Following angry comments by a farmer, county judge elect John Gonzales had his own doubts about the project.

He said to E.ON executives at Thursday's meeting.

"Your company will probably make $40 million a year (on this project). What are you giving up? How much stimulous money are you getting?"

Gonzales was told the company will pay $137 million in taxes to the county over the next 30-years, the life of the project, on the improvements they make. During the initial l0- years the company will pay 30 percent of the taxes that would otherwise be levied, or $3 million a year.

The advalorem property taxes will continue to be paid by the land owners, who will continue to farm the land.

The 70-percent tax abatement (estimated to be $6 million a year)"is a lot of money to give up, " Gonzales said

"If you were bringing 400-or- -500 jobs to the county I could understand it," said Gonzales.

"So basically, the county isn't getting anything," said the future judge.

"The county is getting 100- to-200-construction jobs for a year and 8-full time jobs, plus $137 million in property taxes over 30 years," said McCluskey.

He explained that the company has invested two years in an environmental study of the area. If there were any problems, we wouldn't be doing it, he said.

He said if the county does not grant tax abatements to his company, then the facility won't be built here but will be built in another county instead, he said.

Outside the meeting, Gonzales asked McCluskey if the company will provide funding so that Raymondville can restart the failed Boys & Girls club.