Hosts summarize ASSET consortium allocations: about $5 million for local services; Ames share ~$1.8 million

On the consent agenda hosts described the ASSET consortium's pooled funding for local social services. Mayor John Haila said the four entities (county, city, United Way and ISU student government) collectively apportion a little more than $5 million to 20–25 agencies that provide services such as mental-health support, homeless services and youth programming.

Haila said the City of Ames contributes nearly $1.8 million of that total and noted that roughly $200,000–$225,000 is shown as unallocated for the coming fiscal year. He named example service recipients including YSS, the Boys & Girls Club and 60 Forward as organizations that receive direct-service funding through the ASSET allocations.

The hosts framed the program as a cooperative partnership that directs direct services rather than goods and noted volunteer advisory committees review and recommend allocations. The ASSET allocation item appears on the consent agenda and may be approved as part of the consent package at the May 26 meeting.