STAFF REPORT
The Kyle city council formally approved allocating $30,000 set aside for grants to assist local non-profits providing services to Kyle residents.
The grants were approved as recommended by the city’s Community Relations committee chaired by council member Brad Pickett, who then joined Jaime Sanchez in voting against allocating the money at Sept. 28 council meeting.
“I’m happy to have executed this direction given to my committee by the Kyle city council. However, it is my wish that citizens will find the resources within themselves to provide assistance directly to worthy organizations, like the ones receiving these grants or others that also provide needed services, in order that government is not placed in the position of allocating taxpayer funds for this purpose,” Pickett said.
The Community Support Grant process was initiated by the Kyle city council three years ago in response to requests for assistance from community service-oriented organizations. The $30,000 amount was chosen as it represents approximately $1 per resident for the fiscal year to be spent toward community support programs.
“The importance of these grants to the organizations that are receiving them is greater than ever during these tough economic times. This year’s city of Kyle budget is as tight as it has ever been, but the money we spend toward these services is more like an investment in our community as the service goes directly to our citizens that are in the most need,” Kyle Mayor Lucy Johnson said.
Qualifying organizations must provide services directly to the citizens of Kyle and sign a contract with the city requiring quarterly expenditure reports and an audit.
Organizations receiving grants are CASA of Central Texas ($3,500), Hays-Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Abuse ($2,000), Meals on Wheels ($6,000), CTMC Hospice Care ($2,500), Southside Community Center ($2,000), Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center ($6,000), Greater San Marcos Youth Council ($2,200), Hays County Food Bank ($3,500), and Hope and Love for Kids ($2,300).
Grants for the 2010-2011 fiscal year are again budgeted for $30,000 and the application process is expected to begin in the spring of 2011.
