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Commissioners approve signing MOU to begin Lava Ranches Phase 2 project
Summary
Manning County Commissioners voted to approve signing a memorandum of understanding to start preliminary work on Lava Ranches Phase 2, but officials noted the project relies on federal funds and carries a risk of non-reimbursement and audit-related delays.
Manning County Commissioners voted March 11 to authorize the signature on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to begin work on Lava Ranches Phase 2, a project presented to the board by Trace Stagg of the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments.
The MOU, Trace Stagg, Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, told commissioners, includes federal grant provisions that create a risk the county could be denied reimbursement if compliance with those terms is not met: "there is always a risk of not being reimbursed due to federal provisions, that are listed in the MOU and if compliance with the terms in the MOU aren't met, there's a risk of not being reimbursed." Stagg also said the county has two years to complete the project and that an extension may be requested if needed: "we've got 2 years to do it. And if there's not enough time, by the time we do know what's going on, we can always request a extension."
Why it matters: The county's approval starts procurement and project administration work but does not obligate the county to immediate construction. Commissioners and staff noted the MOU would allow the county to begin hiring a project administrator and project manager and to develop procurement documents for contracting; Stagg estimated procurement work could be complete by summer with a contractor on site in the fall, assuming normal schedules.
During the discussion, commissioners asked whether the funds are federal or state; Stagg replied the funds are federal. Stagg cautioned that recent federal guidance could change audit procedures and slow the schedule, and advised the county could delay signing if it wanted to wait for clearer guidance.
A commissioner moved to approve "the MOU signature for Latta Ranch's phase 2 as presented." The motion was adopted on a voice vote after the chair called for those in favor to say "aye." The transcript records the voice vote as "All in favor, say aye" followed by "Aye," and does not include a roll-call tally by name.
The MOU will be followed by procurement for an administrator and project manager, development of the request for services and contractor procurement, and, if schedules hold, contractor mobilization in the fall. The county did not specify the federal funding program or the exact dollar amounts in the meeting record.
