Town hopes to get state grant

By Jim Rudisill | Thursday, June 28, 2007

COLUMBUS JCT., Iowa — Columbus Junction Mayor Dan Wilson is hoping to leverage a $14,000 state grant with up to $20,000 in local funds to create a marketing and cultural coordinator position for the community.

Wilson presented his proposal to the City Council on Wednesday night. According to his plan, the position would work with local volunteers to boost existing tourism and economic development programs and also launch new initiatives

“The focus will be on maximizing our assets and networking the various organizations and volunteers to accomplish our goals,” he said.

Wilson said the coordinator would be a contracted employee and not a regular city staff person. He said the local funds could come from the 1 percent local option sales tax that was approved by voters last year. Under that referendum, half of the money was to go for a new county jail while the rest would be used by the city for its own programs.

The council agreed to accept the concept of the proposal and establish a board of directors to supervise the position. However, final approval was postponed until a preliminary budget is presented.

In other action, the council agreed to hire Heuer Construction for street repair work on 2nd Street. The council also agreed to consider a request from Fred and Mary Brune, owners of Rumors and Excuses Pub, to host an Aug. 18 street dance.

— Jim Rudisill