Olney EDC adopts bylaws

The Olney Economic Development Corporation adopted new bylaws that clear the way for Olney Mayor Pro Tem Tom Parker to serve as EDC executive director.

Olney voters approved a measure in May to replace the Olney Industrial Development Corporation with the EDC, which is funded by local sales tax.

The OIDC sought to expand the group’s mission by switching to a Type B, which will allow the EDC to invest in “quality of life” projects in the community, such as the municipal swimming pool, housing, and retail.

The EDC board elected its officers at its Aug. 31 meeting, choosing Johnny Moore as president, Ron Rogers as Vice President and Rick Turner as Secretary-Treasurer.

The board rejected a proposal by Mr. Moore to bar city councilmembers and city employees from serving as EDC directors or executive director.

Mr. Moore described as a “conflict of interest” the OIDC board’s proposal that Mr. Parker serve as both EDC director and mayor pro tem.

“We gave Tom the green light in the hiring process that he could do both,” said Mr. Rogers, who serves on both boards until the OIDC is disbanded later this year.

Board member Phil Jeske said he served as Olney mayor and OIDC director for six years, noting that Mr. Parker can recuse himself from Council matters involving the EDC to avoid a conflict of interst.

“You’ve got to get 12 people [City Council and EDC directors] to do something nefarious and the odds of that are remote,” Mr. Jeske said.

Assistant City Attorney Dan Branum said state law does not prohibits councilmembers from serving on EDC boards, and in fact some cities place multiple councilmembers on their boards.

Director Franklin Fischer supported allowing councilmembers on the EDC board. “We need to use the talent that we’ve got ... and not tie our hands behind our backs,” he said.

The City Council must approve Mr. Parker’s hiring as EDC director, as well as its bylaws.