Commissioner raises changes to 'COB deck' membership and fee structure; proposes faster phase‑in

Commissioner Franken brought an informational item to the commission regarding proposed changes to the regional entity referred to in the transcript as "COB deck," saying the group’s membership and fee structure are under review.

Franken said he understood the executive director — identified in the discussion as Greg Clark — recommended reducing membership from 24 to 17 to make it easier to secure quorums. He said Montgomery County has paid $91,074.05 annually and that a committee recommended phasing dues down so the three large counties would each reach approximately $40,000 annually. Franken said he opposed stretching that phase‑in over five years and recommended a three‑year period to bring county payments in line more quickly.

"As you can see, as we step it down, we're consistently paying more," Franken said, and added that he would bring a formal recommendation back to the commission. He described the report as informational and asked the commission for feedback on whether to pursue a three‑year phase‑in.

The discussion was presented for informational purposes; no formal resolution or vote on the membership or fee structure was recorded in the portion of the transcript provided.