The Douglas Economic Development office has been saved from the ax, but may be serving the city’s residents in a different form.

It was reported last month that the city had decided to layoff some city employees in a cost cutting move. One of those employees was Economic Development Director Victor Gonzalez.

His last day was scheduled to be March 12.

After discussions with the Douglas International Port Authority, the city agreed to put up $10,000 to assist in funding through the remainder of the year.

During a Thursday meeting, the Industrial Development Authority agreed to authorize up to $40,000, which would be used to fund the office through this year and part of next.

Some of the discussion concerned the possibility of separating the office from the city and forming an Economic Development Corporation and funding past this year. The cost to operate the office would be between $100,000 and $120,000 annually. That budget is lower than first anticipated because the city is providing office space and other essentials.

The IDA and Port Authority held a second meeting to iron out some details of the office and the possible future and finding of the office past this year.

During a presentation to the Douglas City Council on February 23, Carlos Fernandez of the International Port Authority said that the Economic Development office is instrumental in elevating the region and attracting new business opportunities.

He pointed out that the Economic Development Director plays a key role in the Port Authority and its work in the partnership between Agua Prieta and Douglas.

The Port Authority has been:

√ Instrumental in the communication between the United States and Mexico for a multi-million project to expand the Douglas Port of Entry.

√ Brought in Eurofresh and the opportunity to create 400 new jobs in Agua Prieta.

√ Established the Commercial Port of Entry to open on Saturdays, creating a better business environment for existing companies as well as new ones such as Eurofresh and Alstyle.

√ Facilitated Alstyle in their setup of operations in Agua Prieta, creating more than 4,000 jobs.

√ Currently addressing the long lines into Mexico.

√ Advocated $3.5 million from ADOT for the design and construction of Chino Road.

√ Took lead role in communications between the United States and Mexico during the construction of the new Port of Entry.

Economic Development has:

√ Assisted call center in the continuing recruiting of personnel to reach its 700-person goal.

√ Take leadership role in downtown revitalization effort.

√ Liaison between city government and local businesses.

√ Continued support of new port of entry.

√ Recruit new company into the region, including more than 12 suppliers currently looking to locate in Douglas for the Alstyle sewing operation.