China trip aims to boost economy in Delaware County

MUNCIE, Ind. — Delaware County officials say a decision to send three officials to China on an economic development trip is “money well spent” despite a cash crunch that has forced the county to consider laying off workers and cutting services.

County Commissioners President Larry Bledsoe tells The Star Press the county needs to visit Asia to attract interest among companies overseas.

The cost to send Commissioner James King and two others on the trip could reach up to $6,000 per traveler. Bledsoe says the money will come from a special pool set aside for economic development, not from property taxes that fund most operations of government.

The 10-day trip next month will be the first by local officials since June 2012.