HAMILTON — City Council is readying its recommended allocations of $1.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds for 2011.

One recommendation, said Councilwoman Carla Fiehrer, is to cut funding for the position of Gary Richards, business district manager at ReDiscover Hamilton, an entity of the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce.

ReDiscover Hamilton represents the city’s six business districts, and would still have its committee, said Kenny Craig, chamber president.

“It’s not that he hasn’t been doing a good job, but when you only have so much money you’ve got to spend it in a way to serve the most people,” Fiehrer said. “It’s not a slight on his ability, and this is not an indication that council doesn’t support ReDiscover Hamilton.”

Fiehrer said there’s around $657,000 in CDBG funds available for capital improvement projects, and all six business districts requested money.

ReDiscover Hamilton is currently funded through CDBG dollars but will soon be under the city’s umbrella, Richards said.

“I will hopefully have a role in the plan and I look forward to it,” Richards said. “It’s a new reality we’ll learn to adjust to, but it’s sad it won’t be the same.” The city of Hamilton is soon posting an opening for an administrative specialist within the division of economic development. One of the position’s duties will be assisting the business districts. “Small business is what makes up this city, and we’re bringing in someone that will work with them, through ReDiscover Hamilton and on an individual basis,” Fiehrer said.

At Monday’s City Council meeting, William Wilks, ReDiscover Hamilton board member, spoke in favor of Richards. “We have the two best ambassadors for Hamilton and they’re both getting hacked,” Wilks said, also speaking of Robert Harris, the parks and recreation director whose job was eliminated. “It’s a shame. These two guys have made their mark as far as good things that have happened in Hamilton.”