Jay County is dropping out of the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District.

And it’s not the only county to do so.

Jay County Commissioner Doug Inman said at Monday’s meeting that Henry County voted last week to terminate its membership.

“I heard Grant County’s considering it,” he added.

Commissioners heard a pitch from the planning organization earlier this month but indicated they were lukewarm about continued participation at a cost of about $6,600 a year.

“We did not budget for it,” said Inman.

The planning district focuses on “setting the stage” for economic development, seeking federal grants for such things as cleaning up brownfield industrial sites. It is not involved in marketing.

“We have our own grant writers we’re already paying,” said commissioner Chuck Huffman, noting that grant applications are currently being prepared by Jay County community developer Ami Huffman and emergency management agency director Ralph Frazee.

“I really don’t think it’s helping Jay County,” agreed commissioner Mike Leonhard. “I think we should drop out of it.”

The City of Portland continues to participate in the planning district.
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