AROUND THE STATE The chairman of the Box Elder County Economic Development Board has defended the county's Economic Development office and its executive director, Robert Valentine, against recent criticisms of excessive spending.During a Box Elder County commission meeting on Tuesday, board chairman Jerry Mason responded to concerns about the cost of office furnishings and business meals that were voiced in a recent county budget hearing.
Mason said an attractive and functional office is necessary to reflect professionalism. Business dinners and lunches also serve to enhance Economic Development's image and cement relations.
Its latest dinner hosted six of the county's major manufacturers. Mason noted that other county businesses will be invited to similar dinners in the future.
Mason explained that the board reviews Economic Development expenditures monthly and has authorized major purchases while allowing Valentine to make decisions on day-to-day spending.
Denying allegations that the job was created specifically for Valentine, Mason explained that after the position was created, the county policy for filling such positions was followed, with several applicants interviewed.
The six-member volunteer board has established several committees to address specific aspects of county growth: A housing committee to look at ways to provide affordable housing to both current and new residents; a second committee to work with agricultural interests in the county to improve stability and profitability; a third committee to focus on the retirement community; and a fourth to look at attracting current suppliers for existing businesses.