MASSENA -- The village board will hold a special meeting Thursday at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall to vote on issuing a request for proposals for a grant writer.

The board voted last week to spend $45,000 to contract with a grant-writing firm.

Mayor Tim Currier is proposing that the grant writer’s efforts also include the Chamber of Commerce. He believes the new plan should be a regional approach.

“Getting the chamber to work in partnership and collaboratively on a regional effort will strengthen the ability to meet their mission and undoubtedly grow their resources,” Currier said via email.

The grant writers will meet with the mayor and other town and village heads to figure out priority projects.

“On a proactive basis and at our request, the firm will provide written detailed summaries of potential funding opportunities,” Currier said.

He hopes that the grant writers will get involved with local and regional coalitions, advocate throughout the grant application process and conduct outreach campaigns.

If the board approves the measure, proposals will be due at 3 p.m. May 12. The board will pick a firm on May 19.