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Commissioners debate Casita scope, reporting and audit requirements in draft contract
Summary
Klamath County commissioners reviewed a draft scope of work and contract changes with Casita (a regional economic development partner), debating deliverables, named partners, financial reporting and audit requirements, and termination notice periods.
County staff and commissioners reviewed proposed edits to the county's contract and scope of work with Casita, the county's economic development partner, and discussed performance metrics, partner coordination, transparency of financial reporting and contract termination terms.
Vicki (county staff) summarized proposed changes from Casita leadership and edits she recommended. Commissioners debated whether to specify regional partners by name in the scope of work or to use language such as "including but not limited to" so the contract remains flexible over a multi-year period. One commissioner said naming current partners (SCOED, IDEA, SBDC, Innovation Hub) helps ensure those bodies participate; another said naming could create rigidity if entities change over a 3–5 year contract.
The board discussed monitoring and financial oversight. Staff and commissioners said they want to see Casita's financial statements periodically and debated reinstating a requirement for a formal audit every three years with reviews in between. One commissioner said an audit every three years and annual reviews would be appropriate and suggested the county could help fund audit costs if needed.
On termination and notice periods, staff proposed a shorter notice window if funding changes. Commissioners agreed that 60 days would be a reasonable compromise for contractor termination notice, and recommended a 60-day notification provision for county-initiated termination related to funding changes, rather than a six-month notification period the contractor requested.
Commissioners also discussed removing a proposed requirement that a county commissioner hold a seat on Casita's board, preferring instead to preserve the current liaison arrangement.
No final contract was adopted at the meeting; staff said they would update the scope and forward it to Casita for final comment and then bring a revised contract back to the board for action.
Ending: Staff will revise the scope of work to reflect the board's direction on partner language, audit requirements and notice periods and will return with a final contract for approval.
