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Legislators discuss stipend to establish Greene County poet laureate; no funding decision made
Summary
Committee members discussed creating a county poet laureate appointment with a modest stipend (suggested $2,000–$2,500) and routing compensation through CREATE as an appointee; members asked staff to return with draft language for July and suggested funding could be added as a create contract amendment.
Members of the County Resources Committee discussed whether Greene County should fund a county poet laureate with a stipend to help attract applicants and support outreach. Sherry (committee member) proposed a stipend of $2,500 per year for two years, totaling $5,000, and suggested the appointee would represent Greene County at events including graduations, veterans’ events and county ceremonies.
Committee members noted that neighboring counties pay stipends in the $2,000–$3,000 range and observed Greene County’s smaller population. Some members suggested that CREATE, the county arts partner, could administer or supplement the stipend and that the county could amend CREATE’s contract to allocate additional funds rather than hire an employee directly. Committee members agreed staff should draft criteria for the role and return with formal language in July.
No appropriation or formal appointment was approved on June 4; members directed staff to speak with CREATE leadership and prepare proposed language and funding options for the next cycle. One committee member said she would bring a specific amendment to the CREATE contract for consideration in July, if members agree.
