Jefferson County Commissioners will be deciding Thursday how much money to allot to three economic development drivers, an issue that made onto the upcoming agenda after a spirited debate about equity.

Commissioners Lashunda Scales and Sheila Tyson argued that it was unfair that Birmingham Business Resource Center was to receive $150,000 while Innovation Depot and Birmingham Business Alliance were to get $400,000 apiece.

Ultimately, BBRC’s proposed allotment rose to $250,000 because of disbursements Scales and Tyson agreed to make.

“Is there any particular reason why we are not equitably funding all at the same level?” Scales asked during Tuesday’s meeting. “I thought as a commissioner who is concerned about women-owned, Black-owned (and) small business owners that they (BBRC should) be given an opportunity to really advance the mission of this organization, which is to help those three demographics.”

A year ago, BBRC received $500,000 from a contingency fund of previously unbudgeted money. Jeff Traywick, the county’s economic development adviser, said his aim was to put BBRC in a position where it would have a more sustainable funding source in the future.

Traywick said the commission sets aside $1 million a year of the $10 million economic development fund to support organizations that influence certain areas of economic development that it deems important. Small business development is one of those areas.

Traywick said Birmingham Business Alliance provides lead generation, marketing and research, serving as an extension of the county staff. Innovation Depot acts an incubator for companies, currently housing 193 companies that are centered on technology.

Bob Dickerson of Birmingham Business Resource Center said his operation provides counseling and coaching for small businesses and is tailored to the needs of those businesses. BBRC has provided $700,000 in microloans to small businesses.

Traywick said funding requests are expected from Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance and Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. Those, he said, are expected in early 2025.

“We get $2 million worth of requests and (have) $1 million worth of funds to allocate,” he said.

During the discussion, Commission President Jimmie Stephens said the county is “doing its part … much more than our partners,” referring to the city of Birmingham. “We can’t tote everybody’s water.”

The commission president urged each organization to ask for money from Birmingham as well as the county.

Commissioner Mike Bolin, chairman of the economic development committee, said BBRC went from zero to half a million dollars last year. “We’ve got to look at (appropriations) every year,” he said.

The resolution was sent to the agenda of Thursday’s commission meeting on a 3-2 vote with Scales and Tyson voting no. Each subsequently allotted $50,000 from her discretionary funds, giving BBRC an additional $100,000.