Parents, commissioners spar over cuts to youth nonprofit funding

Mario Birch, a parent whose children attend Mock Academy at Fleming Park, told the commission that the program offers college‑level tennis preparation, IBM certification courses and an on‑site learning center and asked why its funding had been cut.

"Mock Academy has proven to have tremendous value and worth," Birch said, describing scholarship recipients and career training that, he said, keep youth engaged and out of trouble.

Commissioners acknowledged the program's benefits but said the cuts resulted from larger budgetary choices made during a difficult fiscal season. Commissioner Don Clark said the commission faced a roughly $21 million gap and had to weigh layoffs, service reductions and tax increases before trimming NGO allocations. "$21,000,000 is $21,000,000 no matter how you spend it," Clark said.

Mayor Pro Tem Wayne Guilfoyle recalled the December budget sessions that sought the least damaging cuts and said the body looked for internal savings first. Commissioner Stacy Pulliam urged staff to gather accurate comparative data on how other counties support nonprofits before officials make broad claims about regional practice.

Several commissioners pledged to create a clearer application and oversight process for discretionary nonprofit funding. Commissioner Pulliam invited Birch and other stakeholders to a committee meeting next week where she said she would propose an application process for NGOs and asked constituents to attend.

The commission also noted a contingency (general fund) balance listed by the administrator at $1,200,000 and encouraged nonprofits to identify alternative fundraising and partnership strategies while the commission finalizes longer‑term funding criteria.

The discussion closed with multiple commissioners encouraging continued public engagement: "Keep advocating. Keep showing up," Commissioner Jordan Johnson said.