ELY- The Ely Economic Development Authority (EEDA) set its preliminary 2024 levy at approximately $39,000 here on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and approved its 2024 budget at the same time.
Ely clerk-treasurer Harold Langowski explained that the EEDA receives revenues in addition to its levy from the rents from the city’s building in the Ely Business Park at Miners Drive. “Those rents go to support the EEDA,” Langowski said. While the EEDA has sound financials, the loss of the city’s former travel agency tenant has impacted EEDA’s funding. While renting to the film company this spring worked out well and put money into the EEDA coffers, the EEDA’s budget would be improved by finding a new long-term tenant, he said.
In other action, the EEDA:
• Voted to accept the written report from the EEDA’s economic consultant, John Fedo, who was absent.
• Heard a report from Langowski, who commented on EEDA priorities. He said that the city’s three projects are actively involved in the bidding or planning stages. The Trailhead Development project is currently out for bid, with responses due by Sept. 14. Langowski said that site work could begin this fall, weather permitting.
Langowski also noted that the workforce housing project was sent out for bids earlier in August. The third project EEDA is following is the “funding and feasibility of the proposed Ely Regional Community Complex,” which is the facility the city transferred to the Ely Area Community Foundation (EACF).
• Heard the report that the city’s Spaulding lots were selling well.
Heard the report that the city will be pursuing grant funds for further business corridor funding for downtown Ely and for building more recreation trails in the Ely area.
• Heard a report regarding the shortage of childcare in Ely and the potential childcare facility projected for the EACF building. “We’re keeping an eye on this, to see where we can help,” said Langowksi.
• Approved a resolution for the EEDA to apply and accept funds from the 2023 U.S. Economic Development Administration partnership grant program.
• Approved paying the EEDA June bills for $118,916.