Sep 22, 2023 By Brad Hundt staff Writer bhundt@observer-Reporter.Com 2 min read

By a 2-1 vote, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a contract Thursday with the county’s Chamber of Commerce to promote economic development that will run through the end of 2033.

The county has had a partnership with the chamber since 1999, and has been paying the organization $70,000 per year to advance economic development in the area. The new pact would double the amount the county pays to the chamber every year, bringing it to $140,000 this year and in 2024, with 3% annual increases for the next decade. Overall, the cost of the contract is $1.6 million, with an opt-out clause in 2028.

Commissioner Nick Sherman, was the dissenting vote. In a statement, he said the contract would “bind the hands of future boards for a significant number of years and tax dollars.”

Sherman added, “My vote was not to be adversarial or critical but rather constructive by attempting to raise awareness for change and improvement in the county’s policies and procedures. … I’m concerned about the long-term financial burden on the taxpayer and the fact that this contract does not hold anyone responsible if this is not a successful endeavor.”

Among other things, the contract requires the chamber’s president to have a seat on the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, meet with owners of potential new businesses and have comprehensive plans and updates.

Prior to the meeting, Commission Chairwoman Diana Irey Vaughan said the partnership, which increases the duties of the chamber, would “meet our needs and economic opportunities,” and is more cost-effective than a county economic development agency. Commissioner Larry Maggi also supported the contract, saying that the county has benefited from the lengthy relationship it has had with the chamber.