Jan 8, 2025 By Mike Jones 3 min read

The chairman of Washington County’s Local Share Account committee is resigning from his leadership position just days before the panel is set to meet for its initial discussion about which projects should receive grants.

Jeff Kotula, who serves as president of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency, sent his resignation letter Tuesday afternoon to county officials announcing his decision to step down from the LSA committee that he has led since its inception in 2008.

“While I am proud of the work of the diverse group of dedicated individuals I have served with on the committee, I have also noticed the only person remaining from the original committee formed in 2008 is me,” Kotula wrote in his resignation letter. “So it is time for some fresh eyes on the process and a new chairperson for this important committee.”

The LSA committee helps to determine what projects in Washington County should receive a portion of the annual local share gambling revenue from the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows. The committee typically reviews nearly a hundred applications each year and passes on a list of recommended projects for grants for the commissioners to approve.

In his letter, which was addressed to commission Chairman Nick Sherman and also sent to Commissioners Electra Janis and Larry Maggi, Kotula indicated it was “time for me to take a respite from the process,” although he did not explain the reason for his departure. The letter states that Kotula spoke with Sherman earlier Monday, but he did not elaborate on the discussion.

Reached for comment Tuesday afternoon, Kotula referred to the letter for his statement on why he was leaving the LSA committee.

“I have valued the trust the county commissioners, committee, applicants and public have placed in me over the past 17 years and look forward to the continued success of this impactful program for Washington County,” he said.

Sherman said Kotula called him earlier in the day to notify him of the decision before the formal resignation letter was sent by email.

“On behalf of the county, I’d just like to thank him for his service to the county, vetting projects and making sure we’re doing good economic projects for the county,” Sherman said.

Sherman expected the commissioners would appoint a current member of the board to the role as chair in the coming days, although he did not have a particular person in mind since he just learned of Kotula’s resignation.

In the letter, Kotula said he still plans to attend Thursday’s introductory meeting to discuss 2025 LSA grants, when he would personally inform the members of his decision to step down.

“In my opinion, each member of the current committee would be qualified to lead the process,” Kotula said.

It wasn’t clear when someone would be appointed to fill Kotula’s spot on the committee.

Last year, the LSA committee recommended 51 projects to receive a combined $9.2 million in gambling revenue. It’s not known yet how much money will be available for grants this year.