August 24, 2021 |
The new director of the Carbon County Economic Development Corporation found open minds, but no financial commitment from the Saratoga Town Council Last week. Yvonne Johnson appeared before town council to request that the town renew its membership at the investment level of $5,000 per year. The governing body declined to renew its membership amid the town’s financial uncertainties. Johnson was named director of the corporation around that time so the organization was also experiencing some flux. Councilman John Nelson opened the discussion, saying that while he thought the organization was moving in the right direction he still had reservations about the cost benefit to Saratoga from committing to making the annual investment.
Johnson responded saying she is not unfamiliar with the councilman’s concerns. She said she has traveled more than 10,000 miles across Carbon County since taking over the director’s job a year ago. Johnson said in her one-on-one meetings with mayors across the county, she has heard the same criticism expressed.
Johnson’s predecessor devoted much of her time and energy courting wind energy companies, both recruiting them and fighting their political battles in the legislature over increased production taxes. Johnson said her focus is different. She wants local entrepreneurs to see the Economic Development Corporation as a resource for small startups, providing everything from help with developing a business plan to securing funding.
Johnson said the change of focus means that CCEDC is a different organization than it was a year ago. She told council that she could not share details at this time, but she is working with five different startups in Saratoga. She also said Saratoga is the only community in Carbon County that is not a member at the investment level.
The mayor and council members expressed their appreciation for Johnson’s efforts and said they would review the materials Johnson left with them and consider rejoining at a later date.
Pictured above: File photo of Saratoga Town Hall. Photo by Emma Diercks/Bigfoot 99.
