The Washington County Chamber of Commerce has notified County Commissioners that they need to pay nearly $460,000 for breaching a long-term contract for job creation and economic development services the Chamber provided without proper notice. Chamber President Jeff Kotula says the County violated the original termination requirements in the contract which called for one year’s notice. Commissioners Nick Sherman and Electra Janis voted to end the contract effective January 1, 2026 with only 51 days notice. The Chamber is requesting full and immediate payment to satisfy the County’s remaining commitment. Kotula says “due to their violation, we are certain the commissioners will honor the amount remaining on the contract to avoid litigation”. Kotula says the reasons provided by Sherman and Janis for cancelling the contract are “not true”. Commissioners are meeting this morning. WJPA News will have reaction once that meeting is complete. Tune to WJPA 95.3FM/1450AM for the very latest.