Budget workshop reviews nonprofit funding; no allocations made

At a April 22 budget workshop, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed the city’s nonprofit funding requests but did not take any votes or make allocations.

Staff highlighted several clarifications in the nonprofit packet, including an $11,750 combined line that covers Meals on Wheels and the organization's dues. A staff member told the board that some organizations rolled dues into their program request and flagged that the combined figure was intentional to avoid later supplemental requests to the council.

Danielle, a city staff member, reminded aldermen that the workshop was informational: "You can talk about them, but you can't say yes or no. That has to be sent to me and Danielle to adjust accordingly," she said. Board members were asked to email Danielle or the designated staffer with any suggested changes so staff could reflect them in the formal budget documents.

Board members also noted a correction in one nonprofit’s submitted request: Club Knockout’s packet showed $38,000 in one field but the organization clarified it was requesting $25,000 — the same amount received the prior year. Staff said the video record of that request is available on the city’s YouTube channel for review.

Aldermen asked follow-up questions about a $10,000 line for the Industrial Development Board; staff explained the city had previously provided a large capital contribution related to a land purchase but said the $10,000 remains in the nonprofit list as a contingency while contractual details for a larger transaction remain unsettled.

No formal actions were taken on any nonprofit requests during the workshop; staff directed aldermen to submit specific recommended adjustments by email for inclusion in the budget process.