Thursday, April 23, 2009

Main Street Organization Asks City Government For Funding

   Members of the board of directors of the nonprofit organization MainStreet Lawrenceburg addressed the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council Thursday morning, imploring that the board provide funding so that grant monies might be earmarked for local use.

   Director Jayne Shaw addressed the council during their regular bi-monthly business meeting. She explained that the organization has experienced recurrent cuts in the amounts allotted through both city and county governments during past years. During the 2007-2008 fiscal year both the City of Lawrenceburg and Lawrence County governments had earmarked $5,000 for the organization. Under the 2008-2009 budget, however, the county government eliminated their contribution entirely.

   While the City of Lawrenceburg continues to provide $5,000 to the group annually, Shaw pointed out that the shortfall experienced by the drastic cuts has resulted in complications. The Lawrenceburg group had applied for a $20,000 government grant in order to undertake several enhancement and tourism projects. The problem, Shaw explained, is that the funds can not be allotted to the group unless they are “certified.” In order to be certified, they must be “funded.”

   Shaw told commissioners that under the group’s current financial circumstances, the state would be unable to award the grant to MainStreet Lawrenceburg. She requested that the board consider funding the full $10,000 for the organization.

   Vice Mayor Butch Morrow, who oversaw Thursday’s meeting in the absence of Mayor Keith Durham, requested that upon Durham’s return a special work session be called so that they can further investigate the possibility.

.

.