During the Milton Community Enhancement Grants Subcommittee meeting on April 16, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the need for improved accountability and transparency in the allocation of grant funds in Shelby County. Commissioner Thornton emphasized the importance of understanding how taxpayer dollars are impacting local communities, stating, “I want to be able to tell constituents how that money impacted the neighborhood or community.”

Thornton proposed a reshaping of the Milton grants program to better serve organizations that may not have the capacity to become formal nonprofits. He expressed concern that the current framework may inadvertently favor larger organizations while neglecting smaller, grassroots efforts. “This could be a great $5,000 to $10,000 operation to help specific programming, not to support nonprofit operations,” he argued, highlighting the need for targeted support for those who are actively serving the community without the resources to sustain themselves.

The conversation also touched on the necessity of establishing a reporting period to assess the impact of funded projects. Thornton suggested that this could enhance awareness and accountability, allowing for a clearer understanding of how funds are utilized.

Additionally, Thornton raised concerns about the competitive bidding process for contracts related to the grants, questioning whether all potential vendors had been adequately considered. He pointed out discrepancies in funding allocations across different areas of Shelby County, noting that suburban regions often receive larger grants compared to urban areas.

As the meeting concluded, Thornton reiterated the importance of focusing on the community's needs rather than allowing political issues to overshadow the grant process. He called for a more inclusive approach to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard, emphasizing that the current system only serves a fraction of the population in need.

The discussions from this meeting highlight a critical moment for Shelby County as it seeks to refine its grant processes and ensure that community enhancement efforts are both effective and equitable.