Commissioners say LCDC told county it no longer qualifies for a board seat after changes to investor rules

Leavenworth County commissioners discussed an email from the Leavenworth County Development Corporation (LCDC) stating the county no longer qualifies for a voting seat on LCDC's governing board under the group's bylaws.

Commissioners said the message — relayed by the LCDC director — said the organization's new president intends to enforce a bylaw provision that board voting membership is limited to "investors." The director told a commissioner the county is not considered an investor because LCDC receives county funding through the Port Authority rather than by direct county check.

"I received an email... from the director of LCDC asking for a phone call or an in-person meeting," said Commissioner Mike Smith, who described the notification as "urgent". County staff and commissioners said the county historically funneled development funds through the Port Authority; one commissioner noted the county has been a long-standing funder and thought it may be the Port Authority that is the direct investor.

County Administrator Mark said the county has been the sole funder for the port authority for more than 50 years and that county money passed through the Port Authority historically supported LCDC projects. Commissioners expressed frustration at the timing and said they expect a formal written notification. Several commissioners recommended addressing the matter during the upcoming county budget cycle and urged staff to seek clarification from LCDC and the Port Authority.

No formal county action was taken during the meeting; commissioners directed staff to obtain written clarification and said they would raise the matter during the budget process if needed.