Resident urges Franklin County to continue funding for Hope House

Gary Bracchus, a Franklin County resident, urged the Franklin County Commission on May 14 to reallocate county funds to support Hope House, a local nonprofit that provides food and clothing assistance.

Bracchus, who said he worked for 42 years in management and capital budgeting, addressed commissioners during the public comment period and described the organization as well run. "Hope House serves the Ottawa community and those in need regardless of religion, politics, age or color of skin," he said. He asked commissioners to "please consider reallocating at least a small amount of funds as you have in the past to aid this important community service."

Meeting organizers noted that public comments were limited to five minutes and should concern county business rather than personal or pending legal matters. Bracchus provided his name and an address given in the record as 1206 South College. He said he and his wife volunteer at Hope House and asked the commission to consider continued funding for the program's work providing food, clothing and other basic needs.

Commissioners did not take action on the request during the meeting. The commission moved on to scheduled agenda items after the public comment period.