SHELBY – Economic development in Shelby took a big step forward on Monday with Shelby City Council approving a new economic development coordinator position.
Council unanimously approved an agreement with Shelby’s Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) to obtain an economic development liaison/coordinator in partnership with the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce and the Richland Community Development Group (RCDG). The idea of bringing an economic development director back to Shelby was first introduced to council in July 2017.
Dr. Greg Timberlake, president of Shelby CIC and dean of North Central State College, said the CIC has been very appreciative of the dialogue between the city, the Chamber and RCDG throughout the process.
“It’s pretty exciting to us that we’re moving forward,” Timberlake said. “I am personally committed to seeing that this position and these dollars actually do achieve the goals, and will move quickly and expediently if there are indicators that things are not working.”
In 2017 Shelby’s CIC partnered with the Montrose Group, an economic development planning service, after realizing the lack of economic development in Shelby was the most tangible opportunity for improvement in the city. The Montrose Group was hired for $25,000 through an economic development line item in the city’s budget.
An economic development study created by the Montrose Group stated, “the city of Shelby should encourage the revitalization of its downtown rebuilding its urban core and attracting a new, younger generation back to Shelby.” Timberlake said the duties of an economic development coordinator would include expansion and retention of existing businesses, attraction of new businesses, downtown enhancement and development, and new start-up support.
The agreement states the city of Shelby will contribute $35,000 yearly towards the new position, with financial contributions also coming from CIC and the Shelby Foundation. The position will work out of Shelby’s City Hall offices 80 percent of the time, and with the offices of the Richland Community Development Group the other 20 percent of the time.
According to Timberlake, the position has been advertised for and applications are already being accepted. He hopes the position will be filled later this summer.
In other news, Shelby Council also unanimously approved legislation that would restructure the leadership positions within the Shelby Police Department.
Currently the Shelby Police Department has three captain positions and two sergeants; the legislation will change police leadership to two captains and three sergeants. However, the changes do not mean demotions.
“I won’t willingly participate in something that eliminated positions,” said Shelby Police Chief Lance Combs at council’s May 7 meeting. “I have no desire to eliminate anybody’s position or reduce anybody’s income as a part of this process.”
Long-term, the goal of the police department is to change leadership structure once again to one captain and four sergeants. However, Combs emphasized that change would only be made through attrition over time, and probably not for at least another 8 years.
The Shelby Police Department currently has two active captains, Dave Mack and Eric Rath. The third captain’s position is vacant.
