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Hardee County commissioners approve $32,000 for local nonprofit grants after debate
Summary
After hours of discussion about scoring and county priorities, the board voted 3–2 to allocate $32,000 across eight nonprofit applicants; staff will prepare agreements and a budget amendment for the awards.
Hardee County’s Board of County Commissioners voted 3–2 to allocate $32,000 to local nonprofits, following debate about how to apply a public 0–10 scoring rubric and whether to stick to the $20,000 line item in the adopted budget.
Staff reminded the board the evaluation form—approved by the commission—rates applicants on alignment with county priorities, measurable outcomes, organizational capacity, financial stability, community partnerships and impact on county resources. “During the budget development process back in July 2025 … you approved the $20,000 line item,” staff said, noting the board retains discretion to increase funding.
Commissioners described different scoring approaches: some said they scored by observed community benefit and local impact, while others said they tried to stay within the originally adopted budget. One commissioner summarized the challenge: the score sheet is subjective and intended to guide future applicants, not mechanically drive award amounts.
Committee member (speaker 9) moved to increase the total award pool to $32,000; the motion was seconded for further discussion and then carried on a 3–2 vote. The board then worked through individual award amounts so staff could prepare formal agreements and any required budget amendment.
The commission recorded a consensus funding split to be formalized by staff: Alpha and Omega Freedom Ministries, Alpha Omega — $2,500; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast — $5,000; Cutting Edge Ministries — $10,000; Caring People Recovery Center — $3,500; Peace River Center for Personal Development — $2,500; Hardy Health Center — $0 (reduced from prior consideration); New Hope Elder Care Services — $6,000 (to meet match needs); Rascals Rescue — $0. Those amounts were read back and confirmed for staff to draft awards and the resolution.
Public commenters representing two applicants spoke during the public-comment period. Kimala Martinez, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Suncoast, thanked the board for its consideration. A representative from New Hope Elder Care asked the commission to fund the organization’s match requirement to leverage larger grants.
Staff said it will prepare agreements, a resolution finalizing awards, and any necessary budget amendments. The awards are contingent on organizations meeting statutory requirements and any new compliance steps staff must ask awardees to demonstrate.
The commission’s action begins the formal award process; staff will return recommended documents and final award paperwork for signature and inclusion in the next budget cycle.
