The Rich County Commission voted to approve a spending plan recommended by the County Economic Opportunity (CEO) advisory board for the governor's CEO program and authorized staff to contact potential board nominees for staggered appointments.

Sean Milne, acting economic development director through the Bear Lake Association of Governments, outlined proposed allocations from the CEO program (a state pass‑through grant for third‑through‑sixth class counties). The board recommended continuing contracted business and grant‑management services, allocating up to $90,000 for business expansion grants focused on year‑round (nonseasonal) employment, up to $35,000 for public‑infrastructure expansion to support light manufacturing, a $50,000 set‑aside as the county match for a Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) proposal, and $10,000 as a discretionary one‑time fund for public‑safety equipment or training. “Our proposal is to continue contracted services ... and to allocate up to $90,000 toward business expansion grants,” Milne said.

Commissioners discussed priorities and supported the plan as a way to encourage year‑round jobs and to fund infrastructure that could enable light industrial development. They approved the recommendation by motion.

Milne also noted three CEO board seats will come up for renewal and recommended adding additional members to stagger terms and ensure quorums. Commissioners asked staff to contact suggested nominees — including municipal recommendations from Garden City and Woodruff — and return with confirmations or alternate candidates for formal appointment at a future meeting. Milne said the RCOG application (which requires a county match) will be submitted by October and the $50,000 match authorization provided by the commission will allow a competitive RCOG request up to $125,000.