Staff Writer
HOULTON — Houlton’s town council made another step toward economic development by hiring the services of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation (SADC). Members of the council had been in attendance during a workshop on the subject and during Monday night’s regular meeting, they moved forward to authorize the town manager to contract for SADC’s services despite protests heard from a member of the public.
“They’re a failed group that hasn’t done anything and they should produce before they get anything,” said Stan Ginish, who also resides as a member of the Shiretown Development Corporation.
Councilors felt that SADC had shown themselves to be a valuable entity in the town of Houlton, most recently as a support system for spearheading the continued operation of the town’s Maine Revenue Services office when it had been slated for closure. Members of the SADC had taken a leading role in challenging the state head-on, which resulted in the withdrawal of that closure request.
Town officials maintain that the group have proven themselves and need to be rewarded for their efforts.
“For the last two years, SADC has continued to supply support without compensation,” explained Town Manager Doug Hazlett. “This is not a grant. It’s a pay-for-services.”
District 8 Rep. Richard Cleary came to SADC’s defense. Cleary serves on the legislative board for economic development and he echoed Hazlett’s remarks, telling the council that the SADC plays a valuable part in the efforts of economic development.
“Economic development is a process,” said Rep. Cleary. “This group has done a fantastic job.”
The contract with SADC’s Executive Director Jon McLaughlin is based on a month-to-month agreement, which can be cancelled within 30 days. Hazlett told councilors that it’s a pay-for-work job, which means, no work, no pay. Hazlett also requested that a monthly report be presented by SADC, as well as a quarterly reports to the council. Payment for services includes a cap of $2,000 per month, which can be amended if either parties feels the amount is too much or not enough, based on how many hours are worked.
Councilors did show their support for the contract, saying that it was time that the group was recognized for the work that they have been doing on behalf of the town.
“They do a lot more than people think,” said Councilor Carl Lord. “ I know that because I go to their meetings. I do know that Jon puts in a lot of time. I think it’s time that we stepped forward and paid them for their services.
“You don’t get nothing for free,” he said.
Councilor Paul Romanelli said he was willing to “get back on board” with the group and support their efforts.
The SADC had essentially been cut off the financial books of the town more than two years ago after that council decided that the group was not producing measurable results. The town had hired Brian Hamel, who had helped re-develop the former Loring Air Force Base in Limestone and who also worked for the town of Houlton and Madison as an economic development consultant. Hamel was hired last year, and his contract was renewed this summer, at an increased wage of $4,000 per month, for another year, however, that contract was discontinued.
Councilor Jerry Adams was on the council that had hired Hamel and also had a hand in terminating funding for SADC in the past and he acknowledged that he has had a change of heart toward the economic development firm.
“I’m willing to give them a second chance,” he said. “The turning point for me was accountability.”
