In the News - October 2009
Collaborative grants, Census can provide local government safety nets
MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. - Collaboration in grants and accurate Census counts are
two ways local governments can build fiscal safety nets during tough economic
times, according to speakers at a recent economic development forum.
The Local Government Fiscal Crisis was held in Mountain Home on Sept.18,
hosted by North Central Arkansas Economic Development, or NCARED.
"We are in a crisis - with our economy and our country," stated Baxter County
Judge Joe Bodenhamer. "We are not feeling the effects as badly yet, but our
sales tax has started to level off, and our real estate sales are flat at best."
Mountain Home Mayor David L. Osmon echoed Bodenhamer’s observation. "Mountain
Home has not gone through much of a financial crisis, but for the first time, we
have had a reduction of our sales tax income."
Grants, while competitive, are one financial option for municipal and county
governments that see declines in sales taxes and other revenues due to a slow
economy.
"Hiring a grant writer could be a cost small communities could share," said
Wayne Miller, Ph.D., a professor-extension economist with the University of
Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The planning and development districts help
local governments with grant applications from government sources, but are not
able to assist with grant applications to foundations or charitable
organizations.
"Funders are looking for collaborative solutions - for regional projects that
address real issues," according to Roby Robertson, Ph.D., director of the
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Institute of Government. "Combining
economic development and local government needs across the region have real
merit.
"When you change the dynamic to this perspective, you will be more
pro-active," he said.
The decennial Census, to be conducted next year, provides local governments
another opportunity to prevent further economic erosion.
Van Thomas and Mike Norton, directors of the White River Planning and
Development District and Northwest Economic Development District, described the
Census as an important economic issue.
"For every 10 people that are not counted in your community or county, this
represents a loss of $1 million in government turnback funds over the next 10
years," said Thomas.
Suggestions that emerged from the forum include the importance of civic clubs
and churches in spreading the word about how the Census can help the community,
as well as encouraging everyone to complete the Census form.
The seminar was co-sponsored by the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture, the UALR Institute of Government, the Northwest Arkansas Economic
Development District, and the White River Planning and Development District.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture and offers its programs to all eligible persons
regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
October 2, 2009
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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