By Jim Hagerty
Reporter

ROCKFORD — The hotly contested $1.7 million host-fee subsidy to help Costco open in Loves Park was approved by the Winnebago County Board Thursday.

The board voted 12-7 to approve the funding. David Boomer, R-4, abstained. The previous board also approved it but Chairman Frank Haney vetoed the measure because he wanted incoming board members sworn in on Dec. 3 to have a say in the process.

Those against the funding say a Costco in Loves Park would come with little benefit to the area because it would swallow up sales taxes that would otherwise be spent at local businesses, not enrich revenue for neighboring municipalities.

The county funding will help pay for infrastructure improvements near the East Riverside Boulevard development and relocate Cream City Stateline Scale.

The County Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month on the eighth floor of the Winnebago County Courthouse, 400 W. State St. R.