Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Economy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts ordinance to transfer farmers market and dissolved nonprofit funds to 'Grow Our Downtown'
Summary
After public comment urging downtown investment and a citizen request for transparency, the council adopted bill 86-76 directing the city clerk to transfer remaining farmers market and dissolved 501(c)(3) operating-account funds to the new Grow Our Downtown nonprofit; council asked that a memorandum of understanding record responsibilities.
The Poplar Bluff City Council voted to transfer remaining funds from the city's farmers market account and the operating account of a dissolved downtown nonprofit to a new 501(c)(3), Grow Our Downtown, directing the city clerk to create a dedicated farmers market account to be accessed by the nonprofit and to use the funds exclusively for downtown revitalization and farmers market operations.
Public comment drove the discussion. Residents and organizers — including Austin Kirby, Phyllis Baker and representatives of the Grow Our Downtown group — made the case that downtown needs investment and asked that the previously returned funds be used by the new nonprofit to operate the farmers market and pursue revitalization. Jim Chrisman, a resident who reviewed downtown history, urged transparency and suggested the council consider an independent audit because of concerns about possible commingling of funds while the former downtown corporation’s personnel and financial arrangements changed.
Council moved the item into the voting session the same night. The ordinance (readings as bill 86-76) directs the clerk to move the funds and authorizes transfer of the dissolved organization’s remaining operating funds to Grow Our Downtown. The city's attorney said the action as drafted requires the nonprofit’s acceptance and that council will prepare a memorandum of understanding outlining responsibilities and accountability for the funds; the attorney indicated he would include clarifying language in the final ordinance.
Quote: "If accurate, this raises a question that may warrant an independent audit for transparency and accountability," said Jim Chrisman, urging oversight of past fund handling.
Vote and next steps: the council adopted the ordinance by recorded vote; the roll call recorded six yes votes for adoption. Staff and the city attorney will draft the final ordinance language and a memorandum of understanding to specify the nonprofit's operational responsibilities and reporting requirements before funds are disbursed.
