TULSA, Okla. — The Oklahoma Credit Union League, which last Mayrevealed a broad partnership and outsourcing plan with the TexasCredit Union League, said a final restructuring deal in 2009 “isnow close.”

In letters sent to its membership Wednesday, the league saidagain it would retain its lobbying operation and a reduced staff ina new headquarters building in Oklahoma City while at the same timecontracting with the Texas League to handle varied services rangingfrom training and education to chapter leadership and foundationoperation.

In opting for outsourcing to reduce costs, the league leadershipsaid it was following the pattern of other state leagues movingtoward “regional” structures.

“All services will still come from or through your league, therewill still be Oklahoma League staff for you to call with questionsor concerns and your Board of Directors will remain in place toprovide leadership and direction,” said the letter signed byinterim president/CEO Debra J. Morrow.

She noted that outsourcing among leagues “is not new” and does“mirror the cooperative” nature of CUs and their trade groups. Oncethe new Oklahoma City headquarters, called Credit Union House opensnext May, there will be “some restructuring in the organizationchart,” she forecast.