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Regional association outlines local‑admin program and funding strain
Summary
Representatives of the 5 County Association of Governments briefed the Kane County Commission on the Local Administrative Advisor program, which offers administrative and planning support to small towns; staff said state funding cuts and new compliance demands are straining the program.
Roger Carter, the local administrative advisor for the 5 County Association of Governments, told the Kane County Commission on Nov. 18 that the Local Administrative Advisor (LAA) program exists to provide administrative expertise to small towns that do not have full‑time administrators.
"The purpose of this program is to provide some administrative support to these small towns," Carter said, describing the program as optional for towns and focused on planning, grant administration and templates to reduce the workload on part‑time clerks.
Why it matters: county staff said 21–22 small communities in the five‑county region rely on the association for services including CIB and CDBG administration, emergency‑response planning and assistance with land‑use code drafting. Carter said the state appropriation created the position but that recent cuts have placed pressure on services.
Darren Bushman, director of the association, outlined additional services the agency runs, including Meals on Wheels, weatherization and an economic development hub for EDA infrastructure grants. He said the association is consolidating facilities and reducing overhead, and that a CDBG award to purchase land in Iron County is intended to lower long‑term rent costs.
Bushman asked the commission to support efforts to restore full funding for the LAA program at the state level, saying local governments lack the staff and capacity to absorb new compliance mandates such as expanded data‑privacy requirements.
What commissioners said: commissioners thanked the presenters and asked about costs to participating towns; Carter said the program is funded by a state appropriation and does not require direct payments from participating municipalities. Commissioners encouraged continued coordination between county and association staff and suggested regular updates on services provided to Kane County communities.
Next steps: presenters offered to return with periodic updates; commissioners and staff said they would coordinate on legislative outreach and any county‑level assistance the association may need.
