The Warrenton Board of Alderman voted to increase its annual contribution to the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC) Tuesday evening. The board voted 4-1 to allocate a total of $11,000 to the regional economic development group — an increase of $1,000 over last year — to offset the cost of mandated accounting procedures.Warrenton gave the GWCEDC $10,000 last year with the stipulation that the GWCEDC submit to accounting procedures to make sure tax dollars are being spent appropriately. Director of Operations/Finance Officer Terri Thorn said she was not sure if other members of the GWCEDC — Truesdale, Wright City, Jonesburg, the Warren County Commission, the R-II and R-III school districts — require similar accounting procedures.The GWCEDC is comprised of five local governments, two school districts, three chambers of commerce and more than 60 area businesses.The cost of the audit, according to Alderman John Cornell, is between $1,000 and $2,000. Cornell said it is only fair for the city of Warrenton to increase its contribution by $1,000 to offset the cost of the accounting procedures.Mayor Jerry Dyer said he was perplexed why the other entities did not require auditing procedures from the GWCEDC. Warrenton’s auditor recommended that the city ask for the check to safeguard taxpayer dollars.Alderman Gary Auch, the lone no vote, was hesitant to give the GWCEDC half of the cost of the accounting procedures back. “Other organizations do good work in the community too,” he said.Said Auch: “They are not even here to request the increase.”Auch added that he supported the activities of the economic council, but wanted the board of aldermen to figure out what the standards are for requiring audits of organizations.Alderwoman Karen Casserly said she would like to see financial reports from the GWCEDC. “I want to be able to go to my constituents and say this is what we are getting for our $10,000,” she said.Dyer said the GWCEDC has already brought CertainTeed to the area, and was able to find a building for H.T. Hackney Company, which was looking to locate in Warrenton.After some discussion the board renewed Warrenton’s agreement with the GWCEDC and increased funding by $1,000 with the stipulation that the GWCEDC provide year-ending financial statements to the city. The board also approved a resolution of support for the city of Truesdale and the efforts of its officals to have its 63380 ZIP code reinstated and a request from Mercy’s Hope, an organization that provides basic care needs to orphans in Kenya, for its second “Be the Hope” 5K Walk/Run, at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at Binkley Park.The board also approved a support letter to the city of Truesdale in its attempt to have its former zip code reinstated. The board also approved request by Gene Cornell to hold a Mizzou—Georgia football tailgate party in Dyer Park on Oct. 2, with extended hours until 11 p.m.The party would be by invitation, however, Cornell said he would not turn anyone away. The board of aldermen also presented Ashley Brauer, 2013 Missouri State Fair queen, with a proclamation honoring her for her accomplishments.Board Votes to Offset Cost of EDC's Accounting Procedures