Jackson County board approves Community Action Agency to administer CDBG grant after contract-language dispute

Jackson County commissioners voted Nov. 18 to select the Community Action Agency to administer a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for townships outside the city of Jackson, after a heated exchange about unclear contract language in the agency’s proposal.

Commissioner Bair objected to language he said was “unclear” on page 4 of the proposed 17‑page agreement and said he “cannot support a signing an agreement that says they're unclear on how they will proceed.” Administrator/Controller Overton told commissioners the county ran a competitive request for proposals and received two bids, and that state guidance and a subsequent training clarified how the Community Action Agency would proceed. Overton said he was “very comfortable with the proposal as it stands” and warned that negotiating changes before the board selected a vendor could violate procurement rules.

Commissioner Kennedy said the RFP received only two bids — Community Action Agency and the City of Jackson — and argued CAA was the more appropriate administrator because the grant covers townships outside the city. “This specific grant is for townships outside of the city in Jackson County… I don't really feel comfortable with the city of Jackson administering it, and I believe Community Action Agency is the best choice by far,” Kennedy said.

After discussion, the clerk posted the roll and the board recorded the vote as 6 yes, 1 no, 1 abstain; the motion passed and the board selected Community Action Agency as the third‑party administrator for the CDBG grant.

A commissioner asked to be removed from voting on the related consent agenda item and said they were “an employee of the city of Jackson and on the board of director for Community Action Agency,” citing that as the reason for an abstention. Commissioner Bair said he voted no and reiterated he could not approve a contract with wording he considered unacceptable.

What happens next: Administrator/Controller Overton said staff will ask the selected vendor to ensure contract language reflects current state guidance; he also noted the county cannot negotiate with bidders before selection without risking procurement rules. The board did not record formal amendments to the contract at the meeting.

Actions recorded: the board approved the committee recommendation to contract with Community Action Agency for CDBG third‑party administration (vote 6–1–1).