Commissioner Jennifer Kniebel proposed the commission consider an ordinance or resolution to change how large corporate donations to county causes are accepted and publicized.

Kniebel said she has observed numerous instances in which donation promises were publicized before funds were actually received and suggested that routing larger gifts through an independent entity—such as the Pulaski County Community Foundation—would ensure funds are received before public announcements and that distribution decisions would be made by the foundation. She listed numerous examples she said illustrated delayed or unfulfilled promises over the past two to three years and said the pattern has eroded public trust.

Kniebel asked the county attorney to consider legal options and to report back on whether the county has authority to require donations to be paid to a foundation or otherwise change county practice. Other commissioners noted the need to determine whether the county could legally control how outside agencies or volunteer organizations accept donations (for example, volunteer fire departments) or whether limiting the county’s role would require separate community or nonprofit arrangements.

The county attorney said he would research options and noted donations tied to development agreements (for example, economic development payments) may be governed by contract language, while other contributions may require different handling. The commission did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting but directed counsel to present options.