GALLIPOLIS - A $20,000 commitment in funding to the Gallia County Community Improvement Corporation was approved by Gallia County Commissioners, who want to explore alternative means of supporting the economic development agency.

“I feel we need to have a commitment to funding it,” Commissioners President Fred Deel said. “I'm not sure the general fund is the way. We need to look at some alternatives.”

The action came a week after CIC Board President David Wiseman approached commissioners about funding for this year and for 2006, which he did not receive at the time.

Wiseman returned Thursday with fellow board members Marianne Campbell, Jim Morrison and Tom Wiseman to seek the 2007 commitment, which Deel moved to approve.

Asked about the 2006 commitment of $20,000, commissioners reiterated that $19,000 of that amount was directed toward payment of planning for the natural gas line to the Dan Evans Industrial Park, a significant move toward the site's further development.

“My position is, we're willing to work with you, but that decision has been made,” Commissioner Justin Fallon said. “The commission felt it helped out last year.”

The CIC representatives thanked the commissioners for this year's appropriation, one of several it receives annually to support development and job creation efforts in the county.

In a discussion with Tom Wiseman, who noted that money has always been a problem for the CIC, Deel said that demands on the county's general fund requires the commissioners look at job creation and development money as a way for the county to continue supporting the CIC.

“There's so much pressure on the general fund, if we can tap into funds for economic development, that's what I want to explore,” Deel said.

In an update of CIC activities, David Wiseman said negotiations continue over a new lease to continue housing InfoCision Management Corp.'s Gallipolis call center in the former G&J Auto Parts building at 242 Third Ave.

“That's the only public thing we can say,” Wiseman said.

Gallipolis is one of 12 call centers Akron-based InfoCision operates in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. It currently employs around 200 people. The company came here in September 2000.

Several inquiries have also been made about locating businesses at the industrial park, Wiseman added.