The following is a brief of the story. For the full version, see the Tuesday, Sept. 16 print edition of the BDN.

An improptu critique of Boonville’s economic development director took a heated – and divided – turn at Monday’s city council meeting. While some said Sarah Gallagher was not doing her job right, other council members commended her for her efforts.

The questioning began as Gallagher gave her monthly economic development report for September. Questions ensued from Frank Shore who questioned her about giving tours of the Kemper property when a firm has been handled to the marketing for this city-owned site; from Jim Painter regarding the revamp of the city’s website and its connection with the Tourism Department; and from Chris Hombs regarding her job focus.

“I feel like we’re back to where we’ve been multiple times: Sarah works with what she’s comfortable with,” said Hombs. “I don’t see you chasing tax-revenue generating business.”

Hombs took issue with an item on Gallagher’s report that listed time spent at Katy regional business development meetings. He said he believed the council promised city residents that although they supported keeping the MKT bridge at Boonville, they would not spend city money on the project. He said for Gallagher to spend time at such meetings was the same as spending city money on the project.