Commissioners pledge dozens of small designated donations to local schools, clubs and arts groups

Montgomery County commissioners during Tuesday’s meeting made or noted a series of designated appropriations to local schools, youth programs and arts organizations.

Commissioners agreed to split a shortfall of $752 raised by a Leadership Montgomery class supporting Strong Tower Foundation and South Lawn Middle School; three commissioners had already committed to cover part of that gap and others agreed to participate as needed. The Leadership Montgomery effort was described as part of a $10,000 fundraising goal to support a computer lab for Strong Tower.

Members also discussed and committed designated funds for local education and nonprofit needs: a $10,000 total pledge for the Boys & Girls Club summer camp (commissioners said they would split contributions), $5,000 for the Percy L. Julian band, $1,000 for McIntyre Comprehensive Academy teacher appreciation, and a $2,500 contribution to Alabama Dance Theater from a commissioner’s designated funds. One commissioner said she had already provided $5,000 to a local program referred to as “Echo” and another pledged $1,000 for that program.

Several items — including a longer list of previously requested designated appropriations — were deferred for staff to compile and return with a consolidated list at the next meeting. Commissioners directed county staff to assemble outstanding designation requests and a roll call of prior commitments for review.

The appropriations discussed were drawn from commissioners’ designated revenue accounts rather than an omnibus county budget appropriation; commissioners repeatedly instructed staff to prepare a list of outstanding designated requests for the next meeting so formal action can be taken on a complete set of items.