Commissioners discuss Fontana Regional Library amendment from Jackson County, express concerns about commissioner trusteeship
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Summary
Jackson County proposed updates to the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement were discussed; commissioners raised concerns about requiring a sitting commissioner to serve on the regional trustees (conflicts, travel) and asked staff to relay comments for Jackson County consideration.
Macon County commissioners discussed proposed amendments from Jackson County to the Fontana Regional Library interlocal agreement during their Nov. 13 meeting but took no final vote.
Proposed amendments summarized: Manager reported Jackson County sought three changes: require one sitting county commissioner from each member county serve on the regional board of trustees; require the regional director to devote full effort to the regional system rather than dual county roles; and return year‑end operational surpluses to contributing counties.
Board concerns: Several commissioners expressed concerns about appointing a sitting commissioner to the trusteeship because of travel and potential conflicts with other county duties, and suggested appointing alternates or rotating representation instead. One commissioner said long‑standing personal and regional relationships between commissioners could complicate trustee service and urged care in appointments. Staff agreed to pass comments to Jackson County and the library for further consideration; Jackson County will consider the amendment at an upcoming meeting.
Next steps: No vote; staff will relay feedback and return the interlocal agreement for consideration at a later meeting if the counties pursue amendments.
Quote: "I don't want us to be the conversation piece," one commissioner said, urging caution about appointing three commissioners from the same sports/conference relationships to a regional board.
