In 2005, the Washington County board agreed to pay $4 million dollars to Cabela’s Inc., in exchange for Cabela’s building a store in Richfield.

If you don’t know anything about Cabela’s… it’s the worlds largest direct marketer of outdoor gear. They plan their stores very carefully, and they are a destination for many. Historically, the areas with Cabela’s have had a total boom in other development. So it is really desirable to have one of their stores because it spurs development and increases the property tax base.

Yesterday the current Washington County board voted against borrowing the $4 million needed to pay Cabela’s. (The board in 2005 agreed to borrow the money, and said the borrowing would be repaid with sales taxes collected by Cabela’s.)? The board members say they don’t want to give tax dollars to a business.

Except you already agreed to do it and you have a contract.