Human Relations Commission hears Metro Arts grant update; staff shortages, Iftar and bylaws reviewed

Ashley Batchelder, interim executive director of Metro Arts, told the Metro Human Relations Commission that the Metro Arts Commission on a special-called meeting authorized $3,263,000 in grant awards for the FY24–FY25 cycle, including 90 operating grants and 75 Thrive project awards. "We made the decision today to authorize the $3,263,000 that has been waiting to be granted out," Batchelder said, and added that the funds are expected to reach community organizations in about four to six weeks as they move through Metro's payment process.

The commission's finance report drew questions. Finance staffer Edie Tucker told the commission that the printed financial report circulated to commissioners is still incorrect because Metro finance staff have entered some information in the wrong line items; she said the commission is currently under budget and that some available funds have been reallocated to the No Hate on My Plate initiative. Tucker said Metro finance staff have promised to resolve the reporting errors and suggested inviting finance staff to a future meeting if commissioners want a detailed explanation.

Commissioners and staff described a human-resources backlog that has delayed hiring and left the commission operating with a reduced workforce. Commissioners said the office currently has four staff and will be down to three during upcoming medical leave; commissioners and staff said the backlog has held up filling approved positions and exposed the office to potential payroll-savings issues if positions remain vacant. The commission said reclassifications approved in the last budget year have not yet been posted, delaying hires.

Committee work and governance items were also on the agenda. Commissioners said bylaws and associated rules remain under review and that legal review and edits are likely to take a couple more weeks. The commission praised the executive and bylaws committees for hours of drafting and revision work.

Members reflected on the commission's 60th anniversary celebration, which commissioners described as a large, well-attended event that included remarks from Metro leaders and archival media prepared by staff. The commission also highlighted an upcoming Music City Iftar on Thursday, which will incorporate the No Hate on My Plate initiative; staff reported about 320 attendees registered so far and said doors open at 5 p.m. with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. Commissioners said the event will include guided table conversations during the meal to encourage cross‑table discussion.

The meeting recorded two routine motions: acceptance of the previous meeting's minutes and a motion to adjourn; both were approved unanimously as recorded by the chair. No other formal votes or ordinance actions were taken at the meeting.

Commissioners said they expect further budget discussions with the mayor's office and then with Metro Council in coming weeks as the commission completes its budget submission and addresses outstanding financial reporting and staffing matters.