The past few weeks, the DeWitt County Board has been going through special budget sessions in hopes of getting a feel for how the budgeting process works and getting everyone on the same page.

Last year, the DeWitt County Board majorly cut the budget of the DeWitt County Development Council (DCDC). According to Ruth Stauffer, the Executive Director of the DCDC, she has been in attendance of the budget meetings being held by the County Board and she is asking for a restoration in funding.

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The DCDC is funded primarily through the City of Clinton, the County Board and Farmer City. Stauffer indicates the consequences of not having the funding from the County held them back significantly this past year.

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Stauffer questions the motives of the cuts last year. She explains the reasons last year for cutting their budget was to put that money towards the marina, and while the County can do what it likes with it's money, she feels the marina can bring in money while the DCDC cannot.

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Stauffer feels the DeWitt County Development Council is a great asset for the area. She explains while many businesses would likely open aside from their assistance, she feels the services they provide and pursuing businesses mean more to the community than many realize.