PAW PAW, Mich. — Following an investigation into possible misused funds within Kinexus Group, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties have drafted a new interlocal agreement that would bring more control and authority to the Counties.

Last month, ABC57 reported the executive director of Kinexus Group, Michigan's non-profit which includes three Michigan Works! service centers across Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties resigned after it came to light that he was getting paid well over $350,000at the taxpayer funded non-profit.

A 26-year agreement between the three counties explained how the executive director’s salary should have been approved. Friday morning, the joint ad hoc committee including Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties met to discuss the draft interlocal agreement.

The new and improved draft interlocal agreement creates a new workforce development authority among the three counties which would take over the work from Kinexus Group — a non-profit workforce development board. Kinexus Group has been the entity receiving grants for workforce development, among other things, on behalf of the three counties.

Now, a new public authority the draft calls the Fruit Belt Workforce Authority, will take over those duties after the State Department of Labor said the existing structure is defective, and an investigation was launched into possible mishandled funds within Kinexus Group.

"In the past, we have not been privy to information that we should’ve been to approve things, so that’s part of the whole thing that we need to make sure that approvals are given by us," said Van Buren County Board Chair, Kurt Doroh.

Us — being the chief elected official board. It's made up of two board members from each county. They are the body that is supposed to decide the executive director's salary and will oversee the work of the new public authority.

Essentially — the CEOB will act as the board of directors for the authority. Doroh believes it'll ensure transparency and integrity.

"Making sure that things are getting done the way they should be, that money is being spent where it should and that the people that need the help aRe getting the help."

The main takeaway from this new interlocal agreement is that the counties are aiming to take control and authority to govern, whereas the non-profit had that control before. The counties will decide in the future what role Kinexus Group will play.

On Oct. 29, the joint ad hoc committee including Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties will meet with the State Department of Labor to touch base and discuss how to move forward with this draft agreement.

In order for the draft to become official, it would require the governor's signature and then be filed with the Secretary of State.