Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Financial Reparations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners discuss setting up fund for reparations donations; solicitor and finance director must be consulted
Summary
Commissioners agreed people who want to donate should have a place to give but noted legal and administrative steps are required; members recommended consulting the city solicitor (Allen Sewald/Seawold) and the finance director about establishing an account or whether a 501(c)(3) is necessary.
Commissioners discussed how Northampton might accept monetary donations for reparations. Members agreed a channel should exist for people who want to contribute but emphasized there are legal and administrative hurdles. "You need to talk to attorney Seawold about what we need to do to set up an account for people to be able to donate to the reparations commission," one commissioner said, and another added, "We just can't take money. We have to... there has to be a plan."
Speakers suggested the city could set up an account and that the commission should consult the solicitor and the finance director on options and necessary oversight. Bill Newman said the city can create an account and recommended talking to the city attorney. Commissioners also discussed the alternative of a 501(c)(3) and noted that forming a nonprofit requires additional structure (board, governance) and is a separate process. The commission agreed to have the chairs and staff follow up with the solicitor and finance director and to report back at a future meeting.
