Lyon County Commissioners plan to honor their word on an allocation to a major economic development project in far west Emporia, however, they will not do so immediately.
During their regular action session Thursday, commissioners voted to encumber — hold — $250,000 that was meant to be allocated to the Flint Hills Crossing development southwest of the Flint Hills Technical College main campus. Flint Hills Crossing is the development set to bring QuikTrip to Emporia with the county’s $250,000 set to be put towards road construction.
Following their action, commissioners spoke with KVOE News with Commissioner Doug Peck stating the county fully intends to honor the allocation, however, they want to see physical work beginning on the project before doing so.
During their discussions on the matter Thursday, commissioners referenced the Emporia City Commission’s decision to approve the annexation of property at Roads 180 and G, owned by Stormont Vail Health, into the city limits last month. Shortly after that action was taken, commissioner Peck expressed his disappointment with the city to KVOE News, noting he felt it violated an agreement between the city, county, Stormont, and Newman Regional Health that no action would be taken on the annexation until a meeting this month.
Peck and Commission Chairman Rollie Martin restated their disappointment with that decision ahead of Thursday’s vote. KVOE News asked both if the city’s action factored into their decision to encumber the $250,000, which Peck stated “it did to an extent.”
Martin meanwhile stated the city’s action factored into the county’s decision “at the beginning.”
That said, Martin tells KVOE News he does not believe the county’s initial frustration was the deciding factor in Thursday’s decision saying “common sense and logic took over.”
KVOE News also asked both individuals if they felt their decision Thursday could be viewed as a retaliatory action towards the city. Peck stated the action was not a retaliation in any way with Martin saying he hopes it is not viewed that way.
Both Peck and Martin and fellow Commissioner Ken Duft noted the merits of the project saying it is a great economic development investment for the county that can help to improve the quality of life for all residents.
Lyon County Commissioners will reconvene for their regular action meeting next Thursday at 9 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse Commission Chambers.
