TIPTON — The impasse over the future of economic development in Tipton County could lead to the creation of two separate entities.
The dispute between Tipton Mayor Dan Delph and Tipton County commissioners revolves around the contract of Gayle Van Sessen, director of economic development.
At their meeting Tuesday, members of the Tipton County Council urged both sides to reach an agreement in order to maintain a joint operation between the city and county.
Delph and the commissioners attended the meeting but Van Sessen did not.
The agreement between the two entities expires on Friday. As part of that agreement, the city provided $50,000 per year while the county contributed $65,000.
Delph has repeatedly indicated he would not renew the contract as long as Van Sessen is the director, saying the problem is the quality of her work. Her contract expires May 31. Delph said the city is considering a part-time director to oversee its economic development efforts.
Though she said an answer wasn’t needed immediately, county council member Beth Roach said Delph needed to formalize his position.
Outgoing Commissioner Kenny Zigler doesn’t feel the same. He said an answer from Delph is needed now, arguing county officials need to know if the city will work with the county on a short- and long-term solution.
Council President Brad Nichols said if the city doesn’t renew the agreement, the county has to go in its own direction.
If that happens, the county council would need to provide funding for the entire year, meaning an appropriation of $85,000. Commissioner Mike Cline asked if the council was willing to do that.
Roach argued for maintaining a joint operation.
“The community is too small for two separate economic development groups,” she said. “Pull all the ideas together and determine what works best for the community.”
Nichols said he believes the commissioners and mayor could have a good economic development program, provided there is funding from the council.
During a lengthy discussion, commissioners and council members debated how much would be needed to cover costs if the city discontinued the agreement.
Attending her first council meeting, resident Brenda Pore said there were no positives to take from the discussions.
“Just bickering and finger-pointing,” she said. “Don’t get to a solution. Get together as one to make the city and county better.”