Meetings watch: Eastern Plains Council of Governments

During a meeting Wednesday, the board of directors for the Eastern Plains Council of Governments:

• Heard a presentation from E. J. Peinado of the state’s Mortgage Finance Authority on money available to assist communities with infrastructure, community facilities and equipment.

• Approved financial reports for June and July.

• Voted unanimously not to renew a contract as fiscal and administrative agent for the Eastern Area Workforce Development Board (EAWDB) when the current contract expires in June 2012. Director Sandy Chancey said the EAWDB has also said it may put out a request for proposals for a new administrative agency.

“Not only will (EPCOG) not respond to another RFP, when the contract ends in June 2012, we’re done,” she said.

“This relationship between the COG and Workforce has been contentious for a long time and it’s not getting any better.”

Chancey said money for the EAWDB funnels through EPCOG, but there is no benefit to EPCOG from the money.

She said there are five employees working at EPCOG under the contract and it is hoped that whomever takes the contract with EAWDB will keep those people on staff.

Chancey said in December EPCOG lost the contract, but layoffs of the five were averted when EPCOG successfully regained the contract.

• Heard a report that 36 households were assisted through Community Development Block Grant emergency money after a freeze in February caused damage to homes in the region.

• Voted to allow the village of Roy EPCOG membership under an agreement it would pay $362 in membership dues when it has the money.

—