Image courtesy of Iowa Workforce Development website

At the most recent Dallas County Board of Supervisors meeting, the conversation surrounding a proposed 28E agreement with the Central Iowa Workforce Development, Region 11 became fairly contentious.

The agreement would join Dallas with seven other counties in Region 11 in the oversight of federal money to be allocated for unemployment and economic development funding. Supervisor Mark Hanson had been championing the program since the beginning of the year, saying he felt strongly that Dallas should take part in the decision making process. However, the other two Board members had reservations about signing the agreement. Supervisor Brad Golightly took issue with a clause titled “Misspent Funds or Disallowed Costs,” and emphasized that he feels Dallas County taxpayers shouldn’t be held liable for situations of mismanaging funds.

Hanson countered that the taxpayers wouldn’t be on the hook for anything, because the program is federally funded and the County wouldn’t be required to pay anything into the organization. He also noted that the region’s bylaws contain several levels of oversight, which was echoed by County Attorney Chuck Sinnard. Supervisor Kim Chapman had similar issues with the agreement as Golightly, and neither would second Hanson’s motion to approve. Hanson was audibly frustrated with his colleagues, and called their inaction “short-sighted.” He also pointed out that 98 other counties in Iowa have approved similar agreements, or would be soon. He felt by being the only county not to join, it gives Dallas County a black eye in the state landscape. Chapman took offense to Hanson’s choice of words, and claimed he and Golightly just wanted to ensure they were comfortable with the agreement before committing. The topic will return for consideration at the next meeting.