Commissioners Discuss PFA, CDBG
The Jasper County Commission met in a work session Monday evening to discuss a possible 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and to discuss the Public Facilities Authority (PFA).
The PFA was enacted by legislation this year, and will be an arm of the County Commission. It is an independent authority, but does not have taxing authority. Therefore, the authority can enter into long-term agreements and make suggestions for projects, but it is up to the commission to fund it.
Persons on the authority will not be paid for their service. The commissioners agreed to include one commissioner and four citizens on the authority. There was much discussion as to the qualifications for individuals to serve.
Some commissioners wanted to eliminate those who serve on other boards, but others thought that, originally anyway, those who have experience on boards could bring something to the table. It will be up to PFA members to establish bylaws, officers, and meeting dates and times.
Commissioners asked County Attorney David Ozburn to look at bylaws from other such organizations, and bring them back to the commission. The commission can recommend the PFA adopt those bylaws.
Commissioners agreed to advertise for the positions, and will attempt to name a member from each district.
As for the CDBG grant, the commissioners agreed to invite Beth Eavenson with the Regional Commission to the board’s October 5 meeting to discuss possibilities for a CDBG grant. The CDBG grants generally must serve the low-income population.
There was discussion about partnering with the School Board and making Rose Bowl Field an amphitheater, or partnering with the city of Monticello for housing improvements. They discussed affordable senior housing or upgrading existing properties. They also discussed assisting the Food Bank in some way.
The deadline for the CDBG grant application is next April 1, and time is short to begin working on it, said Mike Benton, County Manager. The county may need to begin soon for an application in 2022, but Ms. Eavenson can help guide them.
