Council Allows Members to Serve on OEDC Board

The Olney City Council voted June 8 to amend the bylaws of the Olney Economic Development Corporation while preserving a provision allowing up to two city council members to serve on the OEDC board.

The issue emerged during a review of proposed bylaw revisions submitted by the OEDC. One draft change would have prohibited city council members from serving on the economic development board, replacing language that currently allows up to two council members to hold seats. After discussion, council members opted to keep the existing language intact.

City Attorney Dan Branum told the council the original bylaws permitted up to two city council members to serve on the board and noted that state law would allow even more, although Olney’s bylaws have always imposed a stricter limit. He said the proposed revision would have reduced that number to zero.

OEDC Executive Director Tom Parker said the recommendation grew out of broader discussions about staffing local boards and commissions and the challenge of finding volunteers willing to serve.

“We should open this up to people,” Mr. Parker said, explaining that the intent was to encourage participation from community members already involved in economic development projects and other civic organizations.

Council members, however, questioned whether eliminating the option would unnecessarily limit future councils.

City Administrator Andy Wolff argued that having a council representative on an economic development board can sometimes improve communication and coordination between the two entities.

“I’ve also seen EDC boards that do not work well with councils because they don’t communicate at all,” Mr. Wolff said. “Sometimes having councilmen on there is good just for relationships.”

Council members ultimately agreed that retaining the current language would provide flexibility without requiring any council member to serve on the board.

“There’s no downside to leaving it in at two,” Mr. Wolff said during the discussion.

In addition to preserving the board membership provision, the council approved amendments requiring OEDC board members to provide proof of required public training to the city secretary and clarifying that the corporation’s annual budget must be presented to the council for approval.

The revised bylaws were approved unanimously.

Later in the week, the OEDC board elected its officers for the 2026-27 year. The board selected Johnny Moore as president, Kyle Hinson as vice president, Rick Turner as secretary, and Phil Jeske as treasurer.

The OEDC oversees economic development projects and incentives for the city, including downtown redevelopment efforts, business recruitment initiatives, and several projects currently underway across Olney.