Advisory board backs athlete scholarship policy, selects proportional allocation method

The Town of Selma Special Recreation Advisory Board on Jan. 24 recommended an athlete scholarship policy to the town council and selected Option 1, a proportional allocation based on total program cost.

Staff described edits to income verification and funding language. The board removed a fixed median-income figure and instead set eligibility as equal to or less than the federal poverty guidelines for the applicable year for a family of four. “That’s something we don't have to revisit each year,” one board member said in reference to tying eligibility to the federal guideline.

Because the policy will require council approval and timing would miss spring sports registration, staff wrote an initial funding period of January through July; that period will fund programs for the 2025–26 fiscal year.

The board reviewed two allocation methods. Option 1 divides funds proportionally by total program cost; Option 2 would weight allocations by registration and cost and requires more data. The board chose Option 1 citing simplicity and future expandability if new sports are added. The presenter noted both options were reviewed by the finance director.

A motion was made to recommend the policy to council with revised annual-allocation wording and to move forward with Option 1; the motion passed by voice vote.

Staff and board members acknowledged the policy may need adjustments after initial implementation, and staff will report results after the first funding cycle.