Historic Preservation Commission seeks board approval to continue local workshop after state stop-work order halts federal funding

Allison Hicks, representing the Benton County Historic Preservation Commission, told supervisors the commission’s certified local government (CLG) grant-funded window workshop scheduled for August is on hold after the State issued a stop-work order due to nonreceipt of federal funding.

Hicks said the commission has promoted the workshop since early June and has registrations; the commission’s out-of-pocket cash cost would be roughly $1,230, while the CLG grant totaled about $3,000 that largely represented in-kind contributions. The stop-work order prevents the commission from proceeding under the state contract unless the county — which signed the grant contract — either terminates the state contract or authorizes the commission to continue at local expense until federal funds are received.

Hicks asked the board whether it would terminate the state contract or allow the commission to proceed using county spending authority. County staff said the commission does have spending authority in the county budget, but publication and signature protocols mean the board or its authorized officer may need to sign termination paperwork if the commission chooses to terminate the contract.

Supervisors recommended placement of the matter on the next week’s agenda to formally consider termination or authorization. The commission said it preferred continuing the workshop because organizers had invested preparation time and registrants had already signed up.

The board agreed to place the contract termination/authorization on the next meeting agenda and to send the commission a printed copy of any amended MOU or termination documents; staff said the county would coordinate email communications and, if necessary, a short meeting to allow signature of contract documents within the time window.