EOTC members back smaller steering group to speed business, ask attorney about quorum rules

Elected officials at the April 23 EOTC retreat discussed governance changes aimed at making the committee more nimble in evaluating projects and responding to urgent procurement or budget issues.

Staff explained that the current intergovernmental agreement requires a quorum from each jurisdiction to act on spending, which can slow time‑sensitive decisions. Multiple members suggested forming a smaller steering committee — one appointed representative (and an alternate) from each jurisdiction and a permanent annual chair with two vice chairs — to meet more frequently and vet proposals. "We get 15 people in the room and nothing ever gets done," one member said in support of a smaller group that can meet regularly and report back.

Open‑meeting concerns were raised: attendees asked staff to confirm whether the proposed membership and alternates would trigger public‑meeting rules. "We will follow up with that interpretation from the attorney," facilitator Ryan Mahoney said; staff committed to return with a written opinion on whether the steering group, as constructed, would constitute a quorum and thus require public notice.

Limits of authority: participants were clear they do not intend to delegate final spending authority to the subcommittee. The subcommittee would vet, set agendas and recommend actions, with any spending decisions returning to the full EOTC or member jurisdictions as required by the IGA. Several speakers also recommended keeping at least three full EOTC meetings per year and ensuring timely memo dissemination so member boards can discuss EOTC items in advance.

Next steps: staff will draft a governance proposal and ask the county attorney for a formal opinion on quorum and open‑meeting rules; they will present recommendations and a draft IGA amendment for committee consideration at an upcoming meeting.