Minutes 04-14-2022-Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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14 The first three options eliminate risk to covered commissioners. In addition to minimizing or eliminating risk to covered commissioners, options one through three also eliminate even the appearance of impropriety under the new law. As noted above, option four does not eliminate all risk. John Roberts, County Attorney, introduced the item. He reviewed the materials in the agenda packet. He said that he had previously asked the commissioners to provide a list of the non-profit agencies that they serve on, and he said that most of those were state or local government created. He said those agencies would be exempt from the rule, even if they contract with or receive funding from the county. He said that he only saw three non-profit agencies that may present problems with the upcoming budget: Community Home Trust, Child Care Services Association, and Voices Together. He said it would only affect Chair Price and Commissioner McKee. He said that the commissioners needed to decide how they wanted to approach the issue. He said that they cannot have two separate votes on the budget, and funding for these non-profits is made through the budget. He said that he did not think the commissioners would not want to not vote on the budget to avoid this one issue. He said staff produced four options that are listed in the agenda packet, and he felt that option #2 was the best. He reviewed option 2. Commissioner Fowler asked if a commissioner would have to recuse themselves if the amendment was related to their organization or because they have an issue with any part of the 1.2% funding. John Roberts said only if the amendment involved the one board they serve on. Commissioner McKee asked for the percentage of funding they allocate to outside agencies. Bonnie Hammersley said it is 1.2% of the general fund. Commissioner McKee said that option 2 holds the county at the amount currently funded. Bonnie Hammersley said yes. Commissioner McKee said that option 2 does not change the process that it just changes the allocation from a board decision to a manager decision. Bonnie Hammersley described the process for outside agency funding. She said applications are reviewed by advisory boards, less the commissioners that might serve on those boards. She said that she honored the ranking of the outside agency applications. She said based on the ranking, they receive a percentage of their request. Commissioner McKee said that process would remain the same. Bonnie Hammersley said yes. Commissioner McKee said he serves on the Community Home Trust Board. He said he had no issues resigning from the board, but he has held off until this conversation. John Roberts said that resigning is an option. Chair Price said she had no issue resigning from the two boards she serves on. Commissioner Greene said she liked option 2, whether or not commissioners resign from the boards. She said she liked the County Manager's process. Chair Price said she agreed. She said this way, there is not back and forth and no show of favoritism. Commissioner Bedford said she has been very comfortable with the process they have been using for several years now. She clarified that they usually do the budget amendments with the intent to adopt those a week before adoption of the budget. She asked about the timing of the amendments if option 2 is adopted. She asked if the timing would matter even if the commissioner has recused themselves.