Douglas County commissioners will consider proposals this week aimed at bringing more transparency and accountability to their purchasing and budgeting procedures.

Commissioner Mike Gaughan introduced the plan during the last commission meeting two weeks ago, saying he had been working on them with county staff and others for about the last four years.

One set of changes would require outside agencies that receive county funding to comply with many of the same requirements that apply to direct purchases by county departments. Among other things, that means they would have to maintain records open to the public that describe in detail how any funds provided by the county are spent.

To receive funding, those agencies would have to enter formal contracts with the county detailing how the money is to be used, as well as oversight and monitoring requirements related to the performance of the agency. Those contracts could be canceled if the agency fails to comply with the performance standards, or if their annual costs exceed those established by the agreement.

If commissioners agree, those changes would take effect this year as the county prepares its 2015 operating budget.

In other business, commissioners will conduct a public hearing on a proposed conditional use permit that would allow a recreational facility known as Good Earth Gatherings to operate on property at 858 East 1500 Road.

Activities at that facility would include education, community outreach and ancillary retail sales, according to the application.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission voted 9-0 Jan. 27 to approve the permit, subject to certain conditions.

The commission will meet at 6:35 p.m. Wednesday in the county courthouse.