Council approves $2,800 donation to Sierra Soar to support community athletics

The Colfax City Council voted Thursday to award $2,800 to Sierra Soar, a new local nonprofit that raises money to support youth and community athletics.

Bob Morales, representing Sierra Soar, told the council the group raised more than $50,000 over two years through events including a golf tournament that netted $9,000. “We aim to create lasting impacts on athletes' lives, fostering skills and friendships that extend well beyond the court and field,” Morales said.

Council discussion weighed the group's recent fundraising history and the city’s remaining nonprofit allocation for the fiscal year. Councilmember Caroline McAuley said the organization’s goals are laudable but questioned whether taxpayer funds were the best source of additional support at this time, noting the city’s nonprofit allocation and upcoming event needs. “After considering all factors, I don't believe that allocating additional taxpayer funded donations to this program is the most appropriate use for our taxpayer funds at this time,” McAuley said.

Councilmember Larry moved to provide the requested $2,800 without direction on spending; the motion carried. The council did not place conditions on how Sierra Soar should spend the awarded funds, but several members urged recipients of city money to provide a report afterward describing how the funds were used.

Sierra Soar told the council it uses funds to buy gear for local teams, pay tournament fees, and support community athletics and mentoring programs. Morales said the group had funded a gym floor refinish at the Sierra Vista Community Center and provided equipment, tournaments and other youth activities.

The donation will come from the city’s dedicated allocation for nonprofit and community-support grants; council discussion noted that earlier commitments and projected event funding reduce the remaining balance for the fiscal year.