Thomas County Economic Development Alliance reviews housing, mural plans

The Thomas County Economic Development Alliance reviewed projects involving housing, childcare, youth employment and public art during its Oct. 21 meeting at the Alliance office. Board Vice Chair Mike Woofter was absent.

The board approved the agenda and financial report.

The Alliance reviewed activity in the City of Colby sales tax fund, including a September payment of $4,907.60 for hangar construction. The report also listed a $132,689.56 payment to QMC for hangar construction and reimbursements of $116,442.45 and $19,924 added to the account.

During a discussion of current loans, Ron suggested recognizing businesses that repay their loans and remain in operation. He proposed public recognition and a plaque to mark the businesses’ accomplishments.

Executive Director Vernon Hurd noted that he had misstated the availability of county seed grants at the previous meeting. He has applied for $20,000 to support senior centers in Brewster and Rexford. The program is limited to communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer. Vernon said the funding could help the centers as the county has reduced support for senior centers.

Vernon also discussed efforts to expand public art in the region, including conversations about collaboration among the Alliance, museums and the state. He said public art can attract visitors to communities and contribute to local sales tax activity.

The Alliance is exploring ways to increase participation in its Nex-Gen Youth Intern Program. Under the program, Nex-Gen would cover most of an intern’s payroll costs, leaving participating businesses with a smaller share of salary and payroll expenses.

Vernon shared updates on childcare, including a conversation with Citizens Health about adapting and improving the community’s ability to care for children. He is exploring a cooperative arrangement with local businesses. He also said upcoming changes to childcare regulations could affect local capacity and require the city and county to reconsider policies for providers who may no longer need a license to operate. Vernon said the Alliance is also looking at ways to raise the profile of childcare providers and encourage more people to enter the field.

Housing remained a concern. Vernon said the XCEL housing project is working on a site in Colby and a separate project in Oakley. He also reported that an investor is considering redeveloping the former Ramada Inn or Quality Inn as apartments. Although the community has added 24 townhomes and 18 duplex units recently, Vernon said those developments have not resolved the housing shortage.

The former Red River property has been listed at $1.25 million after the value of used Sunflower Co. equipment was removed from the asking price. Vernon said he has four interested contacts and plans to provide a prospective developer with community information. One interested party is considering a business that could employ as many as 40 people, though discussions are ongoing.