Chuck Ray represented the Bourbon Economic Development Group (BEDG) and made a request to the Bourbon Board of Aldermen on Nov. 25 to use Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) credits for funding to build the welcome center.

Ray gave a brief update on the progress of the welcome center.

“We’re pleased to share that the project continues with momentum in financial support,” said Ray. “New developments include a recently received $10,000 grant from Crawford County Impact 100, which is specifically designated for the development of a dog-friendly walking trail.” 

BEDG’s intent with the welcome center is to engage community members.

“We have received approximately $2,500 of public donations,” said Ray. “This early success, we believe, demonstrates the widespread enthusiasm for the project within the community.”

Ray made a request to the board on behalf of the BEGG to the board for continued support for the welcome center and the use of MRPC credits.

“The MRPC is the Meramec Regional Planning Commission in St. James. They helped Mayor David (Lafferty) close the deal on our new main street his first six months in office,” said Ray to the citizens in attendance. 

“As we transition into the next critical phase, we formally request to continue our partnership with the city of Bourbon. Our combined efforts are vital to the successful completion of this important community initiative,” said Ray. “Furthermore, we request permission to utilize the city’s existing credits with MRPC. We intend to use those credits to offset the $2,000 cost associated with Kelly Sink (MRPC) writing a neighborhood assistance program tax credit application for the welcome center,” said Ray. “We’re asking to use the city’s credits to pay the MRPC to write the application for the NAP’s credits. The monies received from the NAP tax credits would be used to offset the $6500 engineering fee, along with their work, for a total of $10,000.”

Aldermen were open to the discussion.

“How many of our MRPC credit hours does she anticipate?” asked Alderman Mary Heywood.

Ray had a number ready.

“20 hours for the NAP and 30 hours for the CBDG, but right now all we’re saying is to use the 20,” said Ray.

One alderman was in support of donating the credits.

“This would be a great use of our credits,” said Brine.

She made a motion to approve the use of MRPC credits for the BEDG, and it passed with a 3-0 vote.

In other business, the board approved with a 3-0 vote to give city employees a $250 bonus each for their services.