Main‑street nonprofit presses Tazewell for explanation after town can’t find signed MOU

Representatives of the local Main Street nonprofit said they were surprised to see town funding reduced after an earlier MOU, which they said promised $100,000 a year plus a 3% annual increase. The group’s representative, who said she is slated to be president next year, told council the MOU included the executive director’s salary and that the organization expected the increase to continue.

Town staff and several council members responded that town records do not show a signed, approved MOU in the municipal files. “We do not have a wet‑ink copy of that,” the interim manager said when asked about the document’s status. Council members urged the organization and staff to research minutes and records; staff proposed a follow‑up meeting later in the year to clarify a signed agreement and to set expectations for future funding levels.

Council members and staff said the town’s earlier intent was to help jump‑start Main Street activities but that policy guidance and past direction envisioned the organization increasing fundraising so town support could be stepped down over time. Staff referenced guidance that Main Street organizations should not be solely reliant on town funding and noted the town had proposed a plan to reduce support in $25,000 increments, although the schedule had not been fully implemented.

Council asked staff to locate any signed paperwork and to return with recommendations and a timeline for a new MOU or written agreement; the organization said a letter advising them of funding changes had not been received. The council suggested another public meeting later this year to negotiate and, if appropriate, document a new agreement to ensure clarity for both parties in the next budget cycle.