Kittitas County Economic Development Partnership ILA_Final Draft (3)

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2.1 Conference of Governments (COG): The Kittitas County COG shall have delegated authority by the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners to serve as the governing and joint administrative body for the KCEDP, with the following responsibilities: • Provide strategic guidance, ensure accountability, and monitor the performance of KCEDP in achieving the collective mission and vision. • Make recommendations to the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners for allocation of rural sales and use tax credit, and other resources necessary to support staffing and KCEDP activities. • Hire, supervise, and evaluate staff position(s), including an Executive Director, to coordinate, support, and lead KCEDP activities: o Coordinate and facilitate the work of the KCEDP. o Serve as a liaison between the partnership and the COG. o Perform economic development activities as directed by COG. o Manage contracts with external entities (e.g., consultants) as specified by COG to support KCEDP objectives. o Additional staff or contractors may be engaged as needed, subject to funding availability and approval of the COG. o Conduct direct economic development and business recruitment activities in partnership with Parties. o Facilitate reports and communications from the KCEDP on activities, deliverables and outcomes, to be shared with COG. • Responsible for operations and outcomes of KCEDP, including the power to: o Approve the KCEDP’s annual work programs in support of execution of the Plan. o Modify or dissolve the KCEDP, subject to the terms of this Agreement. o Resolve disputes among KCEDP members, or between the KCEDP and the COG. 2.2 Kittitas County: Kittitas County shall be the lead agency for financial and administrative activities for the KCEDP and COG. While COG will serve as the governing authority over KCEDP, the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners will provide budget and staffing authority, including payroll and benefits administration, for these functions and positions. Kittitas County shall provide for administrative support to COG employee(s). 3. Financing: Financing for the KCEDP shall be provided by Kittitas County, through COG, with 0.09% rural sales and use tax authorized under RCW 82.14.370. Additional financing sources may include: • Grants from federal, state, or private entities; • Contributions from the Parties, as mutually agreed; or • Other revenue streams identified by the COG or KCEDP. 3.1 Budget and Financial Management: