During a recent government meeting, Councilman Wade Long highlighted the availability of federal grants aimed at supporting small communities. He emphasized the ease of accessing these funds, noting that his wife was able to locate relevant grants in just two and a half minutes. Long urged local officials to require suppliers to assist in the grant application process as part of their contracts, suggesting that this could enhance the community's ability to secure funding.

Long, who has two decades of experience in government contracts, expressed concern over the current bidding process. He criticized the notion of allowing bidders to draft contracts, likening it to a scenario where major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin or Northrop Grumman would write government contracts, which he argued could lead to significant financial mismanagement. His comments reflect a broader concern about transparency and accountability in government contracting practices.

The meeting showcased a strong turnout, indicating community engagement in local governance, and underscored the importance of leveraging federal resources for community development.