Branscum was one of approximately two dozen Strother Field business owners and city officials who gathered with county commissioners in the courthouse extension room to talk about infrastructure needs at the industrial park. Since its inception the park's businesses have supported themselves, doing their own road maintenance and water treatment, Strother Field projects coordinator Donna Avery explained. Besides repairing the roads, businesses are now looking at needing to install a new water treatment system to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards. Other projects on their list include construction of a new road, installing a sewage treatment plant and revamping the storm water drainage system. These, among other changes, need to be made before the field can be successful in recruiting more industry to the county, Avery said.
More industry means a lighter tax burden on private citizens.
She said the businesses now want to be included in the county's budget for a percentage of property tax revenue that flows directly from Strother Field to the county so they can make those repairs to their infrastructure. Winfield City Commissioner Phil Jarvis, a member of the Strother Field Commission, said this was a crucial time for the county to act by showing its support. County commissioners seemed hesitant to give any indication the field would be included in next year's budget. Commissioner Margie Berrie asked. Commissioner Dick Bonfy reminded the group the commission had a history of being cautious with spending at the park.