Ric EbersoleA former Chattanooga Industrial Development Board chairman says the City Council’s recent move to take more responsibility for the development board doesn’t go far enough.
The council voted this week to take full control of the IDB appointment process, cutting out the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and nixing what council members called a conflict of interest.
The council action follows two lawsuits against the IDB over a tax increment financing deal it approved for a developer on Aetna Mountain and ahead of appointments for four open seats on the seven-member IDB.
Chairman Ric Ebersole retired, one member quit after it was revealed he didn’t live in Chattanooga and wasn’t eligible to serve on the board, and two other members’ terms have expired.
According to the IDB’s amended charter, the City Council is to elect its members, although historically membership has been recommended by the Chamber or nominated by the mayor’s office and approved by the council.