Erlanger caucus discusses newly formed Eons Preserve nonprofit and council concerns about separation and conflicts

Mayor opened discussion by describing Eons Preserve as a separate nonprofit established to accept large donations and land gifts for a regional park project that extends beyond Erlanger’s city limits. The mayor said articles of incorporation and bylaws were submitted to the state last week and that the Horizons Fund is hosting a fund that already contains donations. "I am the president of that nonprofit," the mayor said, adding the organization’s vice president is Bill Butler and Jean Shore of the Catalytic Fund is treasurer.

Council members asked whether the city and the nonprofit have any formal agreement governing how donated money or donated land would be used. The mayor and staff said there is currently no agreement between the city and the Eons nonprofit and that any sharing of money, labor, or other resources would require separate agreements and council approval. The mayor said Horizon Fund staff and Strauss Troy attorneys prepared and manage the paperwork and fund administration.

Several council members raised concerns about donor confusion and potential conflicts of interest because the mayor serves as president of the nonprofit while also holding city office. One council member asked how donors would know whether a gift would go to the nonprofit or to the city and warned donors might assume money would be used on Erlanger‑owned land. The mayor responded that the nonprofit will not direct city funds and that "there's totally separate books," and she repeated that she will not take a salary for the nonprofit role.

Council members asked the mayor and staff to make clear disclosures about donor intent and stewardship. The mayor said Jack Gatlin would help determine whether a particular donation should route to the city or to the nonprofit in future cases and that any entanglement would be brought to council for approval. Nancy Grayson and the Horizons Fund were cited as the likely administrators to disclose donor restrictions and handle compliance.

The exchange closed without formal action on governance documents; council requested clarity and transparency before any future agreements or requests that would involve city resources. The next procedural step would be for any proposed agreement between the city and the nonprofit to come before council for consideration.