Grovetown City Council members voted to approve disbursements of American Rescue Plan funds to four nonprofit organizations at the Sept. 12 meeting but not without some debate.
Columbia County Community Connections, Concerned Women Inc, Miracle Making Ministries and Ms. Myrt’s House all were approved for ARP funds up to $10,000.
Ms. Myrt’s House was added to the agenda during the meeting by council member Eric Blair. Ms. Myrt’s House in a nonprofit childcare center for children 5 to 14 years old.
Some council members disagreed that this nonprofit organization should be added because it previously owed money to the city.
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“We found that entity owed the city money, and as of last week that entity ran and paid the money to the city so they can be qualified, and I don’t think that is ethical,” said Grovetown Council member Dr. Deborah Fisher. “I don’t think that is an ethical way for the city to react and to give a grant to somebody who owed money to the city and going to pay just in order to receive ARP funds.”
Council member Ceretta Smith concurred with Fisher.
“For an organization to owe money to the city for years and not pay the money until an opportunity arises for them to receive up $10,000, it is not ethical at all,” said Smith. “I think it is unfair to organizations who have had their affairs in order.”
Blair said since the organization no longer owed money, it was qualified to receive ARP funds.
“They’re not indebted anymore. That is a moot point,” Blair said.
During the council meeting, a motion was made to upgrade the budget for ARP funding to $40,000 – $10,000 per entity – rather than the $30,000 originally agreed so that Ms. Myrts House could receive its grant. The ARP funds were approved by a vote of 3-2.
Chris Rickerson is a staff reporter covering Columbia County government and general assignment topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at chris@theaugustapress.com.
