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Calfee Center asks Pulaski for $15,000 to help rising operating costs; leaders tout local economic impact
Summary
The Calfee Community and Cultural Center requested $15,000 from the town to help cover electricity and operating costs as it expands childcare, museum and shared-kitchen services; the director said the project has already brought $5.5 million into the town and employs local residents.
Jill Williams, executive director of the Calfee Community and Cultural Center, asked the Pulaski Town Council to consider direct financial support in the town budget and made a specific request for $15,000 to help with rising electricity bills as the center expands operations.
Williams described the organization as an economic driver and workforce support: she said the adaptive-reuse project has attracted $5.5 million in outside funds so far, with a plan to invest $9 million total; the center currently employs 10 full-time and 12 part-time staff (most residents of Pulaski), serves 31 children in its childcare program (which Williams said enables roughly 62 parents to participate in the workforce), and plans to open a museum, a digital lab and a commercial shared-use kitchen later in the year.
Council members thanked Williams and asked clarifying questions. One council member asked whether a dollar amount had been requested; Williams replied, "Our request is for $15,000 to help us," and said the funds would be applied to the center's electricity bill but could be used for other operating needs if the council preferred. Williams invited council members to tour the center on March 20 at 9 a.m.
No formal motion to appropriate the $15,000 was recorded at the meeting; Williams said she would follow up with any council members who requested more information.
