County approves $25,000 IGA with City for YouThink youth programs after smaller award than requested

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners approved an intergovernmental funding agreement Aug. 20 to accept $25,000 from the City of the Dells to support YouThink youth programming administered out of the county’s Department of Youth Services.

Debbie Jones, coordinator for Wasco County YouThink, told the board the county requested $35,000 in the city’s budget but the city awarded $25,000. Jones described the program uses the funds to support community youth activities including a children’s day, a youth engagement program called “what’s strong with you,” and a movie program that the county is attempting to keep active at a new location. Jones said the county anticipated the city award might be less than requested and planned to cover remaining expenses from other resources to keep core programming intact.

Commissioners asked about whether the city’s funding process was new; Jones said the city piloted a more formal application process the prior year and has a more formal schedule this fiscal year. Commissioner questions included how the county would cover the difference; Jones replied the county would make other budget accommodations to continue the program.

Following a motion and second at the Aug. 20 meeting, the board voted unanimously to authorize the intergovernmental agreement accepting $25,000 in city funds to continue YouThink programming.