Bethany commission approves revised Tom Dunn scholarship, raises annual payout cap to 20%

The Bethany Parks & Recreation Commission voted to approve a revised scholarship application and internal policies that rename the local fund the "Tom Dunn Scholarship," clarify award criteria and documentation, and increase the annual distribution cap from 10% to 20% of the fund balance.

Commissioners described recent donations to the fund — including contributions from Tom Dunn and the Lions Club — and debated how to balance awards across families. Commission members estimated the fund balance at roughly $12,000; under the newly approved 20% cap, the maximum annual allocation would be about $2,000, they said. The commission emphasized awards will be determined by demonstrated financial need, available funding and program capacity rather than guaranteeing fixed 50% or 100% grants.

The revised application removes checkboxes that had promised specific fixed percentages and instead directs applicants to request either a full or partial award; staff will record the actual dollar amount awarded on approval. The application and policy language were edited to require current proof of residency (for example, a recent utility bill, lease agreement or property tax statement) and to state explicitly that scholarship awards are limited and depend on need and availability of funds.

The commission asked staff to present the revised paperwork to the board of selectmen and the town attorney as needed. Commissioners also directed staff to prepare standard award and decline letters and to log decisions to support auditing. No individual roll-call tallies were recorded in the minutes; the chair reported the motions carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will finalize the forms and send the revised application to the board of selectmen for any required approvals. The commission also agreed the park director may recommend adjustments to income thresholds based on current economic conditions and available funding.