The mayor of International Falls is speaking out as the International Falls Chamber of Commerce prepares for a vote on whether to continue.
The Chamber’s Board voted last month to dissolve, in part due financial concerns and a loss of funding from the city.
Harley Droba says it was the Chamber that opted not to pursue that funding.
“We wanted to fund the Chamber this year,” says Droba. “I have taken a couple of calls from residents that are upset that the city cut their funding. That is not accurate.”
Droba says he met with the Chamber’s manager last summer who stated they would be taking a more “project-based approach” and would not be seeking a contract with the city.
Droba says he suggested then that the Chamber still make a funding request.
“Because if they came to the City Council in 2022 and did not have money budgeted, it would likely be declined.”
Droba says he still sees a need for a business-led voice in the community.
Councillor Mike Holden feels there is still an opportunity for the city to keep the group alive.
“I still think that we should be taking care of the people that are promoting this town because if you don’t have them, the town is not going to get promoted,” says Holden.
A special meeting with Chamber members is scheduled for next week.
