Using property taxes would be the best way to generate $20 million for developing business parks and preserving open space during the next decade, members of an advisory board agreed Wednesday.

Now it’s up to Lawrence and Douglas County commissioners to decide whether to make it happen.

“We’ve talked about this for a long time,” said Charles Jones, a county commissioner and member of the Lawrence-Douglas County Economic Development Advisory Board. “It’s time for us to make our move.”

Board members met Wednesday to mull options for financing projects that they have been recommending for months and envisioning for even longer. Such projects include creation of two industrial parks – one at the former Farmland Industries fertilizer plant at the southeastern edge of town, and another near Lawrence Municipal Airport – and a handful of deals to preserve natural areas.

Board members reviewed two potential financing sources: boosting sales taxes by 1/4 cent on every $1 purchase, or increasing property taxes by the equivalent of about $42 a year for the owner of a $200,000 home.

Lawrence Mayor Boog Highberger led support for using property taxes, saying that a sales tax would particularly affect lower-income residents. Highberger also convinced the board to support exploration of other potential revenue sources, including money from mortgage registration taxes and land-transfer fees.

Board members agreed, and intend to urge commissioners to follow through.

“What we cannot do is stop,” said Lavern Squier, president of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. “I don’t want to lose this momentum.”

The board’s recommendation will be forwarded to Lawrence and Douglas County commissioners, who are scheduled to meet with board members for a joint study session at 9 a.m. March 15 at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass.