Ongoing flea market WCDC topic

The ongoing flea market in the Garan parking lot in Eupora was a topic of discussion at the last meeting of the Webster County Development Council.

One participant at the Sept. 21 meeting asked if the city could capitalize on the unregulated flea market in the parking lot of the property by Highway 9 that is now jointly owned by the city of Eupora and Webster County.

At-large director Sandra Dewberry said it needed to be regulated because she did not think the flea market was fair to local businesses such as gift shops that sell comparable items but pay taxes and insurance.

Solutions proposed included requiring vendors to purchase quarterly or annual business privilege licenses. Setting the flea market up and promoting it as a designated spot for vendors to sell once a month such as in Ripley was also suggested.

"I don't think a small fee is going to run people off," said Mike McCully, president of the WCDC Board.

In other business, Executive Director Cynthia Wilson noted the city's designation as a Downtown Network Member of the Mississippi Main Street Association.

"They're thrilled with what they've seen going on in Eupora," she said of MMSA officials.

Wilson said volunteer Lauren Stewart was instrumental in the getting the Main Street grant.

Wilson, who gave the treasurer's report, said, "We continue to go into the red - into our reserve. We're going to continue until we have nothing to go into."

With the organization's allocation by the county being cut by $5,000, Wilson said this year's membership drive will be particularly important. She said many businesses in the county still are not participating as members and encouraged individuals who are not members to join. A possible dues increase was discussed but no action was taken because a quorum was not present. Wilson said the WCDC is looking into more fundraising activities.