Efforts ongoing to lure new business to Butler

Work is advancing quickly at what will be the Hertzog Meat Company retail location on west 52 highway in Butler. The project includes a 10 year, zero percent interest loan according to John Roberts with the MarksNelson company that is helping Butler with economic development

During the regular meeting of the Butler city council on Tuesday, John Roberts with MarksNelson, a business advisory service that provides economic development strategies retained by the city, gave a report on the search to bring new businesses to town.

Roberts said that there is a lot of potential opportunity to lure new businesses but the process is multi faceted, requiring a bit more action on behalf of the city however, the good news is that there are a few that are taking a good hard look at Butler.

Those interested are mostly manufacturing type facilities that will require a partnership with other entities such as Osage Valley Electric Coop also the railroad, and he said that as of this time all are on the same page and things are moving forward. 

Good news included the fact that a zero percent, 10 year loan has been greenlighted that will provide the Hertzog Meat Company a significant savings in terms of finance charges as they continue to revamp the former Walmart building into a retail meat sales location. The loan is in conjunction with Osage Valley, whom has been a big advocate of this and other projects related to the city of Butler.

Roberts went on to say that his firm has also been working with the Bates County Commission to establish an EEZ (Enhanced Enterprise Zone) board which will oversee local programs providing tax incentives, such as property tax abatement, to businesses that create jobs and invest within designated geographic areas in Butler and Bates county in general.

In closing, councilman Scott Mallatt did ask Roberts if his company could help bring some type of convenience store back to downtown Butler. Roberts said that their (MarksNelson) primary goal would be businesses of a larger scale (manufacturing) and that will require further research to fully understand why Casey's closed the stores in the first place.

Roberts also noted that his company will be providing an annual report to the city that will detail progress so far.

In other council news, it was noted that fuel is again for sale at the Butler airport following several technical delays regarding accepting credit cards. 

Mayor Jim Henry said that progress continued regarding promotion of the Jefferson Highway through Butler. As soon as right-of-way arrangements are made, we'll be seeing more signs around the area. Also, the 'green space' on the southeast corner of the square is coming along nicely and sidewalk replacement next to it should be completed soon.

Henry also said that the search continues for a city administrator and update is expected during the October 7 meeting. 

In upcoming sessions discussions will be held about annexation of the Schubert property that the city purchased last year. Following the annexation more discussions will held regarding exact use of the property which will include zoning for industrial development.

It was announced that Scooter's Coffee has broken ground for their new retail location located just west of Burger King and although a completion date has not been announced, it is guessed construction could take 2-3 months.

Remember the Butler city council meets on the first and third Tuesdays, 7pm, upstairs at city hall. An elevator is available for those with special needs. The public is highly encouraged to attend.