Matthews Council explores nonprofit model for managing town events funding

During the recent Board of Commissioners meeting in Matthews, Union County, discussions centered on a proposed alternate funding model for the Parks and Recreation Department. The proposal, presented by Commissioner Tufano, suggests the establishment of a nonprofit organization to manage all town events, such as Food Truck Fridays and Summer Fest, funded entirely by tourism dollars.

The key idea is to create a separation between the town and the nonprofit, allowing the latter to handle all event-related expenses, including police and fire services, park rentals, and utilities. Tufano estimated that this model could generate between $100,000 to $150,000 annually for the town's general fund, as the nonprofit would be invoiced for the use of town resources.

However, the proposal raised legal and operational questions among commissioners. Legal counsel highlighted that while the concept is innovative, it carries risks and lacks clear legal precedent. Concerns were voiced regarding the potential for misuse of funds by the nonprofit and the need for oversight. It was suggested that a contractual relationship or some level of control over the nonprofit's board might be necessary to ensure accountability and adherence to the intended purpose of using tourism funds for community events.

The discussion reflects a broader trend in local governance, where municipalities seek creative solutions to fund community activities while managing budget constraints. As Matthews explores this funding model, the implications for community engagement and financial management will be closely monitored. The board plans to further investigate the feasibility and legal framework of the proposal in upcoming meetings.