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Park County hears dozens of special-funding requests as budget planning begins
Summary
Nonprofits and local providers asked the Park County commissioners for special funding in next year—s budget, including requests from senior centers, crisis intervention, youth services, food pantry and animal shelter; commissioners said requests will be considered during budget deliberations.
Park County commissioners heard a series of special-funding presentations from local nonprofits and service providers as the board begins preliminary budget planning for FY2026-27.
Speakers described rising demand and program costs across multiple community services. Elena Dooley, executive director of Crisis Intervention (the county—s domestic violence/sexual assault/stalking agency), said her agency received a $1,000,000 grant to build non-congregate shelter units but is awaiting environmental reviews and requested $11,000 to help offset operational costs. Linda Dalton (Powell Senior Center) described a 24% increase in ridership, a recent van purchase and a request tied to an endowment distribution. Stephanie Reed of the Cody Senior Center asked for $100,000 to serve a growing senior population and to provide match funds that would unlock $500,000 in state/federal grants and to pilot a nonemergency medical transport program.
Other presenters included Tiffany from Youth Clubs of Park County (after-school and summer programs serving nearly 300 children last year), Charlie Jones of Mana House (a food pantry reporting roughly 180 boxes/week and about 7,900 family-weeks served for 2025), Sally Gallup of Park County Animal Shelter (requesting $3,000 for spay/neuter and nutrition), and Oxbow Center representatives (behavioral health/crisis services serving the Bighorn Basin). Several groups emphasized rising food and fuel costs, increased client counts, and the need for local match dollars to secure larger grants.
Commissioners asked detailed follow-up questions on program volumes, matching strategies, interagency coordination (for example, Oxbow—s work with law enforcement), and whether services overlap (e.g., pantry vs. senior center meals). Staff repeatedly told presenters the board will consider requests together as part of the special-funding and budget process and will revisit them as the county develops budget proposals.
Representative quote: "Supporting youth clubs is truly an investment in Park County's kids, families, and workforce," Tiffany said, explaining the service supports working families by providing affordable child care.
Next steps: The commission will compile and consider these special-funding requests as it finalizes the FY2026-27 budget; presenters were told to expect more detailed budget conversations as the process advances.
