City Council Meeting 02 23 09

Small Business Center, University Extension Make Budget Requests
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009, C-T

The University Extension in Livingston County and the Small Business and Technology Development Center in Chillicothe presented their budget requests to city officials during the regular Chillicothe City Council meeting Monday night at City Hall. After hearing the requests along with annual reports by both entities, the council chose to delay action, pending a prediction on anticipated sales tax revenues for the 2009-10 budget year. The city’s budget year begins April 1.

The council had planned to consider a service contract with Chillicothe Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce during their meeting Monday night, but approved moving discussions until the March 9 regular council meeting.

The city is starting to delve into the budget process to prepare for the new fiscal year which begins April 1. City staff will be meeting with department managers tomorrow (Wednesday) to review their budget requests and budget workshops have been set for March 16 and March 23. A budget proposal is anticipated to be given to council members in early March.

Steve Holt, director of the Small Business & Technology Development Center (formerly known as the Small Business Development Center), has asked the city to support the center’s efforts with $7,500, the same amount as was budgeted last year. He said the primary responsibility of the center is to help individuals start businesses and to help existing businesses solve their business problems. In addition, the center provides a wide variety of training for start-ups and existing businesses. The services offered are provided on a free and confidential basis. Northwest Missouri State University has been part of the statewide SBTDC network since 1985 and the Chillicothe center has been open since 1995. Funding sources include the Small Business Administration, Northwest Missouri State University and, locally, the city of Chillicothe. Holt said that the Chillicothe center, on average, consults with around 62 clients annually. In fiscal year 2008, services provided by the center resulted in sales increases of $2.3 million, investments of $338,000, 14 new jobs created and three jobs retained. Training was provided to 152 individuals. Holt said that a highlight of the year was the Third Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Conference held in Chillicothe which was attended by 125 students from five counties and seven schools.

In addressing University Extension-related issues, county program director Kevin Hansen provided an overview of services offered through the extension office. “We strive to provide lifelong educational needs and address high priority needs of the public through adult education classes, 4-H youth programs and target a variety of interests from agriculture to human development and to nutrition,” Hansen said. He said one of the organization’s highlights from the past year was its highest 4-H youth enrollment in years. “We have over 350 youth enrolled in numerous 4-H clubs around the county,” he said. “Over half of those participants come from within the city.” In addition, the extension’s business specialist reports that he had served 76 people and their companies with business start-up and management counseling, training and other assistance. Furthermore, Hansen stated, entrepreneurs and business owners in Livingston County reported the following economic impact and activity as a result of the services provided by the MU Extension Business Development Program: 13 new jobs, $1,195,701 in sales increases, $8,358 in government contracts, and one new business.

Wright Named New Fire Chief
Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009, C-T

CAPTION: Darrell Wright was hired Monday night as the permanent fire chief/director of emergency services.

C-T File Photo

Darrell Wright, who has been serving as interim fire chief since Dec. 1, was hired Monday night as the permanent fire chief/director of emergency services. Action was taken during executive session Monday night following the regular city council meeting at City Hall.

Wright is a 25-year employee of the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services. Originally from Carrollton, Wright brings to the position a wealth of training and experience, according to City Administrator Dean Brookshier, who recommended Wright for the position. In addition to being a firefighter/paramedic, Wright has also been a firefighter/emergency medical instructor since 1991 at Grand River Technical School in Chillicothe.

“I am very pleased to have Darrell Wright in this position,” Brookshier said. “His professional training, his great leadership skills, and his extensive contacts will serve the city of Chillicothe well. In addition, his tremendous ability to write and secure grants in excess of $380,000, plus obtaining a command trailer for the Department of Emergency Services is to be commended.”

At the time Wright was named interim chief, two individuals were promoted to join Kevin Hoskins as assistant chiefs: Joe Darr and Eric Reeter. Each will continue in these capacities, Brookshier said.