The Knox City Council, which has been asked to make a monetary donation to the Friends of the Park organization, is demanding better accounting of the money received from donations and booth fees before voting to approve the request.
“I do think we need to get a better report on their funds and on their flow of cash this time than what we have been demanding from them,” said Clerk-Treasurer, Jeff Houston.
“I think they know what we want now and what’s expected of them and I don’t think that will be a problem from now on,” added Mayor Rick Chambers. “They’ve furnished us with everything we’ve needed.”
City Attorney David Matsey advised the Council members to ask if the Friends of the Park is a 501-C-3 organization. Matsey said he could not find proof that they have filed for that designation which allows them to accept charitable donations. If they do not, Matsey said, there is no way the City can get a tax exemption. According to a document presented by Houston, the organization was only incorporated in October of 2010.
The Friends of the Park organization has been in charge of the Harvest Days Festival for several years.
