Due to the overall cost and overages associated with projects- mainly the turn lane at Marshall Junction- the five Saline County entities are likely to receive less than six figures this year from the Economic Development sales tax approved by voters in 2018.

During the meeting of the Develop Saline County Advisory Board on Wednesday, April 20, Presiding Commissioner Kile Guthrey Jr. gave an update on the water project at the junction. He said the water project is pretty much finished, except for some grass problems, but the engineer and construction company are working with the landowners to get them squared away. He said the commission has held back some money to pay for expenses incurred.

Guthrey said the county had to come up with more than a quarter of a million dollars to pay MODOT for an overage.

Southern District Commissioner Monte Fenner explained more.

Fenner said the turn lanes should be finished later on this year.

It was explained the total cost for the county will be $1.4 million for the turn lanes- plus any overages. Northern District Commissioner Stephanie Gooden said the county is responsible for any and all overages, according to the cost-share agreement.

Due to that, commissioners said the estimated payout for each entity- the cities of Marshall, Slater and Sweet Springs, the Village of Arrow Rock and the other smaller communities in the county- is estimated to be a bit more than $91,000 in October.

In other news, the commission was asked if it has an update on the National Steamboat Museum, which is potential business to be located at Marshall Junction. Commissioners said they did not have an update. Commissioners also noted, the county is no longer paying Bill Stouffer as an advisor as of this month. The county was paying Stouffer $5,000 per month.