By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

BAXTER SPRINGS, Kan. — The Baxter Springs City Council on Tuesday night allocated $5,000 to the Baxter Springs Chamber of Commerce for an executive director, noting that the city had less money in an economic-development fund than officials had thought.

Chamber President Dennis Burke said the chamber would work to hire an executive director with the money available.

At a meeting last month between the chamber and the council, council members told chamber members that they had about $19,000 in the economic-development fund. Councilman Larry Warner on Tuesday night said the amount is $6,984. He said the council hopes to include more money for the chamber director in the 2009 budget being developed.

The fund is financed by a property levy, whereas in previous years it had been financed by the cable-television fund. Mayor Huey York said the levy didn’t raise as much money as expected.

Councilman Ron Costlow said the council is trying not to increase property taxes in the new budget.

“We understand the situation,” Burke said. “We’re just thrilled to death to finally see this come about.”

The chamber proposal sought $40,000 from the city, including $25,000 for the director’s salary. The chamber would provide an office, Internet access, phone service and clerical support valued at about $15,000.

The chamber director would be responsible for recruiting new business and retaining existing business, according to previous discussion. The director also would represent the city in economic-development and tourism activities. Other duties would be managing a city and chamber Web site, and seeking grants.

Chamber board member Bert Kellum said other ideas have died when momentum faded. He said he doesn’t want that to happen this time.

“Look at this hard as an investment in the future and all that other rah-rah stuff,” Kellum said.

Councilman Gary Allen asked Burke if the $5,000 would be enough to hire a director, to which Burke answered, “No.” He said the chamber would make it work somehow.

“I think we can attract a qualified candidate,” Burke said outside the meeting. He said the cooperation between the chamber and the City Council is important.