The Saline County Commission accepted an amended contract Wednesday, May 21 from the architects of the Welcome Center at the Marshall Junction, resulting in a higher price tag by $92,903.

Northern District Commissioner Stephanie Gooden says several delays in the project have contributed to WSKF Architects and the project’s subcontractors asking for the increases.

Dirtwork has begun at the center, with the outline of the site’s parking lot visible. Gooden explains that contractors will need to improve the soil underneath the parking lot and building to support the weight of both.

Work at the welcome center and lagoon are both dependent on the completion of a final impact study to determine that any historical artifacts discovered are preserved and sites protected. Gooden says that study is under review by the Osage Nation, whose tribe previously lived in Saline County.

Also at Wednesday morning’s session, the commission approved six liquor license renewals and ten liquor catering licenses. The commission also formally confirmed the hiring of Brad Hinz as the county’s new emergency management director and Jaylee Perrin to the Sheriff’s Department.