08/08/2018- “Status quo isn’t working.” That’s the summary from Marinette County Board Chairman Mark Anderson and the general consensus of the county’s Development Committee regarding the economic development within the county. The committee met Tuesday to address the issue and County Administrator John Lefebvre says discussions with the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry about expanding and increasing their services to the county are ongoing, but that option will require a significant funding increase on the county’s part.
But, committee member Robert Holley says MCABI has failed to become a self-funded organization since it’s inception nearly 30 years ago and rather than increase their financial support to the organization, he feels it’s time for the county to cut ties with MCABI completely.
The county’s contract with MCABI expires this year and Anderson says he’s in favor of continuing the partnership, but under new agreement terms that require more accountability from MCABI and better serve the county. Ultimately, the committee voted to allow the county administrator to enter into negotiations with MCABI to draft a new contract and bring that and other supporting documentation back to the committee for review.