The Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission (BRPC) approved a fiscal year 2018 budget showing revenues of $585,620.32 and expenditures of $438,570. The full commission met at the BRPC offices in Dexter June 15.
The purpose of the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission is to promote and support the economic development of the region and provide technical services including grant applications. The commission serves six counties in the Bootheel -- Stoddard, Dunklin, Scott, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Mississippi.
PRPC Executive Director David Blalock told commission members that income from the solid waste tipping fees has remained steady, as has revenue for transportation. He said Economic Development Agency (EDA) planning grant income is anticipated to be increased slightly.
Blalock warned those on the commission President Donald Trump has proposed to eliminate the EDA, the Community Development Block Grant (SDBG) program and the Rural Development Water and Wastewater Program.
"If your city has benefited from any of these programs, please contact your legislators," said Blalock. "You need to reach out and let them know the funds are needed."
Blalock noted Missouri senators are Claire McCaskill and Roy Blunt, and the Congressman for this area is Jason Smith.
Blalock said a cost of living increase for employees is included in the budget, along with health insurance and a retirement plan.
"A dedicated source of revenue is needed to provide fiscal stability to the operations of the commission," Blalock said. He suggested the BRPC has additional space at their building in Dexter which could provide a source of revenue. One outbuilding is currently occupied.
The FY 2018 revenue budget shows $158,944.07 from fiscal administration and dues, $18,030 from the Delta Regional Authority, $101,500 from economic development sources, $34,000 from solid waste tipping fees, $192,941.25 from community development programs and $500 in interest income and other sources.
The FY expenditure budget shows $337,000 in employee salaries and benefits and $101,570 for repairs, training, travel and services.
Blalock said there were two vacancies -- vice chair and treasurer -- on the commission. He recommended Darrell Jones, Mississippi County associate commissioner, as the vice chair and Carol Jarrell, Stoddard County associate commissioner, as treasurer. The commission voted to accept the recommendation and install Jones and Jarrell as officers.
Blalock introduced Brent Stidham as the new BRPC Economic Development Director. Stidham began in the position in May. He informed the commission that the cities of Arbryd, Mo., and Puxico, Mo., have each been awarded a Rural Development Wastewater grant.