By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
Junction City Commissioners have voted 3-2 to allow the Chamber of Commerce to be a stand alone entity, the Economic Development Commission function to come under city oversight and the Military Affairs Council function to be under county oversight.
This is considered a proposal that still must be considered by the county commission so it is not final.
Commissioner Dick Pinaire made the motion. Commissioners Sam Yoskowitz and Kelly Niemczyk voted yes and commissioners Terry Butler and Pat Landes voted no. A couple of commissioners made it clear that this idea may not fly in the future. More discussion could occur. Before the vote Commissioner Niemczyk had wanted more discussion in executive session.
For years in Junction City before the current consolidated Chamber operation the Chamber of Commerce was a stand alone organization.
The EDC and MAC are jointly funded by both the city and county.
Chamber of Commerce leaders have recommended continuing with the current consolidated operation at least through 2027. The current Chamber of Commerce Master Agreement expires on Dec. 31 of this year.