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City attorney says Hatchery funds have been held in Wakefield’s General Fund; Senior Center told funds not available for operations
Summary
City Attorney Luke Henderson told the council that funds tied to the (now-dissolved) Hatchery have always been held in the City’s General Fund and may be used at the council’s discretion subject to General Fund requirements; the Senior Center indicated it will not seek those funds for operations.
At the Dec. 10 meeting City Attorney Luke Henderson clarified the legal status of funds long associated with the Hatchery. Henderson said the Hatchery never held a separate checking or savings account and the monies have been held within the City’s General Fund. Because of that, he told the council, “the funds are legally City funds and may be used at the Council’s discretion, subject to General Fund requirements,” though Henderson noted there had been confusion about ownership and permissible uses.
Ruth Beckman, representing the Wakefield Senior Center, said the center understands the Hatchery funds cannot be used for Senior Center operations and will proceed accordingly. Beckman asked whether the City would consider assuming responsibility for the Senior Center should it close in the coming years; Mayor James Lehmkuhl said those questions could be addressed outside of the council meeting.
No formal action on the funds was required or taken at the meeting; Attorney Henderson’s statement was presented as legal clarification to resolve uncertainty after the Hatchery Board was dissolved.
