Residents urge inclusivity and raise audit and procurement concerns as committee advances RFP

At the end of the July 4 meeting, several residents used the citizens‑to‑be‑heard period to press the committee on representation and transparency.

Edith Benson, a retired attorney and long‑time Millcreek resident, said she was surprised by the committee’s composition and urged the advisory group to make its work more inclusive. "This advisory committee needs to be reflective of all of us who live and reside in Mil Creek," Benson said, calling on members to consider minority and women participation when advising supervisors and recommending outside counsel.

Benson also questioned the timing of having public comment after the committee vote to forward the RFP, suggesting supervisors should hear citizen input earlier in the process. Committee members responded that the panel is advisory and that supervisors retain final authority; one committee member noted that 20 people had applied for the advisory positions and seven were appointed from that applicant pool.

Candy Horn, another resident, asked why committee member Kylie Morris voted "no" on the RFP recommendation and suggested the committee consider firms outside the local network to avoid perceived influence. Committee members said the group’s intent was to gather competitive proposals and that supervisors would ultimately determine vendors and contracts.

The meeting closed after a motion and second to adjourn. The committee did not change its recommendation to forward the RFP, and the concerns raised by residents were recorded for supervisors to consider.