The Cook County commissioners spent an hour discussing a way to develop a process that would allow it to allocate funds for non-mandated organizations in a more practical/business like fashion at the March 10 meeting. A work session has been scheduled for more discussion on Tuesday, April 7. Prior to that, Commissioner Garry Gamble is hosting a public meeting to discuss county non-mandated funding at the Cook County Community Center at 6 p.m. on April 2.
At the March 10 meeting, Commissioner Garry Gamble produced a 38-page book with a breakdown and maps showing where the county gives most of its non-mandated money. The pamphlet includes all of the non-mandated programs the county now funds, such as WTIP Community Radio, the Cook County Senior Center, Gunflint Horse and Dog Park, Cook County Community Center, Grand Marais Public Library, Birch Grove Foundation, etc.
The objective, said Gamble, was to determine an equitable approach to granting non-mandated funding requests. His fellow commissioners commended him on the pamphlet and agreed it was a good starting point.
Board Chair Heidi Doo-Kirk reminded the board that she wanted a finished guideline for non-mandated funding requests done by July 1, 2015. The board agreed to keep meeting until the work was done.
Auditor Braidy Powers said he would invite county department heads to the April 7 work session.
Commissioner Frank Moe said he had members of the public ask when they could be involved in the process.
Discussion at the April 7 meeting may include creation of a mission statement, goals, and criteria.
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