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Woods County committee approves pass-through agreement to host Southern Plains Grassland Summit
Summary
Woods County's economic development committee voted to serve as a pass-through fiduciary for the Southern Plains Grassland Summit (May 27–29, 2026), citing existing sponsorship commitments and a plan for a dedicated holding account for residual funds.
The Woods County Economic Development Committee voted to approve a memorandum of agreement allowing the committee to act as a pass-through fiduciary for the Southern Plains Grassland Summit, a three-day conference scheduled May 27–29, 2026.
Committee staff reported that the Industrial Development Authority was consulted and that Jana Walker indicated the committee could serve as a pass-through. Officials said sponsorships have been obtained or pledged from several state agencies and conservation partners; one sponsor commitment was described as a minimum of $5,000. Staff also said the committee will establish a labeled holding account for any residual funds after registrations and bills are settled.
The memorandum of agreement lays out the parties' duties, the period it covers and signatories. Committee members discussed using the Woods County Joint Development website for online registration and program posting; staff said a vendor setup with state agencies is in progress and that setting a website page for the summit is acceptable to the committee.
Concern was raised about bookkeeping and the need to ensure the industrial authority's auditing processes are respected; staff said the arrangement is intended to be a simple pass-through, not an ongoing fiscal change to county books. Members also noted plans for two bus tours tied to the summit: one to a wildlife refuge and another to Legacy Ranch.
During debate a member noted the summit is expected to attract an estimated 300–500 attendees and to bring hotel, restaurant and other visitor spending over the three days. The committee approved the motion by roll call. The recorded votes included yes votes from Bo and Kale; the roll call recorded a total tally of three yes votes and one abstention and the motion carried. The transcript does not record the full names of every yes vote or the member who abstained.
Next steps: staff will finalize vendor status for state agency sponsors, create the dedicated Grassland Summit account and return the signed memorandum once the appropriate signatory (Jeremy Eden) is available to sign.
