Commission delays Community Heart & Soul contract amid questions about cost and scope

Representatives from Community Heart & Soul presented a seed grant offer and program structure to the Boyne City Commission and answered commissioners’ questions about scope and cost.

Bob Donahghue and Matt Jenkins — identified as Community Heart & Soul representatives — told the commission that the program could be completed for roughly $40,000–$45,000 with the foundation providing a seed grant (reported as $30,000) and another grant source or match covering the remainder. As Donahghue explained, the foundation offered a $30,000 grant with a $10,000 match to reach the anticipated budget and to fund a local program coordinator and a certified coach.

Several commissioners said they supported the goals of community engagement but raised practical questions about timing, overlap with the city’s master plan and whether local capacity could deliver similar results at lower cost. Commissioner Hower said the master plan and goal-setting exercises differ and suggested Heart & Soul could add value; others, including Commissioner Pritchard, questioned whether the city could accomplish a similar outcome with local facilitators and sought clearer assurances about funding.

The commission debated motions to postpone and amend the delay. Ultimately, the body voted to postpone action on executing any contract with Community Heart & Soul until “funding sources and complete information upon which to make a decision is available.” Staff noted the program is multi-phase and recommended starting early if the city wants to proceed in the next fiscal year.

The commission did not approve a contract at this meeting. Officials said they will re-notice the item when staff can present a funding plan and a clear scope of work to support any execution of an agreement.