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Show NviWO FUo Ilox G31G Lincoln, Neb, C0506 "If Grand County is getting shorl.-d on the Association of Govern! its Hoard, it's the fault of our representatives representa-tives on that board," said City Councilman Council-man and AOG Hoard member Harold Jacobs Tuesday. Concurring with Councilman Ja cobs, the City Council Tuesday evening voted unanimously to remain in tho association of governments, regardless of county action. A letter stating the council's displeasure at not being '-on-suited prior to county decision is being sent to the commission, with a copy going to the governor. Councilmen, during the meeting, questioned the validity of reasons given by county commissioners for leaving the AOG. A number of benefits received, plus the value of "spin off impact from AOG involvement, were also discussed. Councilman Jacobs had criticized tho county commission's move last week to leave the 3 county Grand Emery-Carbon association in order to ally with San Juan County. A prime reason gi-tn for the decision to pull out was "minimal benefits" being derived from the present association. Said Jacobs, "We attend the meetings, meet-ings, we know what's going on, and if wo can't get our fair share from the district, then it's our fault." Commissioner Harvey Merrell, the county representative on the AOG board, commented in response to this, "When you've got two against one, you don't have a fair share." He expanded, "We need someone here just working for Grand County. We don't get the full benefit from a staff person who lives 120 miles away." Regarding benefits received from the association, Jacobs cited benefits to Grand County from the Manpower Program alone during the past two years of $175,507. Of this, he noted, only $15,837. or 9 per cent went to staff in the 2 year period. Through Title XX in the current fiscal year. Grand County has received allocations alloca-tions of $26,5-13. A breakdown comparing compar-ing population and funding in the Title XX areas reveals that Grand County, with 16 per cent of the population in the 3-county district, is receiving 17 per cent of the funds. The proposed budget for disgres-sionary disgres-sionary Title XX funds for the next fiscal year, beginning July 1. 1977, includes about $31,000 in benefits for Grand County, or about 20 per c nt of the available funds, again with f . ' -er cent of the population in the district. No Consultation 1 Jacobs, and other councilmen. felt the county was out of line in not consulting with Moab City before making mak-ing their move. Over 70 per cent of the county population resides in the Moab City limits. "It would seem that a 70 per cent majority should be at least consulted," consult-ed," commented Bill Dinehart, executive director of the AOG. In addition, Moab City has a voice and a vote on the AOG Board. When Iron County pulled of their association of governments in that region. Cedar City elected to remain in the association. The implications of Moab City's decision to do the same will explored at an AOG board meeting March 17, with Mayor W. D. McDougald, Councilman Jacobs and Comm. Merrell scheduled to be in attendance. |