Council discusses $74,000 economic development budget, HCEDP support and contract for John Taylor

Ryan reviewed options for the town's $74,000 economic development allocation, proposing a $25,000 contribution to the Hendricks County Economic Development Partnership (HCEDP) to support new director Jennifer's efforts and a 12‑month contract for John Taylor at $24,000 (roughly $2,000/month) to maintain key relationships and assist lead follow‑up.

Ryan said he was willing to continue contracting with Taylor to transition relationships but emphasized the need for a defined scope and measurable metrics. "If I bring you a contract for John, we'll establish some scope and and specifics and try to lay out what that would look like," he said. Council members pushed for performance measures (suggestions included assessing assessed valuation changes or business retention metrics), scope limits, and monthly caps if retained on an hourly basis. Several members also recommended asking HCEDP what reporting they can provide before increasing funding to them, and that the chamber's funding remain unchanged for now.

Ryan said staff would proceed to draft an agreement for Taylor with input from legal counsel and work with HCEDP to define metrics and request Jennifer attend future meetings to give updates.