Several representatives from nonprofits and community groups appeared before the York County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday seeking to either continue to receive funding from the county or to ask for new funding.
As part of its budget, the county contributes thousands of dollars to various groups engaging in services to the public ranging from healthcare to services for animals. The county is starting its budget process for fiscal year 2015, which runs from July 1 through June 2015.
The supervisors will get a better idea of what is in store for the next budget when County Administrator James McReynolds presents his proposed budget March 18. McReynolds said he does not anticipate a need to increase the property tax rate, which is the primary vehicle by which the county can generate revenue.
A representative from the York County Arts Commission praised the county’s contribution to that commission. She said arts funding is not a zero-sum game, noting York contributes less money to the arts than Williamsburg and James City County.
Carol Sale from the Lackey Free Clinic said the clinic is screening about 165 patients per month. She said her clinic provides $1.6 million in services to York County residents, many of whom lack the means to be transported to medical facilities outside the county. Lackey Free Clinic is the only free clinic in the county.
A representative from the Red Cross asked for $5,000 in funding to help families displaced from fire. He said that money would help five families displaced from fires during the time between the fire and when insurance companies can take over.
Myra McCain spoke on behalf of the Yorktown Customs House, asking for the county to contribute $2,000 to help maintain the building and to promote tourism activities. She said people came from as far as South Africa and Russia to tour the house last year.
A representative of Housing Partnerships, a nonprofit providing house repairs to those who cannot afford it, said his group has made 255 repairs to homes in York County since 2005. He thanked the supervisors for their past contributions.
Paul Scott of Child Development Resources said his group has recently increased childcare hours from 9.5 to 11 for working parents. He said money has recently been invested to fund those hours and to increase security at the child care center. He noted 12.5 percent of children at the child care center are developmentally disabled.
A representative from the York County Historical Committee asked for an increase in funding to $5,416. He said the group provided the county 1,134 volunteer hours in 2013. He thanked the supervisors for their support and asked them to continue to support historical resources in the county.
A representative from the Humane Society thanked the supervisors for years of support. She said the facility served more than 227 animals in York County. She asked for the funding contribution to remain flat and reported 127 animals went home with York County owners last year.
