McCormick County advances second reading of lease for Project Phaser, amid public-notice dispute

McCormick County Council moved forward with the second reading of Ordinance 24-07 on May 7, a lease-with-option-to-purchase covering roughly 11.19 acres identified by county tax map, while members and residents pressed the council over whether the public had enough time and documentation to comment before a public hearing.

The dispute centered on a motion by Councilman Cook to defer the public hearing until residents had the opportunity to review the information related to the sale and lease. "I object to conducting this public hearing without adequate information going to the public for comment," Cook said, arguing the motion was procedural and not a reflection on the merits of the proposal. The motion to defer failed for lack of a second.

County representative Mr. Warner told the council the county had already briefed members in executive session and that the company had agreed to the lease. "They're ready to select a contractor. They're ready to start with the building upfit to bring in to be ready to bring in $3,297,000 worth of capital investment and start hiring 27 people," Warner said. He added the project would require little water or sewer upfit and only modest electrical improvements coordinated with Little River Electric.

Several residents who spoke during the public-comment portion said they were unaware of posted documents. "If there is a resource that's been posted since last Tuesday, I certainly will go ahead and look at that," said Jeffrey Conrad. Ellen Cook, who identified herself as a private citizen, said she was "highly annoyed" and disappointed the public lacked adequate time to research the company before the hearing.

Councilman Brown noted the county website contains links to the ordinance and the lease and described the transaction as a lease with an option to purchase rather than an immediate sale. To make the record clearer, a council member moved to amend Ordinance 24-07 by substituting the name "Microtechnique, GmbH and Company, KG" for the placeholder Project Phaser; that amendment was moved and seconded.

Council members emphasized the public will have an opportunity to speak again before the third reading under the council's current process. No final, binding adoption of the ordinance is recorded in the provided transcript; further action, including the public hearing and a third reading, remains on the council's schedule.

The council adjourned after routine announcements. The ordinance will return to the agenda for the next steps in the approval process, including the public comment session required before the third reading.