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Franklin County commissioners hear 2027 funding requests from local community partners
Summary
At a March 30, 2026 study session, Franklin County commissioners heard 2027 funding requests from local nonprofits and community groups; most requests were level-funded from 2026, while a few sought modest increases. Commissioners will review recommendations ahead of an April 8 agenda item.
Franklin County commissioners met with representatives of community partner organizations on March 30 to review proposed 2027 funding requests, and commissioners said they will consider those recommendations for the April 8, 2026 agenda.
Jaimie Needham, executive director of CASA, requested $24,000 for 2027 and said recent volunteer recruitment allowed CASA to serve 24 children; the request is level-funded compared with 2026. Patrick Gardner, CEO of COF, joined by John Griffin, CFO of COF, requested $102,000, saying the organization’s fundraising supports renovation efforts at Thriftopia and that county funds are directed to Franklin County residents who lack other funding for COF services; the COF request is level-funded from 2026. Paul Bean, FCDC director, requested $67,593 and said he is pursuing grant funding for county projects; his request is level-funded from 2026.
Kasey Popejoy, Franklin County Conservation director, requested $56,000 for 2027 and said county funding would be leveraged to attract additional funds; the conservation request represents an 8.11% increase over 2026. Skylor Yeager, director of Ad Astra Advocacy Center, requested a new allocation of $25,425 to support forensic interviews of children involved in sexual abuse cases and described partnerships with law enforcement and attorneys while noting the center is awaiting grant results.
Leslea Rockers, director of ECKAAA, requested $109,700 and outlined cost-savings efforts such as using more cost-effective food vendors and voucher programs to serve congregate sites; the request is level-funded. Sharon Geiss, Services for the Elderly director, requested $138,700, an 11.50% increase from 2026, saying the increase would allow the agency to raise drivers’ pay to remain competitive. Vanessa Cowie, Prairie Paws Animal Shelter director, requested $44,000 and described efforts to diversify revenue and scale operations to reduce reliance on property taxes. Sarah Peters, Richmond Fair Board president, requested $1,400 and described how the fair board stretches its funds and pursues advertising revenue.
Leslie Bjork, director of the Elizabeth Layton Center, said the center is retracting its 2027 funding request and explained that mental health funding needs are cyclical; she said the center expects it may need county support in future years but chose not to request funds this cycle. Diana Staresinic-Deane, director of the Franklin County Historical Society, requested $72,000 for programs; the request is level-funded from 2026.
Commissioners noted that the majority of requests were flat compared with 2026. Each commissioner turned in individual recommendation sheets to the clerk; the county administrator confirmed the items will be on the April 8, 2026 agenda for formal consideration. The study session was adjourned at 11:28 a.m.
