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19 <br /> Regarding the ABC Board, Commissioner Bedford said it is important to have a liaison on <br /> the ABC Board. She recalled a time when the ABC Board was considering not paying a living <br /> wage, but having a commissioner on the board ensured that it happened. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler agreed that it is important. <br /> Commissioner McKee said commissioner presence helps improve the amount that they <br /> give to the justice budget. He said they also give out community awards that are helpful to be <br /> aware of as the county also provides funding to some of those people. <br /> There was no motion to discontinue service on the ABC Board. <br /> Regarding the Board of Social Services, Commissioner McKee said it provides information <br /> to the commissioners as to what is going on with social services and the county. He said it is an <br /> important board. <br /> Vice-Chair Fowler said there may be hot topics coming before the Board of Social Services <br /> where it would be helpful for a commissioner to be aware of. <br /> Commissioner Greene said it goes both ways. She said the community is interested in <br /> having a commissioner be there to support accountability, and the Board of Social Services <br /> appreciates having a commissioner there to bring feedback to the Board of Commissioners. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked if a commissioner could attend without being assigned. <br /> Commissioner McKee said attending without being a board member might raise <br /> questions. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said attending as a member of the public would only mean making <br /> comments during the public comment period, but the commissioner wouldn't be participating. She <br /> said because social services the number one budget for the county it is important to have a <br /> commissioner. She said due to the size (only five members), it becomes even more important that <br /> a commissioner attend. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she would likely not attend a public meeting voluntarily as it <br /> would not be regularly on her agenda and part of her job. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if an alternate is possible if a commissioner cannot <br /> attend a Board of Social Services meeting. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said that is not allowed. <br /> There was no motion to discontinue service on the Board of Social Services. <br /> Regarding the Cooperative Extension Leadership Council, Vice-Chair Fowler said that <br /> while she'd served on it and enjoyed her time, it is not critical to have a commissioner. <br /> Commissioner McKee agreed. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she has not attended, but she is interested in the council. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she currently serves on the council and finds very <br /> interesting. She said that is one the Board should keep. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said it only meets quarterly. She said she thought having a <br /> commissioner serve was at the request of the council. She asked Tara May if that was correct. <br /> Tara May said she was not aware. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said she believed the council asked for it. She said the Food <br /> Council was dissolved and food insecurity and food systems are now with Cooperative Extension, <br /> and these things are under attack. <br /> There was no motion to discontinue service on the Cooperative Extension Leadership <br /> Council. <br />