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Commissioners to hear regional Community Action consolidation; members raise conflict-of-interest concerns
Summary
Staff said a regional Community Action (CAP) organization is forming and requested commissioners recommend county board representatives; commissioners discussed potential conflicts if a commissioner served on a board that later applied for county funds and asked the CEO, Jason Parent, to appear next month with details.
County staff told Hancock County commissioners on Feb. 3 that several community action agencies are consolidating into a larger regional entity to continue services after a prior local vendor stopped operations. Jason Parent, identified in materials as chief executive officer, requested to appear at the next meeting to explain the proposed board structure and to solicit county recommendations for a representative.
Commissioners said they expect a funding request and raised concerns about the propriety of commissioners serving on the CAP’s board while the board seeks county funds. One commissioner said it could present a conflict of interest if a commissioner participated in a body that later applied for grant funds that the county would decide on. The commission asked staff to have Parent address those questions and provide fuller information at the next meeting before any appointment or recommendation is made.
County staff described the consolidation as an attempt to maintain services across the region and noted the group would likely request funding; commissioners requested clarification about how board representatives would be selected and how any conflict-of-interest issues would be handled.
No vote was taken. The matter was scheduled for follow-up when the CAP’s CEO appears to answer questions and provide documentation.
