Macon County commissioners approved $37,000 in community funding Thursday and split the allocation among four nonprofit applicants, while choosing not to fund a Highlands swim‑team request that commissioners said would set a precedent for funding sports teams.

The board recommended and approved the following allocations: $10,000 to Kids Place, $10,000 to REACH (the local domestic violence/homeless services provider), $10,000 to the Macon Medical Assistance Program and $7,000 to another reading‑support program (listed as Read To Me in the agenda materials). Commissioner Braden moved approval of the committee’s recommendations and the motion passed 5‑0.

Commissioners discussed the policy question of whether county taxpayer funds should support nonprofit operating budgets versus relying on fundraising. Commissioner Braden and others argued the awards are a modest county contribution that leverages nonprofit services and can save county resources in the long run; another commissioner said the board should not be the primary fundraiser and suggested nonprofits seek sustainable fundraising strategies. REACH’s assistant director (Jennifer) described how county contributions leverage state and federal funds and provided usage details for the requested amount.

Board members noted the community funding pool had a $75,000 budgeted ceiling for the cycle and $37,000 was recommended for disbursement now, leaving funds available for later in the fiscal year. Several commissioners asked county staff to consider moving recurring, high‑priority grants into the formal budget process so nonprofits could reliably plan their programs.

The motion to award the $37,000 passed on a 5‑0 voice vote; no public opposition was recorded during the discussion.