Vienna hears updates from outside agencies; several request continued city support

The Vienna City Council on the evening of the special meeting heard presentations from local nonprofits and service providers about program results and municipal funding needs.

Representatives described the scale and local impact of their work: the Convention and Visitors Bureau said it receives 50% of the city’s lodging tax and reported more than 9,000 visits to the new welcome center last year; Wood County Senior Systems said it delivers roughly 10,000 Meals on Wheels to Vienna-area residents annually; and the Vienna Public Library reported a FY2026 budget of about $657,308 and nearly 42,000 building visits last year.

Several organizations asked the council for direct funding. The largest requests included Northstar Child Advocacy Center’s request to “remain in your next budget in the amount of $15,000” to sustain forensic-interview and advocacy services for abused children, and the Boys & Girls Club’s plea for $40,000 to run a 10-week summer recreation program serving kindergarten–fifth-grade children in Vienna. Latrobe Mission’s new executive director said the mission lost $75,000 in grant funding this year and requested $5,000 from the city to support shelter operations and planned life-skills training. A Northstar representative warned of federal grant uncertainty, noting a projected VOCA cut that had been reported as 74% for October 2025.

Other presentations highlighted program growth and partnerships. Darlene Murphy, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Parkersburg, said club membership increased from about 400 members in 2023 to 811 in 2025 and outlined a proposed city-based summer program. Jack Bathers of Friends of Vienna described the Freedom Festival and Glow events and asked for the same municipal support as prior years. ArtsBridge and The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley summarized arts programming and disability-advocacy services, respectively; speakers emphasized continued reliance on a mix of grants, donations and municipal partnerships.

Council members asked clarifying questions but did not take formal action at the meeting. The mayor closed the session after brief announcements about upcoming community events.