Commissioner warns Harps addendum could hamper operations and require more staff

Commissioner Duncan reported that Harps approved its budget for publication but said an addendum in the packet would require unanimous approval for any line-item change in the 2026–27 Harps budget spreadsheet — a provision he described as onerous and operationally impractical for the county.

"Any change to any budget line item will require a unanimous vote by the Harps members," Duncan said, reading the packet language and warning it could force the district to hire additional staff and slow operations. He also described a recurring problem in which Seward District designees do not authorize minor decisions before Harps meetings, causing project delays; he proposed language requiring concurrent meetings to allow designees to act when appropriate.

Chair Metairie acknowledged the complexity and suggested Duncan bring revised language back for the board to sign if the other parties agree; commissioners noted the issue is part of an ongoing dispute that may ultimately be resolved in litigation but asked staff to work on clearer, narrower language to preserve operations.