Sean Milne, acting economic development director with Bear River Association of Governments, presented recommendations from the county Economic Opportunity (CEO) advisory board and asked the commission to authorize the FY‑26 funding package and related actions.

Scope and recommended uses
Milne described a $200,000 program budget overseen by the CEO board (a state GOEO program for third‑through‑sixth class counties). The board recommended continuing contracted economic development services and business support, and devoting the FY‑26 funds as follows:
- Up to $90,000 for business expansion grants emphasizing year‑round, non‑seasonal jobs.
- Up to $35,000 for public infrastructure expansion (to extend utilities and make parcels developable for light manufacturing) tied to possible interest from a prospective manufacturer in the county’s southeast.
- $50,000 set aside as the county match for a Rural Communities Opportunity Grant (RCOG) application; RCOG requires a 40% local match and Milne said a $50,000 match would support a $125,000 RCOG request for infrastructure activities.
- $10,000 for one‑time public‑safety equipment or training to help seasonal public‑safety pressures.

Board appointments and process
Milne said several CEO board seats are expiring and the board recommended adding or replacing members to maintain quorum and staggered terms. The commission asked staff to contact recommended community members (names provided by mayors) and return with confirmed appointees for a formal vote at the next meeting.

Action taken
Commissioners voted to approve the CEO board recommendations and to pursue the RCOG application with the proposed county match. The commission also directed staff to contact the recommended nominees and bring confirmed appointments back for formal action.