Board tables FEMA staffing grant and several tourism grant applications until budget review

Aldermen voted on Nov. 15 to table Resolution 2024-35 and tourism grant items A–D until the regular Nov. 19 meeting so the grants can be discussed during budget review. The board cited outstanding budget questions and the need to confirm whether certain grant dollars are already budgeted and allowable for salary costs.

Resolution 2024-35 is a FEMA/CEMA application the clerk said must be returned to FEMA no later than Nov. 21. Board members asked staff to verify whether the grant can be used strictly for salary; one board member said a staff contact (Mr. Shulman) had confirmed the grant was intended for salary, while others noted the application language includes materials and other items and requested additional confirmation from CEMA.

Tourism director Kelly O'Malley outlined three tourism-related applications with early-December deadlines: a reimbursable (nonmatching) Bluegrass Festival grant (up to $50,000 reimbursement for program costs including prize money and entertainment), an Interactive Shield sponsorship with additional site and concrete costs, and a Missouri Humanities matching grant of $25,000 tied to a centennial project. O'Malley said staff did not begin substantive application work until the board signaled interest; several members suggested staff begin preparatory work immediately so materials will be ready for the Nov. 19 meeting.

After questions about timing, matching requirements and whether funds were budgeted, the board approved a motion to postpone formal action on the FEMA and tourism items until Nov. 19. Staff were directed to confirm allowable uses for the FEMA/CEMA grant and to continue preparatory work on tourism applications so the Nov. 19 meeting can include final action.