Timnath council approves $11,300 startup for Main Street program; $50,000 proposed for FY26

The Timnath Town Council on June 10 approved Resolution No. 44, Series 2025, authorizing $11,300 in startup funding for a proposed Timnath Main Street program and directing the finance director to include $50,000 in the draft FY26 budget for further program support. The vote was 5-0.

Allison, a representative of the Old Town Steering Committee, presented the Main Street proposal and the committee’s recommended funding model. The program would use a hybrid structure: fiscal and personnel support from the town plus formation of an independent 501(c)(3)—the Timnath Main Street organization—governed by a community board that will include at least one council member and one town staff member.

The steering committee’s initial funding request is $11,300 for FY25 to cover start-up costs—legal fees, formation and financial-consulting expenses and limited marketing. Allison said the committee received a quote of roughly $4,000 from a law firm to form a 501(c)(3). For FY26 the committee asked the council to include $50,000 in the draft budget; the committee expects that amount to contribute to an overall program budget of about $100,000, consistent with median budgets for similar Colorado towns.

The committee’s recommended long-term funding mix is roughly 50% town support, 20% grants, 10% corporate sponsorships and 20% fundraising. Allison said the program anticipates hiring a contracted program manager initially (estimated 15–20 hours per week) to manage grants, events, board administration and fundraising; the role could expand if revenue grows.

Council members asked about oversight and accountability. Council member Lake (who moved the resolution) and others said startup invoices should be processed through the town finance department during the formation phase. The steering committee and prospective board agreed to quarterly financial reports and to work with a CPA for required accounting and tax filings. Several council members said they expect the new Main Street board to review and refine the proposed FY26 budget before final adoption.

Council discussion emphasized the volume of local volunteer work that produced the proposal and asked staff to track performance measures the committee proposed: number and awards of grant applications, number of downtown events created, new businesses attracted to Old Town and fundraising results.

Timeline presented by the steering committee included selecting the board in July, forming the 501(c)(3) in September–October, posting a program-manager job description by November and aiming to have a contracted manager in place by January.

Resolution 44 passed 5-0. Council members and town staff said they will monitor quarterly reports and expect the Main Street organization to present a refined FY26 budget for council review.