Council reviews outside-organization funding requests including EAC, museum, chamber and volunteer fire department

City staff reviewed the packet showing five outside organizations that receive city support and summarized historical allocations (2017–2026) and FY2027 requests. The list included the Economic Action Committee (EAC), the Women’s Crisis Center, the Matagorda County Museum, Bay City Volunteer Fire Department and the Bay City Chamber of Commerce; staff noted the Chamber request remains at $65,000 to offset operating support for the Civic Center.

Staff (speaker 14) called attention to the EAC’s request to increase programming funds: "The EAC... the request went up to 25,000," staff said, and explained much of the EAC’s 2026 allocation included building improvements. Council asked clarifying questions about county contributions to the volunteer fire department and whether recent transfers or ownership changes (EAC property) would affect grant eligibility or the city’s ability to assist in applying for outside grants.