Many concerns were raised during the last meeting of the Develop Saline County Advisory Board as to how the money from the half-cent economic-development sales tax was going to be disbursed to the five different entities after paying for the infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, gas, turn lanes, etc.) for the economic-development project at Marshall Junction.

During the meeting of the Saline County Commission on Thursday, September 17, Northern District Commissioner Stephanie Gooden says all of the money belongs to the taxpayers.

Gooden continued with an explanation about how paying cash for the sewer came about.

Gooden added that the money will not be used in any other way.

Gooden ended her statement with “It is not the communities against the commission. It is not the commission against the communities. We are Saline County, and we need economic development.”

Southern District Commissioner Monte Fenner explained this project will have countywide benefit.

Gooden also said the commission has been contacted about the final numbers for the disbursement of this year’s funds, which is due next month.

One thing that was determined at the last meeting of the advisory board was that the coverage amount would be 10 percent and not 25 percent that was advised at the outset by McLiney.

Gooden also explained the role of the consultant- Bill Stouffer of Flotron McIntosh- for the Marshall Junction project.

The next meeting of the Develop Saline County Advisory Board is scheduled to take place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, in the commission chambers at the courthouse in Marshall.