Council leaves $2,000 in discretionary community grants pending follow-up, asks nonprofits to document uses

Councilmembers discussed small discretionary community grants and left $1,000 each in the council’s proposed budget for Youth Assistance and the Tri‑Community Coalition while asking staff to seek short written descriptions from applicants explaining how the money would be used.

Councilmember-level discussion recalled that in prior years Youth Assistance and the Tri‑Community Coalition historically received larger allocations; staff said last year the line items had been reduced and that some organizations had received other funding from CDBG and program grants. Councilmembers asked that any organization receiving municipal discretionary money provide a one‑page summary or brief presentation to council describing services and how the funds would supplement, not supplant, other funding.

Councilmembers also noted that Haven — which historically received CDBG support — did not receive CDBG in the current year because county rules reduced the number of eligible subrecipients; members suggested staff evaluate whether opioid settlement funds or other sources could support certain community services if council directs. No additional appropriations were made at the April 28 session.