The final major decision in office for two Douglas County commissioners did not come without controversy Wednesday night.

Citing economic development needs, commissioners Bob Johnson and Jere McElhaney, both Republicans who will leave office Monday, approved an amendment to the county’s long-range planning document to include a proposed development plan northwest of Lawrence.

“We are put in this position to make decisions,” McElhaney said.

Several neighbors and opponents of the development plan walked out of the meeting in protest before commissioners began their discussion. Opponents have fought the proposal from the development group — which is led by Lawrence businessmen Duane and Steve Schwada — on several fronts for the last year, including before the city, county and in court.

One of the main objections to the K-10 and Farmers Turnpike Sector Plan from property owners and neighbors is that it includes land for industrial development and other office space near what is now farmland.

“I feel that my options are being limited here,” said property owner Darrel Ward.

Ronald Schneider, an attorney representing several property owners, told commissioners Wednesday that he believed the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission did not file proper public notices before considering amending the planning document.

The Lawrence City Commission gave its first approval 4-1 in December.

Schneider also said Johnson and McElhaney were acting at a “breakneck speed” to get it before the County Commission because they will be replaced by new commissioners Jim Flory and Nancy Thellman on Monday.

“I think you are honorable, decent elected public officials, but the appearance of impropriety is there,” Schneider said.

Johnson and McElhaney disagreed and said they wanted to speed up the process to approve the sector plan because their experience with a plan southeast of Lawrence took five years and moved too slowly.

“I’m really pleased that I have the opportunity to vote on this,” Johnson said.

Jane Eldredge, an attorney for the development group, said the planning staff has produced documentation that public notices were properly handled.

Commissioner Charles Jones — a Democrat who has two years left in his term — abstained from voting because he said he did not want his vote to be construed as supporting the way the process was handled.