Council approves $25,000 city grant for Encouragement Clinic; county to match verbally

The Superior Common Council voted Aug. 19 to award a $25,000 grant to the Encouragement Clinic, a mental health clinic located in the East End. The finance committee had recommended a $25,000 award after Douglas County Health and Human Services indicated it would contribute a matching $25,000.

Councilor Sweeney moved the change to the original proposal, noting the committee’s recommendation was for $25,000 (not $50,000 as in the original proposal). Sweeney and other councilors said the county had given a verbal indication it would match, and one councilor reported receiving an email the next day asking how the county should remit the funds.

The council approved the motion by voice vote. Councilors asked staff to confirm the county’s formal approval process and to document the match in writing before disbursement procedures are completed.