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”. In response, Sherman said he believes the Chamber has not been transparent in their communications over use of county funds. Claiming he has repeatedly asked to see how county money is spent, not just on projects but with salaries and office expenditures as well. Janis feels the county is due that information also. Both agree that communication between the organizations needs to be improved. Commissioner Larry Maggi voted against the cancellation of the contract. Echoing a statement from the letter sent by the Chamber, he says that right now, Washington County is the only county that does not have an economic development program. Maggi is concerned that if the issue goes to court and the county is found liable, it will cost not only the balance of the contract funds, but additional payments to staff and legal representation above the contract settlement.