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However, they are going to try to get answers to their questions about the SEA before the Aug. 6 finance committee meeting in order to resolve it once and for all.

"There are still too many unanswered questions... unanswered by the (SEA) administrator," stated Commissioner Norton Schramm.

Later he detailed some of the issues the SEA has, quoting the SEA fundraiser's report. The organization is attempting to raise more than a million dollars from public and private sources.

SEA financial campaign challenges include, according to the report:

"*A lack of volunteer leadership;

*A lack of effective staff support;

*Ongoing and increasingly negative publicity surrounding the organization, the campaign and economic conditions;

*Lack of fiscal controls and financial management, resulting in cash-flow crisis which created strains on the campaign and distracted from the task of securing long-term financing for the organization;

*A lack of organizational commitment and leadership, lack of board engagement and involvement in the organization and the campaign..."

Commissioner James Ruby read a letter of support for the SEA from Marlette City Manager Steven Schaub.

The letter emphasized, "Withholding funding from Sanilac Economic Alliance sends the wrong message to prospective employers and potential investors...It is time to put personal issues and agendas aside and do what is in the best interest of all the citizens of Sanilac County.

"I know well of (Director) Mr. Dale Benish's commitment to bringing business and economic growth to Sanilac County. We in Marlette have benefited from his efforts in the landing of Grupo Antolin Michigan. His organization has numerous other success stories in Sanilac County," Schaub stated.

There were other issues the board had with the allocation moton.

"It should not be put on (the agenda) as written. I am not sure we can legally spend money from last year's budget," said Commissioner William Walters.

The county has yet to give the SEA the remaining $10,000 from the 2006 allocation or any of this year's allocation. According to County Treasurer Kathy Dorman, the 2007 allocation of $20,000 includes the 2006 carryover.

"When we talk about the 2006 allocation who shares the blame (for not paying it)? We kept turning it down," said Chairman John Merriman.

"We asked for the information and did not get it," repliedWalters.

"I think we need someone on the board," added Schramm.

The EDC became a private non-profit agency last spring, and the commissioners haven't had a representative on the SEA Board since then. Merriman appointed Commissioner James Ruby to fill out the balance of the year on the SEA Board a few minutes later.

Ruby asked the commissioners to submit their questions about SEA operations to him and said he will try to get the answers before the finance meeting.

Schramm also said they would have to change the Environmental Trust by-laws in order to fund the allocation from it, because the by-laws refer to the Economic Development Corporation, not the SEA.

Some of the commissioners clarified their votes.

Schramm, Walters, Hunt and Commissioner Gary Russell wanted the allocation referred back to the finance committee. Chairman John Merriman, and Commissioner Judy Vincent and Ruby were ready for vote for the allocation on Monday.

Ruby said he thought they should get the answers to everyone's questions and Hunt stated things were not done right.

"I did not change my mind. I would vote for it, but I figure it is only fair it should go back. I do not have any issues with Dale Benish or anyone, but if anyone has questions it should come out," added Russell.

"What frustrates me the most is we have had this same discussion over and over, but this motion is not right because we have to amend the by-laws," stated Vincent.

At their June 11 board meeting, the county commissioners failed to approve giving the SEA $5,000 of their 2007 allocation on a 3-3 vote Vincent was absent, and Hunt, Schramm and Walters voted no.

At the June finance committee meeting, the commissioners voted 4-2 to recommend giving the SEA $5,000. Schramm and Walters voted no.

They then directed the administrator to write Benish a letter detailing the information they wanted. The commissioners asked for everything from the current cash flow status of the SEA and the degree to which it is solvent to how SEA plans to reimburse the county for the legal fees from the Brown lawsuit.