Local workforce board asks Haskell County to provide representative for Southern WIOA consortium

A presenter for the Southern Workforce Development Area outlined federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding and asked the Haskell County commissioners to supply a representative to the consortium that helps govern the local workforce board.

"First, we're a, a local workforce board," the presenter said, describing WIOA as the federal funding that flows to local areas for workforce and economic development. She said the Southern area covers 17 counties — naming several including Haskell — and that the funds support youth education and work-experience programs and on-the-job training that pays up to 50% of eligible participants' wages.

The presenter also outlined a rapid response program used after large layoffs, citing the Michelin closure in Ardmore, and said the consortium of county elected officials (LEOs) appoints local board members and meets about once a quarter. She said Haskell County currently has no representative on the consortium and asked whether a commissioner would serve, offering a signature page to record a volunteer.

Commissioners discussed whether formal action was needed. A motion to approve the request to sign the signature page was recorded and commissioners indicated assent when asked. The transcript records commissioners answering affirmatively when polled, and the presenter said she would take the signature page and provide copies.

The transcript does not record a named appointee or a formal written appointment; the action recorded in the meeting was signing the signature page to indicate a volunteer to serve. Next steps recorded in the meeting: the presenter will take the signed page and follow up with commissioners, providing copies and returning any needed materials.