While reviewing claims at the most recent Winamac Town Council meeting, President Tom Murray had some recommendations about ways he thought they could save some money.
He noted, “As you all know, the last few years we’ve been hit hard by the County by not getting our money and I’m not trying to cut anybody out or anything […] but do we still want to $2,000 to Human Service and $1,000 to the Tourism Bureau?”
Councilwoman Judy Heater, who also serves on the Human Services Board, mentioned that the Town pulling its funding could be detrimental to the organization which provides services to the community’s elderly and economically disadvantaged residents.
She explained, “Everybody is taking their money away from them. The only way that we can pay our bills is we wait for one of grants to come in and they’re about 120 days out from when we should get them and I’m not kidding you, if you take the $2,000, we’re sunk.”
Councilman Alvin Parish said he agreed they should be looking for ways to save funds but indicated that it was important to keep supporting Human Services since they provide a valuable service and Councilman Dave Schambers concurred.
The other suggestion was pulling the Town’s monthly contribution to Tourism Bureau, which exists under the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce.
The council members seemed to be more in favor of stopping that payment, at least until they can find out how the Town benefits from the funds.
Murray stated, “I’ll entertain a motion to approve these claims except the one to the Tourism Bureau the Chamber until we find out more about what that money is being used for.”
A motion to that effect was made and passed without any opposition.
