OTTAWA — The first of a series of four public hearings on a county strategic plan was Tuesday night. The meeting attracted about 25 people but they were all government and business officials, said Tom Weigand, president of Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and who helped organize the hearing. It’s important to attract the public, even those who might be critics, he said. In the past, public comments have spurred important changes including better fire protection, a county administrator, and water improvements. At Tuesday’s meeting, suggestions include more investment for economic develop, creating better jobs and closer cooperation with Ottawa University and Neosho County Community College. There will be meetings in Pomona and Wellsville next week and another meeting in Ottawa in two weeks. The county must rewrite its strategic plan once every three years to keep special economic development incentives and economic tax breaks.
Thursday, Oct. 13, 2 p.m.
