The St. Clair County administrator told commissioners the FY25–26 budget includes $42,500 earmarked for the county extension program that will flow through an agreement with Auburn. Commissioners asked that the county attorney review the proposed agreement before the payment process is finalized.

Why it matters: The county has historically written checks to outside agencies. Commissioners said they want clarity about how funds are spent when the county does not appoint the recipient board and to make sure the money is spent consistent with county policies and audit standards.

County Administrator Tina said the $42,500 amount is already included in the budget and described the proposal as an informational item pending attorney review. The chairman said he has begun requiring receipts or documentation before signing checks when the recipients are independent agencies; the administrator and commissioners discussed the workload implications for accounts payable and the finance office if the county requires expenditure reporting from recipients.

The commission approved adding the extension item as an informational item to the record and directed staff to have the county attorney review the agreement with Auburn before disbursing funds.

Staff follow-up: The county attorney will review the proposed Auburn agreement and finance staff will return with recommended procedures for processing checks to external agencies and any additional documentation requirements.