Panels look at shared services funding percentages

Options for each entity's contribution to library, tourism efforts, town trolley and EDA weighed

By Kim Walter -- kwalter@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- Though nothing has been formally decided, town and county officials are moving forward in making decisions concerning funding for the Economic Development Authority, Samuels Public Library and tourism.

Thursday night's Town and County Liaison Committee meeting brought officials from the EDA and library together and gave them a chance to openly discuss old and new business.
The town had originally asked the county to consider taking over full funding for the library, and partial funding for tourism efforts and the town trolley. Currently, the county funds 88 percent of the library, while the town covers the remaining 12 percent.

Town Attorney Doug Napier says that the drafting of a memorandum of understanding is almost complete. It states that the county would pick up the remaining 12 percent of funding over the next two fiscal years, taking over 6 percent each year.

In the past, county officials were more hesitant to commit to the tourism and trolley funding. Consequently, at a Town Council work session late last year, a council member suggested that instead, the county consider taking over operational funding of the EDA, according to Mayor Timothy Darr.

Warren County Administrator Doug Stanley asked if this idea was something to move forward with, or if they needed to "go back to the original discussion."

"Not to speak for council, but I think we're willing to entertain the idea," Town Manager Steve Burke said. He added that council needed to discuss it further to "craft a response."

In other matters, the committee discussed:

• That in the next couple weeks, the town, county and EDA would like to look at beginning the process of marketing the McKay Property.

• The possibility of implementing "tourism zones" throughout the town and county, which would create tax, fee and permit incentives for new and existing businesses.

• An invitation from the town for the county to be included in the next Business Forum.