Commissioners press for transparency on 4‑H Williams Fund held by University of Maryland foundation

During the July 7 discussion period, several commissioners raised concerns about the governance and transparency of the Williams Fund — a legacy account intended to support the county 4‑H Park that is held through a University of Maryland foundation.

A commissioner said the board has limited visibility into the account, which is managed as an interest‑bearing principal with only spendable interest available for projects. Commissioners reported learning that recent withdrawals from the fund paid for a building addition and interior dividers, leaving little remaining balance for other requests. "I don't understand why these funds are controlled by the extension officer of the University of Maryland," a commissioner said.

County staff explained that the fund is overseen by a foundation board within the University of Maryland structure and that the county’s role is through an extension liaison and a memorandum of understanding; staff said they will follow up to identify the foundation trustees, the current spendable interest balance, and whether the county can be more regularly informed of requests and disbursements.

Commissioners asked staff to schedule a meeting with the foundation and involved parties to resolve questions about allowable uses and to ensure the county is informed before future disbursements; staff said the review is on their short list of follow‑up items.

The discussion did not produce a vote but commissioners said they expect a follow‑up briefing and a clearer account of what the Williams Fund can and cannot be used for going forward.