank you from the Area Development Foundation,” said Harris. “This is a big deal. We just added staff, and we added planning power.”
Harris previously told the commissioners of several programs and resources that he believes Knox County would benefit from through membership in MORPC. Tuesday, he specifically cited access to labor data, noting that the ADF is in the process of compiling that information at the request of a company interested in the Knox County area. Company representatives will visit the county next week.
The commissioners opted for full membership at a cost of $21,102 a year. 2018 membership will be pro-rated.
“We’ll see if other entities want to partner with us,” said Commissioner Teresa Bemiller.
Those entities include the Knox County Health Department, which has already expressed interest, various county departments, and other municipalities in the county.
Before the vote, Collier asked Harris about the perceived view that MORPC is “Columbus centric” rather than being interested in outlying counties such as Knox. Harris responded by saying MORPC officials have been in the county on several occasions addressing needs specific to Knox County.
Additionally, he said that growth for the Columbus metropolitan region is projected to be 500,000 to 1 million by 2050. That growth trend is toward the north of Columbus and includes Knox County.
