Organizers request county support for youth fishing rodeo; attorney outlines donation rules

An Adams County resident asked the board Feb. 5 for monetary and in-kind support for a youth fishing rodeo planned for March 12 at Natchez State Park and estimated total needs of roughly $34,000.

Francis (Ransom/Ramsey) (presenter) told supervisors he had solicited donations and volunteers, secured park approval and requested county financial assistance and presence at the event. He said the rodeo will bring children to experience fishing and community engagement.

County Attorney Scott Slover advised that county contributions to outside events must satisfy specific checklist criteria; without meeting those criteria the county is prohibited from making direct donations and county officials could be personally liable if the legal steps are not followed. He said the county could provide a letter of support but could not give funds unless the request fits one of the allowable categories on the donation form.

Supervisor discussion focused on reviewing the county donation checklist and whether the rodeo could be funded under an allowable category. The board took the request under advisement and directed the presenter to submit any required paperwork that demonstrates the event qualifies under the county—s donation rules.

Ending: The county attorney and staff will review any submitted checklist items; if the event meets the legal criteria the board can consider a funding request at a future meeting. If not, supervisors suggested personal or private donations by individual members as an alternative to a county appropriation.