The finance committee of the Schenectady City Council recessed and agreed to reconvene at 6 p.m. Monday to determine whether available city funds can cover a $47,000 funding request from Belmont Pop Warner.

The request was presented June 2 by Councilor Farley, who said the $47,000 “would cover the entire program.” The committee spent more than an hour hearing testimony from Belmont representatives, a program alumnus and city staff about the program’s reach and existing funding options.

Why it matters: Belmont Pop Warner serves more than 200 youth and operates football, girls flag football and cheer programs, participants and council members said. Supporters argued city funding would broaden access for low-income families and help the program sustain travel and championship expenses that can exceed registration fees.

Councilor Farley said the program has relied primarily on grassroots fundraising and volunteers and that the council has a range of possible funding sources to consider, including ARPA funds and existing youth-service budget lines. He asked the committee to review available money and report back Monday.

Belmont representatives detailed season costs and unmet needs. A program leader said, “Registration fee is only $200 but it doesn't even cover a fraction of what's really the cost for each child to participate,” and listed item costs including helmets at $250 each, shoulder pads about $75 and uniform sets about $100. Roman Booth, who identified himself as a program alumnus, told the committee, “I would not be where I am today without Belmont Pop Warner.”

City staff and council members discussed several possible funding sources: a $150,000 youth-employment line approved in recent budgets, approximately $108,000 from a separate line discussed as tied to a Cocoa/Copeland House program, and uncommitted Public Safety Foundation dollars (the transcript lists about $37,380 as uncommitted). Staff said they would confirm exact balances and any restrictions before Monday’s meeting.

Committee members encouraged Belmont to pursue the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application route; staff agreed to connect the organization to Ms. Carver, the city’s CDBG contact. Councilors also discussed whether to draw on ARPA funds or amend the general fund budget, noting formal budget changes would require the usual procedures.

No funding decision was made at the June 2 meeting. The committee’s immediate action was procedural: to recess, gather figures on available lines, and reconvene Monday at 6 p.m. for a vote or to forward a resolution to the full council. Committee members emphasized the need for an accounting of available funds and cautioned that some foundation funds and earmarked lines are under departmental management and may not be freely reallocated.

Supporters asked the council to act quickly. Belmont leaders and parents described ongoing out-of-pocket costs by coaches and volunteers and said the program seeks city partnership to keep participation costs low for families.

Next steps: Staff will provide a line-by-line report on available ARPA, youth-services and other municipal funds, and Belmont will be connected with the CDBG coordinator. The finance committee will meet Monday at 6 p.m. to consider a resolution dependent on available funds; if it comes out of committee after that meeting, the council may consider unanimous consent to place a resolution on an upcoming agenda.

The committee did not vote to allocate funds on June 2 and expressly deferred final action pending the Monday report.