Putnam County tables decisions on Stephen A. Andes recreation grants; commissioners to review budget

Putnam County commissioners on Jan. 28 heard presentations from municipalities and nonprofit groups seeking grants from the Stephen A. Andes Recreation Enhancement Fund and voted to table decisions until the county finishes its budget process at the end of March.

The commission was told this is the ninth year of the Stephen A. Andes Recreation Enhancement Fund, which uses a portion of hotel-motel tax revenue to support municipal parks, recreation and town-beautification projects across Putnam County. Commissioners received applications from seven municipalities and two nonprofit organizations, and were told applicants requested a total of just under $136,000 while the county had $100,000 budgeted for the program.

Applicants described a range of projects. The City of Winfield asked for $10,711.64 for a swing and a flagpole and solar flag lighting at a riverside community center. The town of Bancroft requested about $20,720.72 to replace playground surfacing with rubber mulch, add a third flagpole and upgrade play equipment. Bellinger requested $35,000 toward a multi-year sidewalk and park access project that would support a 2013 Transportation Alternatives construction grant. Poca requested $34,599.20 to complete a playground, add picnic tables and build a larger shelter; the Putnam County Fair Board requested $13,920 for lighting and drainage work at the fairgrounds; Historic Hoag House Foundation asked for $6,560 toward an $8,200 project for climate control and porch repairs. One municipality (Buffalo) asked to carry forward prior-year grant money and requested a reduced additional amount; the precise carryover figure and final requested additional amount were not specified at the hearing.

Commissioners acknowledged the demand outstrips the available allocation and said the county would try to identify additional funding during the March budget sessions. "The request for magic funds was just under $136,000. And we have $100,000 allocated to these funds," the commission chair said during the meeting. The commission moved and seconded a motion to table the grant awards until the end of March so the budget process could be completed; the motion passed by voice vote.

Tabling the item lets staff and commissioners consider carryover, reallocation or supplemental funding during the upcoming budget process. Commissioners asked applicants to remain available and said staff would notify applicants after the March sessions with the commission’s decisions.

Proposals were presented by each town or nonprofit representative in person; commissioners asked occasional clarifying questions about project timelines and local cost shares. Several towns said work could be completed by summer or early fall if funding were available.

The commission did not award funds at the Jan. 28 meeting and formally scheduled final action after the county completes its budget discussions in March.