Oldsmar council reaches consensus on proposed $60,000 charitable donations; final approvals set for Oct. 21

OLDSMAR, Fla. — The Oldsmar City Council reached consensus Oct. 14 on how to allocate $60,000 set aside in the 2025–26 budget for charitable donations, after hearing presentations from eight local nonprofits and discussing priorities for basic needs over other programs.

The proposed allocations — displayed on a spreadsheet during the meeting and agreed to by the council — will be formally considered for approval at the council’s Oct. 21 meeting, Mayor Gannon said. Council members emphasized prioritizing food, housing and utility assistance for Oldsmar residents while still trying to fund community arts and event support at reduced levels.

The council first heard short presentations from the organizations that applied for funding. Kevin Dunbar, executive director of CFY Pinellas (Clearwater for Youth), told the council that CFY has an endowment that covers operating costs and that “every dollar that is provided to us, goes directly to supporting a child.”

David Hill, executive director of the Maddie Williams Neighborhood Family Center, said his organization operates the food pantry and a family support initiative that helps rehouse hurricane-displaced families. “I believe it’s $10,000 of it is earmarked for utility assistance,” Hill said of his organization’s request, describing utility help as a major part of the grant request.

Other presenters included David Lamac, executive director of Neighborly Care Network (meals,…