Boys & Girls clubs get Southland funds
Boys & Girls clubs get Southland funds
WM Council distributes $ 72,494 among city’s four clubs
news@theeveningtimes.com
Southland Gaming and Racing funds were divided up and distributed to boys and girls clubs by the West Memphis City Council during the last city council meeting. The $72,494 spread out evenly to the Wonder City Boys club, The L.R. Jackson Girls Club, J.W. Rich Girls club and the Crittenden County Boys and Girls club.
City Treasurer Frank Martin told city council that all the clubs had all filed their quarterly reports through June and were eligible for the distribution. But as the Treasurer held out one hand, he withheld with the other hand for a pair of the clubs. Martin told City Council he had to pay overdue utility bills at two locations and also for insurance at one of those.
Under conditions of the original lease the organizations occupy the city buildings for a $1 per year and are in charge of maintaining the property, and paying the lights, gas, water and insurance. The city can’t provide free utilities, even to a good cause. It’s prohibited by law.
The gross amount earmarked for each club was $18,123 each but money to pay the required bills was withheld for two clubs.
Mayor Bill Johnson said the clubs were anticipating the income.
“They know it is coming out better than we do,” said Johnson in the city councilors in a pre-meeting work session, “so I know you will be getting some calls about it. This is the one you traditionally distribute equal shares to the boys and girls clubs.”
Councilors James Pulliaum moved and Ramona Taylor seconded that funds be split four ways provided proper reports were on file. Each club had filed their second quarter report due in June according to Martin and council passed the money along.
Johnson reminded councilors
about the needed
withholdings.
“If you hear complaints from some of the different clubs about the varying amounts, occasionally they owe us some money and it is withheld,” said Johnson.
By John Rech
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