During a recent government meeting, officials addressed significant concerns regarding financial management and the need for dedicated grant writing resources. A troubling incident was highlighted where a $650,000 grant application was never submitted, resulting in the county incurring the full cost without reimbursement. This oversight not only strained county finances but also led to job losses, underscoring the critical need for improved grant management.

Officials emphasized the importance of having a full-time grant writer on staff to prevent such issues in the future. The discussion pointed out that a dedicated grant writer could actively seek and secure funding opportunities, ensuring that vital resources flow into the community. Currently, while the city employs part-time grant writers, there is a call for collaboration between the county and city to potentially share resources and enhance grant writing efforts.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of investing in grant writing capabilities to better serve the community and avoid future financial missteps.