Fort Pierce commission approves $50,000 for Lincoln Park Main Street with tighter reporting requirements

The City of Fort Pierce Commission on April 7 approved a one-year service agreement with Lincoln Park Main Street for up to $50,000, but only after commissioners demanded more regular public reporting and stronger accountability measures.

The commission voted to approve the contract, with the condition that Lincoln Park Main Street and city staff provide quarterly in-person presentations to the commission rather than the biannual updates that were in the draft agreement.

The decision followed nearly an hour of public comment in which several speakers criticized Lincoln Park Main Street’s transparency and results. “They don’t have a webpage. They don’t have a phone number. They don’t have a physical address,” said Rick Reed, who gave his address as 2625 South U.S. 1 and urged the commission to “follow the money.” Another resident, Chris Gardner of 207 Orange Avenue, said the city could use the funds for police, roads and other core services instead of discretionary grants.

Lincoln Park Main Street representatives pushed back in public comment. “All of our funds are accountable,” said Pamela Carrithers, who said the organization provides quarterly profit-and-loss reports, receipts and canceled checks and that the group’s 990s are prepared by an outside firm.

Commissioners said they supported Main Street work in general but wanted stronger enforcement of benchmarks. “We’re going to have to make some hard cuts coming up soon,” Commissioner Gaines said, adding that groups receiving city money must “meet certain parameters” and be held accountable for every penny. Commissioner Broderick, who moved approval of the item with the added reporting condition, said the commission needs to “give them a chance” but also to see measurable deliverables.

City staff told the commission the awards are not being paid from the general fund this year and that quarterly written reports would be submitted; the commission asked staff to put the quarterly presentations on future agendas so the public could also hear updates.

Commissioners also discussed the city’s broader practice of funding outside agencies, saying it should receive more scrutiny during the next budget cycle. Several commissioners suggested a review of all outside funding to determine whether it delivers “a return on our money.”

The contract approved on April 7 covers the period Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025, and ties payments to deliverables. City staff said payments are not automatic and can be withheld if benchmarks are missed. The motion passed on a roll call vote with all commissioners voting in favor.

The commission directed staff to negotiate the contract language to require the new quarterly in-person presentations and return a modified final agreement for administrative execution.

The Lincoln Park Main Street item was considered alongside a separate Fort Pierce Main Street contract that staff said will return later with similar reporting expectations. The Commission also encouraged Lincoln Park Main Street to hold open board meetings and improve public communications so residents can see the organization’s work directly.