The Haines Borough Assembly and Haines Chamber of Commerce are putting their heads together to discuss the municipality’s community and economic development director position.
Manager David Sosa met with the chamber board last week to discuss options including hiring a new borough employee to fill the job, contracting the position out or developing a public-private partnership.
Chamber executive director Debra Schnabel said the conversations were very preliminary, but that she is researching what other communities do. For example, Skagway has the Skagway Development Corporation, which has a borough-funded employee who answers to the independently-governed body.
“The director of the organization isn’t directed by the manager, but by a body of people who are elected to this private nonprofit governing board,” Schnabel said.
The assembly’s commerce committee will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, to discuss the options.
Former community and economic development director Bill Mandeville left in June after three months on the job. The position remains vacant and unadvertised.