Non-Profits Present Budget Requests
Non-profit budget presentations were made at Tuesday’s Kosciusko County Commissioners meeting. The presentations are made yearly and nine non-profits requested funding from the county for 2015.
In years past, the non-profit agencies have requested funding from the county to help meet its budgetary needs. As with most agencies, funding from the county is critical now more than ever, most representatives told commissioners.
The 4-H Council requested $49,794, said Kelly Heckaman, extension educator. She said there are 797 children in 4-H from kindergarten to 12th grade. She said while last year its request was decreased, this year it is seeking an increase of $10,371.
Kosciusko Economic Development Corp.’s George Robertson requested $152,000, an increase of $4,560. He said “great things are going on in the county.” He said more people are working in the county since 2008. Since a year ago, 600 people now have jobs in the county, he added. In the past two weeks, projects have rose from nine to 14 new projects that will be in the works in the county and two shell buildings will be built this year.
“We are a strong regional employment center,” said Robertson, adding many businesses have complimented Kosciusko County on its favorable business climate.
Cardinal Service’s CEO Jane Wear requested $105,061, an increase of $14,527. She said the financial and employment outlook looks grim for the agency. “I have not so good news,” she said. “We have 50 open positions we can’t fill. We are showing losses, so I’m asking for a 5 percent increase.”
Kosciusko Home Health Care’s Rick Paczkowski requested $45,000, an increase of $3,332. Like most agencies, funding from the county is vital, he said. Medicaid has cut its costs to the agency by 50 percent and without help from the county, it may have to cut programs or services, or perhaps patients. The agency employs 55 staff members, 30 of which are full-time.
The Beaman Home’s Tracie Hodson is seeking $30,000 for the county’s only domestic violence shelter, an increase of $2,284. “We are all struggling,” she said. While a capital campaign for a new shelter is ongoing, it still needs $500,000, she said.
Council on Aging is seeking $35,000, said its new Director Dennis Judy. Real Services has cut its funding by 10 percent and United Way has cut funding to the council by 17 percent. “We still have an increase in need,” Judy said, adding he is seeking an additional $7,284.
Animal Welfare League Board President Tammy Keirn is seeking $79,971, an increase of $18,996. She said the county’s animal shelter takes in any animal. The good news is grants have increased, she noted.
The Bowen Center’s Jay Baumgartner, senior vice president of financial services, requested $555,360, the maximum amount mandated by the state, an increase of $12,490. The Bowen Center sees 6,000 patients a year. “We don’t turn anyone away,” he said.
The only non-profit agency that didn’t request an increase was Kosciusko County Historical Society. Director Sally Hogan requested $19,647.
The total projected increase is $74,067. Budget requests will be reviewed before commissioners make a final recommendation.
The next meeting is at 9 a.m. June 17. Commissioners are President Brad Jackson, Bob Conley and Ron Truex.