A delegation including Austin Board of Education director Larry Andersen visited with the Mower County Board of Commissioners Tuesday.

The county board members said afterwards they were not sure it was about money.

The delegation told the county commissioners about their plans to upgrade Wescott Athletic Field for the Austin Public Schools.

The first phase of the project -- major running track improvements -- was completed a year ago.

This summer, volunteers, including athletic coaches, teachers and parents have embarked on more improvements to the foot ball stadium.

The project was estimated to cost $4.2 million when announced, according to Andersen, and is now $2.4 million short of that goal.

"They made a presentation to us," said Len Miller, 4th District county commissioner and chairman of the county board. "However, no dollar amount was mentioned."

"They talked about what they were doing and how the project is going. That's all," said Ray Tucker, 2nd District county commissioner.

No Austin Public Schools monies are involved in the project. When it was announced, supporters said they would raise the money from sources other than the school district funds.

Like the city of Austin and other local governments, the county board's finance committee is presently in the midst of budget talks in preparation for setting the proposed property tax levy for next year.

Outside agencies will frequently make pitches to the county board for the county to help fund their programming and services.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com