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Council moves to direct local collected funds to Set Free Ministries after presentation on recovery house
Summary
Set Free Ministries asked the council to distribute locally collected monies toward a planned 40-by-80 recovery home for men; council members moved to release the town's current collected balance and discussed requiring a contract and 501(c)(3) documentation before payment.
Donnie Bill, president of Set Free Ministries, told the council the group has purchased property on Highway 68 and plans to build a 40-by-80 residence to house 15 men in recovery. He said the organization has raised money from churches and donors and that the group had about $112,000 on hand, including a $100,000 county contribution.
After the presentation, a council member moved to distribute the town's collected local funds (reported at $1,920) to Set Free Ministries; the motion was seconded and members completed a roll-call response. Several council members said they wanted a simple contract and proof of the group's 501(c)(3) status before the town disburses the funds.
"Our goal is to have it dried in by the winter," Donnie Bill said, describing an initial program for 15 men and potential future expansion. He said the ministry had secured contractors and multiple estimates and sought the town's partnership on funding for construction costs the organization cannot yet cover.
Council members noted accountability steps used in prior grants: a signed agreement specifying allowable uses (construction was cited in the recorded contract language), and submission of the organization's tax-exempt paperwork. A member referenced a similar county process that required a generic contract and proof of 501(c)(3) status before funds were released.
The council's action in the meeting packet recorded the motion to distribute the collected balance. Staff said detailed disbursement steps and any contract language would be finalized with the finance office if the council confirmed the payment.
The council did not detail additional appropriation beyond the current collected balance during the meeting. The organization and staff were asked to provide supporting documentation for the finance office prior to payment.
