Commissioners discuss application process for disability-related community funds and youth internship ideas; ComNet contract under review
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Summary
Commissioners discussed treating development funds for people with disabilities like motel/hotel grant funds, requiring an application and after-action report; staff said a standing contract with ComNet may require funds be routed to that organization if the citizen group still exists.
Commissioners discussed a proposal to manage a county fund for disability-related community projects using a process similar to motel/hotel grant distributions. A county staff member suggested that applicants (individuals or community groups) would complete an application form requesting a portion of available funds and would submit an after-action report showing how funds were spent and how many people were served.
Staff reported finding a standing contract between a local citizens’ group and ComNet that could require funds to be routed to ComNet if that local group still exists. The staff member said she contacted a person named Becky Gibson to determine whether the group remains active and sent a copy of the contract for review.
Separately, commissioners discussed exploring internship and job-shadowing programs with local high schools and colleges to expose students to county engineering and other public-sector work. Staff said the Coalition for Youth and school superintendents would be natural partners and that paid college internships could help retain talent in local public works and engineering fields.
No formal action was taken; staff will confirm the status of the contract with ComNet and return with an agenda item if commissioners want a formal program or application process.