Independent Agencies Ask Commissioners for Funding

The county's revenues may be down, but expenses for Athens' many agencies and nonprofits are going up--insurance benefits are increasing, utilities are rising and vehicles are aging out. Many of these organizations receive money from the local government that they depend on to operate and serve their constituents.

The Classic Center and the Convention and Visitors Bureau also receive money from the county's hotel-motel tax. Project Safe gets money from fees added to fines--these are designated by state law for programs that assist crime victims.

Late last week, representatives from different agencies spoke to the Athens Clarke County Commission and Mayor Denson about their various needs and their finances. They also told the Commission how a 2 percent cut in county funds would affect their organizations.

Paul Cramer, director of the Classic Center, said the Classic Center's revenues are up 7% this year and that 24 conventions have already been booked. The center has an economic impact of $20 million in the community, he said.

Chuck Jones, director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, added to the center's accomplishments, saying that 73,000 nights in hotel rooms have already been booked this year. The $1.5 million in hotel-motel tax yields $40.5 million to the community. "Tourism isn't an expense, it's an investment," Jones said.

The Center and Bureau want $1,085,800 and $628,4000, respectively, from the hotel-motel tax monies.

Here's an overview of the other requests:

Clarke County Health Department: $871,354. A 2% cut would mean a reduction in contraceptive services and products.

Community Connection: $27,000. A 2% cut would reduce staff support for the 211 system and the Hands On Northeast Georgia program. The Day of Service, held on MLK Day, attracted 1,220 volunteers this year, officials said.

Advantage Behavioral Health Systems: $163,027. A 2% cut would mean a reduction in the duration of services for a client.

Athens Cultural Affairs Commission: $12,000. A 2% drop will mean a decrease of $240 in operating expenses.

DFCS: $167,000. A 2% cut would reduce monetary support for the foster care program.

Athens Clarke County Regional Library: $1,755,755, which includes a $32,000 increase in utilities for the expanded Dudley Drive/Baxter Street facility. A 2% reduction would close the main library on Thursdays at 1pm.

Athens Community Council on Aging: $286,298, which includes $19,000 for a handicapped accessible van, and which represents a 10 percent increase. A 2% reduction would drop the number of Meals on Wheels served, the number of provided trips and other programs.

Athens Neighborhood Health Center: $100,000. A 2% cut would influence the center's ability to provide medical care to individuals and could influence the Center's ability to get federal funding.