The top official with the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is seeking support for a proposed Missouri Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) which could help attract new businesses and manufacturers to the Warren County area. EEZ zones must be certified by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).Steve Etcher, BRPC executive director, outlined the plan for the Warrenton Board of Aldermen Tuesday evening. Referring to the recent success of the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council (GWCEDC) attracting the CertainTeed shingle manufacturing firm to the area, Etcher noted that one tool communities can utilize to attract more businesses is the EEZ designation. “This is a state income tax credit program for businesses to encourage business growth and expansion,” Etcher explained. The designation allows businesses within the designated area to apply for tax credits, he added. The program can be utilized either by firms locating to the area or by companies seeking to expand. The proposed EEZ, as outlined by Etcher, extends from the Montgomery-Warren County line to the eastern city limits of Wright City along the Interstate 70 corridor. The area in question qualifies based on 2000 census data with regard to income level, poverty and unemployment. However, Etcher stressed there is a narrow window of opportunity to establish the EEZ, because under 2010 census data, the county will not qualify. “We will be getting 2010 census information in the near future,” Etcher stated.“We have a small time line we have to hit,” he added. “The way the qualifying factors came together, we have to do this now.”

County Takes Lead Etcher said Warren County would serve as the lead government entity on the project, but noted that all entities within the proposed EEZ must agree to participate. Once all government entities agree to participate, a seven-member board must be named, which would include one individual representing all school districts in the EEZ, one person serving as a representative of all taxing authorities and five members who would be named by the county commission. Etcher said the county has invited Warrenton, Truesdale and Wright City to choose delegates, noting that chosen representatives cannot be elected officials. There also would be a representative of the GWCEDC and a private citizen with a business already located within the proposed EEZ. Once the board is named, that group would develop policy guidelines and make a recommendation to all entities within the designated geographical area.But Etcher noted that each entity would have to adopt ordinances agreeing to participate. Without 100 percent participation, the plan would fall apart, he said.

Concerns “This is very new to us,” remarked Ward 1 Alderman John Cornell. “If we’re going to be looking at a May 1 deadline, it’s going to be difficult to digest this.” After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Jerry Dyer polled the board and members agreed to schedule a work session next Thursday, April 25, to meet with Etcher again and go over the proposal in greater detail.