News editor and reporter
Commissioner Dan Holub raised an economic white flag Monday, saying it was time to bring local businesses to the table to help set direction for economic development.
“This is rearing its head again,” Holub said. “We’ve got all kinds of people saying all kinds of stuff.”
Holub said that the commission has had many meetings discussing economic development, but that they involved “politicians, administrators, and bureaucrats.”
Holub then suggested a meeting with business owners from Marion County to get their opinions on what kind of businesses can be supported.
“We’ve got a lot of successful businessmen around this county,” Holub said. “Maybe we need to sit down and invite a bunch of businessmen here. This is what they do for a living.”
Dallke agreed with the idea.
“I’m more than willing to sit down, see who shows up, and see what they have to say,” Dallke said.
Marion County used to have an economic council, but according to Holub, no business people showed up to meetings because they were working.
Commissioners agreed to move forward with scheduling a time to meet with business owners.
“We’ve always heard and always will hear ‘Support your local business,’” Dallke said. “Don’t give the moon out here to somebody that’s coming in. Take a look within.”
In other business:
- Commissioners approved a permit presented by Planning and Zoning for a portable asphalt plant in order to construct a mill and overlay for KDOT on US-56.
- Commissioners approved a $10,598.50 transfer fuel bid from Cardie Oil, Inc.