Elkhart wants a vote

Officials stand firm on enterprise zone issue    

[OCT. 14, 2004]  The evening may have been cool, but an issue in the village of Elkhart heated up last night. Formosa representative Steve McClure appealed to the village trustees and President Dayle Eldredge to sign the newest Lincoln/Logan Enterprise Zone extension plan contract, which includes Elkhart and Sangamon County properties. But there was no budging the village representatives who objected to wording added by Lincoln that prevents the added government units of Elkhart and Sangamon County from having a vote on future enterprise zone additions or removals.

The city of Lincoln discussed the issue at Tuesday evening's meeting but must wait till next Monday to vote formally on the matter. However, a straw vote indicated that they were willing to abide by Elkhart's request to have a vote in matters of enterprise zone properties located in Elkhart.

Eldredge said that she could quickly assemble the board to sign the contract with an added addendum or contract that gives Elkhart a vote on Elkhart properties. She said she will call a special meeting as soon as they have a copy that has been looked over by their attorney. It can be done next week so the project can move on for final state approval while it is still viable.

["Snag threatens to unravel enterprise zone extension to Formosa and Elkhart"]

[Jan Youngquist]