Advertisement

County board chairman, Chris Christensen, called for the meeting to review the organization of the COA and to discuss the county commissioners' expectations of the COA.

Funding sources were discussed, especially millages that are voted on by taxpayers. The COA has a millage request on the ballot this election year.

Christensen told the board of commissioners that they are the leading force for any millage activities as far as the public is concerned.

"We are ultimately responsible. It is our responsibility to make sure the COA runs as it should," Christensen said. "If we falter in that charge, the senior citizens lose a millage and we lose as a board of commissioners."

Board of Commission member Bob Drebenstedt said he sees the chain of responsibilities as the COA executive director preparing information to bring to the COA board. The COA board's role is to review and approve the matters brought to them and subsequently bring them before the county board of commissioners for their approval. Once that approval is obtained the matter goes back to the executive director for execution.

Other discussion at the meeting included possible bylaws revision and the composition of the COA board.

Emmel will report on the findings from the meeting at a future county board of commissioners meeting.

Christensen said the discussion was beneficial.

"I think we gleaned a lot from the discussion and that we're all on the same page," he said.

B. J. Hetler may be contacted at 231-622-2645 or at citizen@voyager.net.