If the city’s financial outlook is improving, it’s a handful of outside agencies that may reap the reward.
Every November – when the coming year’s budget is subject to public comment and council review – the fiscal fate of several do-good entities hangs in the balance.
This time around, the news looks relatively good for folks who, among other things, operate the local youth center, counsel women in crisis and help the financially needy.
The budget process begins with a call for outside agencies to submit funding requests to the city.
Those are evaluated by the city’s Human Services Advisory Board, which issues recommendations. Those are included in the mayor’s proposed budget, but the final word on all spending belongs to the seven members of the City Council.
The 2014 budget process will grind through November with a final vote slated for the council’s first meeting of December.
The recommendations for 2014 have caught up to, and slightly surpassed, the funding levels of 2010. During the past three years, things took a turn for the worse as the city of Enumclaw – like all jurisdictions – suffered along with the general public through the Great Recession.
In 2010, seven agencies combined to receive $93,600 from the city budget. The following year, however, those seven saw their requests sliced to just $32,000. The dollar figure climbed to $56,750 in 2012 and $76,000 this year.
The recommendation for 2014 is $100,000 for the original seven, with an additional $5,000 penciled in for a new social service effort, Neighbors Feeding Neighbors.
Here’s a look at the proposed recipients, contingent upon council authorization.
• Neighbors Feeding Neighbors: An offshoot of the Enumclaw Regional Healthcare Foundation, this group delivers hot meals to homebound senior citizens. The group requested $3,000 but was approved for more.
• Auburn Youth Services: The operator of the youth center asked for $70,000 but was recommended for $50,000. The organization was funded to the tune of $35,000 this year.
• Plateau Outreach Ministries: This group provides a variety of good deeds, from operating a food bank to helping families pay utility bills. The group’s request for $25,000 has received tentative approval.
• YWCA: A $3,000 request appears to be on track and would triple the amount authorized for 2013.
• King County Sexual Assault Resource Center: The organization had received $4,000 in 2010, saw that amount slip to $1,000 the next three years and is looking at a $2,000 apportionment for 2014.
• The local visitor center, an operation of the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, had asked for $20,000 for the coming year but has been recommended for $10,000. Also recommended for $10,000, after receiving $4,000 this year, is Green River Community College. GRCC has, for years, offered assistance to local small businesses.
