By Tim Robertson Staff Writer
PLYMOUTH — Communities in Marshall County have agreed to form an advisory board to begin the formation of a county-wide economic development corporation, according to Marshall County Commission President and EDC steering committee member Kevin Overmyer.
Overmyer told the county commissioners Monday, each community has agreed to appoint a representative to the board in the coming weeks. Last week, the Culver Town Council selected Kevin Berger, of Easterday Construction as their board appointment. Overmyer said, Monday, the county commissioners will appoint a county representative during their first meeting in May.

 Overmyer said the board members will work together to create a vision statement and business plan for the EDC, set criteria for the position of director for the corporation and construct a budget. County attorney and steering committee member Jim Clevenger said if the advisory board members move forward with the formation of a not-for-profit corporation, they will likely become the board of directors and possibly add representatives from the local banking, real estate and utilities industries as well as a representative from the local school systems.
A plan for funding the corporation is a hurdle EDC supporters have yet to clear. In February, the steering committee dropped a plan to pursue funding through a county economic development income tax after Plymouth Mayor and committee member Gary Cook spoke out against the tax.
Now, the advisory board may investigate a plan for each town to come up with money to fund the EDC. Overmyer said Plymouth, Bremen and the county may have funds to direct toward the EDC, but the smaller towns probably do not.
This summer the board is expected to work on a funding plan to present to the Marshall County Council in the fall. In Monday’s county commissioner meeting, Clevenger said, though the advisory board members will be appointed by elected officials, the group’s meetings will be closed to the public.