Othello funds economic council

Newly formed group to benefit Adams County

OTHELLO - The Othello City Council approved to partially fund the newly created Adams County Development Council (ACDC) during a Monday night meeting.

ACDC Chair Stephen McFadden requested $3,170 from the council. The request is based on 50 cents per person living in Othello.

"This is a brand-new entity," McFadden said. "It's been a long road in the formation of this entity."

The purpose of the development council is to promote economic growth throughout Adams County, he said. The development council has 21 members with representation from Hatton, Lind, Othello, Ritzville and Washtucna.

McFadden said the development council was incorporated in the State of Washington in August and is in the process of obtaining non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

He said the development council is endorsed by the Adams County Board of Commissioners.

Councilmember Marc Spohr said the council financially supported the Adams County Economic Development Council, (ADEDC) a different entity, in the past without successful returns. He said the council made a request several months ago to get some of the funding back due to the lack of performance and did not get a response back.

McFadden asked Spohr to view the newly formed development council as a new beginning for development.

Spohr said he would not support the new entity unless he was provided with goals and other related information in writing to feel more comfortable with the decision.

"I'm the skeptic on the board here," he said.

McFadden said the information would be provided in the future and the development council will work to earn the council's trust.

Mayor Shannon McKay said he encourages council to support the development group.

Councilmember Eleanor Brodahl said she wanted to wait on the decision to see if the City of Ritzville decides to fund the entity.

"Ritzville has never paid (their dues)," she said.

Brodahl serves the ADEDC and wants to see a commitment from Ritzville to the new entity because she claims they did not support the previous development council.

McFadden said the City of Ritzville appears to support the new entity and has funding allocated as a line item in their budget but have not approved providing the funds.

"I think the City of Othello is a leader, not a follower," McKay said.

He said the city should not wait and see what the City of Ritzville decides to do.

"We're leaders, let's go," Councilmember Ken Caylor agreed.

Councilmember Dale Wyman said the new development council is a step forward for the city.

He moved to approve funding for the entity. Caylor seconded the motion.

The motion passed with a 5-1 vote.

Spohr voted against the motion.

Councilmember Kathy Carlton was absent from the meeting.