The Hutchinson City Council voted July 1 to double the recommended special‑alcohol fund awards for 2026 to four local organizations, reducing the fund balance but leaving approximately $199,000 available for later grants.

What the council did: A council motion to “approve the distribution of special alcohol fund awards for 2026, in double the amounts requested by the 4 organizations listed” passed unanimously. The mayor made the motion and a councilmember seconded; recorded votes were all “Yes.” The motion was styled as increasing the recommended award amounts; staff said the remaining fund balance after the doubled awards would be about $199,000.

Why it matters: The special alcohol fund is financed by alcohol tax/fees and is restricted by state statute to support drug and alcohol treatment, prevention and related services. Council members noted the fund has carried a multi‑year balance (about $367,000 before the July action) and that several federal and state grants are shrinking or have more restrictive uses, making local funds more valuable to some providers.

Council discussion: Councilmembers and staff discussed why the fund has a large balance (alcohol sales and related receipts can vary year to year), whether the city should do more active outreach to eligible nonprofits and agencies, and examples of past capital and program expenditures from the fund (staff cited contributions to inpatient treatment and a travel van in earlier years). One councilmember encouraged nonprofits that provide qualifying services to apply for remaining money later in the year.

Action details: Staff said they circulated the full application packets from the four applicants to council earlier the same day; applicants supplied financial statements and narratives documenting compliance with statute and service descriptions. Council member comments emphasized transparency and urged staff to publicize that additional awards can still be made later in the year.

Ending: The council’s July 1 vote increases 2026 awards to four organizations and leaves a significant remainder in the special alcohol fund for later distribution; staff said they would publicize availability and accept further applications under statutory eligibility rules.