As the storm surrounding the Wood River Valley Community YMCA settles in Ketchum, gales gain force among Sun Valley residents against municipal support for the recreational facility.
"I am very much in favor of Ys, but I am not in favor of us taking our money as tax. Let us do that as individuals," Sun Valley resident John Fery said.
Citizens questioned Sun Valley's role as a financial supporter of a neighboring YMCA as part of the City Council's larger discussion Thursday, July 21, on funding requests from community organizations.
"You sound as if you are the United Way of Sun Valley," city resident Peggy Tierney said. "You are giving away our money and not giving us a choice."
Tierney was responding to the council's proposal to establish a formal policy for funding requests from community organizations.
In light of recent requests for facility, event and special-needs funding, the council considered a Community Support Grant Policy. The drafted proposal defines a two-part policy for the city's gifts. The policy outlines parameters for grants up to $5,000 and for larger amounts.
Requests for grants greater than $5,000 drew concern from the public. Under the proposal, larger grants would require council review, public comment and action. The draft singles out but does not limit projects to special service projects, enrichment programs, humanitarian aid and youth programming.
Attention centered on a recent solicitation from the YMCA for $500,000 over five years. The request calls for a $100,000 commitment from the 2005-2006 budget and succeeding allocations reconsidered each year based on the city's financial position.
"I think you are going to open a flood gate should you decide to do this," Tierney said.
Former Sun Valley mayor and YMCA board member Tom Praggastis suggested a donation to a recreational facility is consistent with the city's comprehensive plan.
"You are finding someone to provide the services you aren't providing," Praggastis said.
Council President Ann Agnew said the contribution is a way for the city to partner to provide recreation.
In the past the city has contributed large sums to the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau, the Ketchum Area Rapid Transit bus and the PEAK bus to provide services.
"We would never spend your money frivolously," Councilman Blair Boand said.
The council recommended that the public vote on allocations over $75,000 through a formal referendum.
"I want to hear a great deal more from our citizens before we do this," Councilman Lud Renick said.
Few comments arose from the proposal for provisions up to $5,000. Under that policy, the city would determine on an annual basis the total appropriation from general-fund revenues to budget for small requests. For the 2005-2006 budget, the council recommended $15,000 as the total appropriation to the fund.
Mayor Jon Thorson said that in past years the city has allocated amounts under $5,000 to efforts such as the Easter egg hunt, Soap Box Derby, Sun Club and Swing 'n' Dixie Jazz Jamboree.
The policy leaves donations open to a various organizations, as long as the request furthers the health, safety and welfare of Sun Valley citizens. The council requested that the donations should be primarily granted on a one-time basis.
