City debates funding for ‘active’ committees

After passing the 2017-18 budget last month, members of the city council met with city officials to discuss one of the smaller, albeit mildly contested aspects to the budget – the funding of boards, commissions and committees (BCCs).

The Budget, Finance and Operations Council Subcommittee met with City Manager Gregory Rose and other city officials Monday. They decided to move ahead with a plan to match up to $5,000 in funding for active BCCs trying to host new events.

City council and BFO member Nancy Smith suggested providing $5,000 on a needs-based assessment. However, she stressed that should be done “with the challenge that they need to find matching sponsorship.”

Councilmember Peggy Chapados, also a BFO member, agreed there should be a matching program, as was case with the formation of the Age-Friendly Maricopa Advisory Committee. She said she believes without a matching program, it creates an “expectation”

In all, the city determined it would be best to limit access to the funds to the three “active” BCCs – the Age-Friendly Maricopa Advisory Committee, the Cultural Affairs Advisory Committee and the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Mayor Christian Price, a member of the BFO, suggested each organization be eligible for up to $1,500 in funds if matched by an equal sum of their own sponsorship money, with the additional $500 to be used as “contingency funds.”

During the discussion, Rose said each of the applicable committees should have strategic plans created as part of their platforms. The plan, he said, clarifies the organizations intent and solidifies their relationship with the city council.

“That way [with the strategic plan], it’s clearly a partnership between the committee and the council, because ultimately, you’re the body that signs off on their strategic plan,” Rose said.

The BFO plans to move forward with their suggestion by adding it to an upcoming council agenda for final approval.