PORT ANGELES — Clallam County’s newest commissioner has asked for a progress report from the Economic Development Corp. so taxpayers know what they’re getting for their dollar.
Mark Ozias, a first-year commissioner from Sequim, also encouraged Clallam County EDC officials to agree on a set of metrics to measure the success of the nonprofit organization that helps local businesses.
The metrics would be built into a one-year contract.
Report suggested
Ozias also suggested Monday that the EDC deliver a report to the board of county commissioners in September.
“As you know, I’m interested in continuing to support the EDC,” Ozias told EDC Executive Director Bill Greenwood in a board work session.
“I, however, want to do that in a way that helps county taxpayers understand what they’re getting for that investment.”
Because Commissioner Bill Peach was absent, Ozias and board Chairman Mike Chapman agreed to delay a decision on whether to renew a $150,000, one-year contract with the EDC.
The full board will vote on renewing a contract on a date to be determined.
Ozias said he reviewed the EDC’s strategic plan for 2014 to 2018 and proposed a series of metrics “to help us understand what’s being accomplished.”
Series of metrics
Specifically, he requested an update on the EDC’s progress toward meeting its four strategic objectives: no net loss of private-sector jobs between 2010 and 2020, 95 percent of working-age citizens with a job or seeking work, and median wages and median household income 4 percent above the Consumer Price Index.
Ozias also requested data on the EDC’s goals and main program areas of business retention and business recruitment.
“I would like to develop a contract, and I would like to ask that you report back to us on your progress,” he said.
“I’m not looking to put targets in there. I’m not looking to put in numbers that I expect to be met. I’m just interested in knowing that you are focused on tracking your work and that you’re able to report it accurately.”
Ozias invited EDC officials to suggest other metrics to measure success.
Tracking outcomes
Greenwood said he supported Ozias’ commitment to tracking outcomes.
“The top line, and bottom line, actually, are that we agree with you and we’re happy to do that,” Greenwood said of Ozias’ request.
Greenwood added that the EDC has already had success in business retention and recruitment since he was hired in March 2014.
“Other public partners and private-sector partners have praised us to the skies,” Greenwood said.
“So does that mean anything is a question I have for you.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Ozias replied.
“Yes, it does.”
Clallam County has budgeted $150,000 this year from its Opportunity Fund to continue supporting the EDC.
Last year, the EDC doubled its staff from 1.5 to 3 thanks in large part to the $150,000 it received from the county’s general fund.
Chapman, Peach and former Commissioner Jim McEntire agreed in March 2015 to consider annual contracts with the EDC for 2016 and 2017.
“I’m very cognizant of the commitment that this board made to your organization last year,” Ozias said.
“You’ve been building plans, building staff based on that commitment. I very much appreciate that, which is why I’m trying to find a way that we can keep moving forward based on that commitment.”
Commissioners have not yet decided whether a $150,000 grant to the EDC for 2016 would come from the general fund or sales tax-supported Opportunity Fund, which can be used for infrastructure or personnel economic development offices.
Ensure transparency
Either way, Chapman said, a public hearing would ensure transparency.
“Let’s be honest: If it wasn’t for county funding, I doubt if your organization would exist much longer,” Chapman told Greenwood and other EDC officials.
“We’re the ones that are front and center with the public. The public are the ones asking us why are we funding you.
“We have to have a partnership, and we have to have it open and transparent so the public knows what it is we’re doing,” Chapman added.
“I think that that’s what Mark has brought to the table.”
Chapman thanked Ozias for taking the lead on the issue.
“I care about this, and I want you guys to be successful,” Ozias told Greenwood.
“A fine next step would be for you to come back and say ‘We understand what you’re getting at; here’s how we think we can do that.’ Then we can put the contract together and we can move forward.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.