Councilors split over taxpayer funding of nonprofits as application window opens

Ashley, a city staff member, told the Finance Committee that applications for outside-organization funding will open in December and close on January 5. She said the city must post the application publicly but cannot actively solicit specific organizations because legal counsel warned that targeted outreach could create appearance-of-favoritism.

At the meeting Councilor Steve objected to using general tax revenue to fund nonprofits, saying residents should give directly if they support a cause. "I do not believe, never have and probably never will, that that should be in somebody's tax bill," he said.

Charlie and other councilors pushed back, noting that some nonprofits provide services — childcare, senior transportation and support for low-income residents — that reduce demand on municipal assistance programs. "They're helping the poor ... they're doing transportation services ... for our seniors," Charlie said, arguing that some nonprofit-supported services are effectively part of the local social-safety net.

Why it matters: The timing of the application window and the committee's internal review process will determine which nonprofits receive staff recommendations and, ultimately, council consideration. Ashley said late submissions can be accepted to the council but the internal committee may not recommend late applications.

Next steps: Staff will post the application online and on social media in December; the committee plans to convene a small internal review panel — including one councilor and city staff — to vet submissions and make recommendations to the full council.