OTTAWA — Williamsburg city council member Gene Hirt criticized county commissioners Wednesday for their intention to raise the budget for the Franklin County Development Council for next year. The council, formerly Ottawa-Franklin County Economic Development, had sought a $10,000 increase in the county’s contribution, to be used to help hire a new economic development, to do a market study and to ramp up business recruitment efforts. Most commissioners agree with the request, but Commission Chair David Hood has been opposed, saying he’s skeptical that the extra contribution would pay off. Hirt said the commission is ignoring other agencies that are just as important, such as Meals on Wheels and the Franklin County Elder Services bus network.
Thursday, July 19, 4 p.m.
