The Committee put together to look at the possibility of the City of Vandalia contributing funds to the Phase 2 project at the Family YMCA of Fayette County is recommending a $100,000 loan to the full City Council.
The committee of Aldermen Andy Lester, Ken Hubler, Steve Barker and Bret Brosman was formed at the April 18th Vandalia City Council meeting to look into the possibility of providing funding for the project, after a request was made by the YMCA at that meeting. Mayor Rick Gottman began the Committee meeting by stating the use of American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA funds, was not possible. And, that the City of Vandalia had many other expenses they needed to deal with—including vehicles for several different departments.
Mayor Gottman said he is a supporter of the YMCA and it is a great organization, but he didn’t know how to give them funding. And, he also pointed out two other not-for-profit groups have come forward since the April 18th meeting to request funding. Alderman Andy Lester says he supports giving money to the YMCA from the Revolving Loan fund.
As for the other Committee members, Ken Hubler stated he thought it was too early to give them a loan while Steve Barker agreed with Lester and wants to support the YMCA. Alderman Bret Brosman was not on hand for the meeting. As for the need for vehicles, Lester says he thinks they have passed up opportunities to address that better in past years when vehicles were in the budget but not purchased. But, Mayor Gottman says it’s deeper than that.
And, Lester added he wanted to stay out of budget issues and just look at giving the YMCA the potential for a $100,000 loan from the revolving loan fund.
The matter will now be discussed by the full Vandalia City Council at their meeting on Monday.
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