Commission pauses westward EDA timetable to seek mayoral and city feedback

Commission members agreed to delay work on a proposed westward Economic Development Area timetable to allow more discussion with the city of Marion and the mayor.

Commission staff and county counsel reported that staff met with Marion’s mayor and that the mayor had questions about the draft map and intentions for the westward area. Attorney Harker and staff said they preferred to get additional feedback from the mayor and city before advancing a map to the commission. Bookout said he had omitted a map from the packet because of outstanding questions and that “we need to make sure that those parties are all on board before we bring something to you.”

A commissioner asked that the item remain on the agenda pending further coordination; no formal declaratory resolution or motion to adopt a map for the westward area was made at the meeting.

The commission will keep the westward timetable on future agendas while staff continues outreach with the mayor and city staff, and return the item for formal action after intergovernmental feedback is received.