Cookeville council proposes $1.14 million in financial aid to nonprofits for FY2026
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Summary
The council voted to place on first reading an ordinance appropriating $1,135,940 to governmental partners and nonprofit organizations for fiscal year 2026, increasing allocations to entities including the Putnam County Library and Cookeville‑Putnam County Visitors Bureau.
Cookeville — The Cookeville City Council on June 5 opened a public hearing and placed on first reading an ordinance that would appropriate $1,135,940 to public service, nonprofit and charitable organizations for fiscal year 2026.
Why it matters: The ordinance funds services and partnerships that city officials said supplement municipal services and support economic development, tourism and direct human services in Cookeville and Putnam County.
Key points - Amount and change: The ordinance appropriates $1,135,940 for FY2026, described by staff as an increase of 22.7% over the FY2025 total of $926,004.50. Of the appropriation, $1,120,009.40 is from the general fund and $15,000 from utilities. - Major recipients and changes: Staff highlighted $425,451 to the Putnam County Library (increase of $18,000), $80,000 to Cooke Field senior citizens (increase of $15,000), $190,000 to the Upper Cumberland Regional Airport (including a $120,000 local match), and $105,000 to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce (with $50,000 for Highlands economic partnership and $25,000 for workforce development). The Cookeville‑Putnam County Visitors Bureau allocation was increased to $40,000 (an increase of $15,000) from occupancy tax collections. - Nonprofit committee: City staff said a volunteer nonprofit committee reviewed 22 applications and recommended allocations totaling $161,000 to nonprofits; joint ventures and governmental partners total $974,940 under the proposed ordinance.
Accountability and application process City staff told the council the nonprofit application is published in February, available on the city website, and subject to Tennessee Code Annotated eligibility criteria. Awarded organizations are required to submit quarterly scope‑of‑work reports demonstrating how funds were used; governmental partners provide financial statements monthly or quarterly.
Public comment and council response A public commenter asked about outreach to smaller or emerging nonprofits, equitable access to the application and the city’s oversight of grant funds. Staff responded that applications are posted publicly, anyone meeting TCA eligibility can apply, and quarterly reporting is required.
Council action The council voted 5‑0 to move the ordinance forward on first reading.