Local nonprofit says county delays put workforce grant hire at risk

A June Lake‑based nonprofit told the Mono County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that slow county processing of a workforce innovation and opportunity grant has jeopardized a planned hire.

Neil Fox, executive director of Sierra STEM, said his organization applied this summer for a county‑administered workforce grant that would pay 50% of the new hire’s salary for 12 weeks. He described repeated delays, staff reassignments and the need to resend materials; the employee is scheduled to start Nov. 10 but a county contract had not arrived, Fox said, leaving the small organization to decide whether to take on financial risk.

Fox said he and his organization appreciate the county’s programs and the work of county employees but asked for timelier processing because small nonprofits face acute financial exposure. County staff responded during the meeting that they would be in touch with Fox to resolve outstanding paperwork.

What was said: “We are incredibly grateful to the county for providing the service,” Fox said, adding that timely contract execution is critical for small organizations that cannot absorb months of uncertainty.

Next steps: County staff said they will follow up with Sierra STEM to resolve the contract and confirm whether the grant can be executed in time for the new hire’s start date. The board took no additional formal action.