Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Nonprofit Funding STARS topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Linn County commissioners table $332,000 STARS funding request pending Fort Scott MOU
Summary
Commissioners delayed a decision on a $332,000 request from the STARS of Linn County Foundation after county staff said the county is not party to the MOU provided; commissioners asked for a memorandum of understanding between STARS and Fort Scott Community College before disbursing funds.
Linn County commissioners on an undisclosed September date tabled a $332,000 disbursement request from the STARS of Linn County Foundation, saying the county needs a written agreement between STARS and Fort Scott Community College before releasing the money.
The request, presented to the board by Dr. Jay Allen in email correspondence, described plans to use county funds to buy a building and to pay for campus improvements. The email says the STARS board would control disbursement and that STARS employees and its director would not access funds without board approval.
County staff member Jacqueline told the commissioners that the memorandum of understanding the board received was between STARS and the city of Pleasanton and "doesn't have anything to do with Linn County," and that Linn County was not a party to that MOU. Jacqueline said the county had not received the requested contract or MOU between STARS and Fort Scott Community College (FSCC), which commissioners said was a condition for funding.
Commissioner Jason, who serves on the STARS board, reviewed an MOU the board members found in the packet that appeared to commit Fort Scott Community College to provide instruction and cover some operating costs. The MOU referenced curriculum and faculty support for technical classes including HVAC, carpentry, heavy equipment, EMT, welding, criminal justice and CNA, and stated Fort Scott would reimburse certain fixed utilities and rental costs for use of a building. Commissioners said the new FSCC administration's signatures on the MOU improved confidence in the arrangement but reiterated that the county must have the FSCC–STARS MOU on file before releasing county funds.
After discussion about past concerns — including whether state funds flowing to Fort Scott were being used appropriately and whether the STARS program had sufficient stability — the board did not approve disbursement. A commissioner asked to table the request for the day and to obtain and review the FSCC–STARS MOU and any contracts tying obligations to Fort Scott before further action.
The matter was left pending; commissioners asked county staff to obtain the missing documentation and to report back so the board could consider the funding request with the FSCC MOU in hand.
Looking ahead, commissioners said they want a clear, signed agreement that defines responsibilities (operations, curriculum, and any ongoing financial commitments) before taxpayer funds are released.
