Commissioners award $1,000 to Lubbock Area Square and Round Dance Federation for insurance and taxes

Lubbock County Commissioners Court on July 28 approved a $1,000 allocation from unclaimed funds to the Lubbock Area Square and Round Dance Federation to help offset insurance and tax costs for the federation’s dance hall.

Charles Spoon, who identified himself as president of the federation and a volunteer firefighter, told the court the nonprofit operates square, round and contra dancing and maintains a 6,000-square-foot floating hardwood dance floor at its building on 20th Street in Lubbock (described in the meeting as “2305 20th Street,” across from the old livestock sale barn and a block off University Avenue). Spoon said membership has declined over decades and the federation faces rising insurance and property-tax bills, which he estimated at about $11,000 annually. He said his group is holding a fundraiser in September and regularly invites nursing-home residents to events.

Motion and vote Commissioner Shaw moved to allocate $1,000 from county unclaimed funds to the federation; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Corley and carried unanimously.

Why it matters The grant provides modest, one-time support to a local nonprofit that offers alcohol-free community dance activities for older residents and the public. Spoon emphasized the federation’s long history (federation established 1968) and volunteer-driven operations.

Speakers - Charles Spoon — President, Lubbock Area Square and Round Dance Federation (citizen/nonprofit). Presenting the request. - Commissioner Shaw — Commissioner (government). Moved funding. - Commissioner Corley — Commissioner (government). Seconded the motion.

Authorities referenced - Texas Property Code §74.601 and Local Government Code §381.004 were cited in the agenda language as the basis for using funds to promote the arts (as stated on the agenda and read aloud by the court clerk).

Clarifying details - Spoon said the federation’s annual insurance and tax obligations run about $11,000. He said the group has approximately 90 current members, plus nonmember attendees; membership has declined from a peak in prior decades. - The federation’s fundraiser planned for September will include live bands and a barbecue meal; two bands agreed to perform without charge as of the meeting.

Meeting context - Engagement level: low-to-moderate public presentation followed by a single motion and unanimous vote. - Implementation risk: low (one-time county allocation from unclaimed funds).

Searchable tags: arts-grant, square-dancing, nonprofit, Lubbock

Provenance: topicintro evidence_excerpt: "Item 25 ... regarding funding for the Lubbock area square and round dance federation pursuant to section 74.601 of the Texas property code ..." (transcript ~00:04:22). topfinish evidence_excerpt: "Motion by commissioner Shaw, second by commissioner Corley, to fund ... in the amount of 1,000. Motion carries unanimous." (transcript ~00:12:11).