Resident asks council for more transparency on 4‑H building READI grant process

During the public-comment portion of the Washington County Council meeting on May 4, Jennifer Bowers asked the council for greater transparency about a proposed 4‑H building tied to READI grants. Bowers said she understood READI grants originate with the Growth Partnership, proceed to the commissioners for approval, and then come to the council for funding; she asked what information the council should receive before voting, whether council members who serve on RDA or Growth Partnership boards should provide updates, and why council members had not been asked for input on the project.

Council President Brad Gilbert responded that the council is not required to be part of the process unless matching funds are required, noting that the Growth Partnership appeared before the council in April 2025 to request approval of matching funds — the first time the council had been required to act. Gilbert said communication among council members about board activities has occurred but acknowledged that not much information about the 4‑H project was available to share at this time. Council members also discussed a possible scoping committee that would include three councilmembers once the project advances and commissioners accept the grant.

Bowers’ comments focused on transparency and public reporting by council members who sit on external boards. The council did not take immediate policy action at the May 4 meeting; members said additional steps would follow if the grant is officially awarded and accepted by the commissioners.