Abilene nonprofits react to ‘devastating’ proposed loss in funding as city adjusts budget
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – In a June Abilene City Council meeting, city manager Robert Hanna brought up the topic of the city’s budget three months ahead of the new fiscal year due to some unprecedented fees owed to the state, and a decline in projected sales tax revenue.
Inflation hits City of Abilene: Major cuts to budgets, programs coming soon
In efforts to combat the financial issues, Hanna proposed to the board cut funding from six nonprofits; the Taylor County Expo Center, Betty Hardwick, United way of Abilene, the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, Chamber of Commerce, and the Regional Victims Crisis Center (RVCC).
Leaders of the nonprofits received a phone call from Hanna before the meeting, letting them know the decision that will likely go into effect at the start of October. Doug Peters, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said he was not surprised by the decision and understands what needs to be done.
“To suggest this was a surprise, the reduction in funding would not be accurate. We saw it coming. We knew to expect an impact,” Peters said.
‘We have to make cuts’: Abilene rec centers face closure, city council weighing options
The Abilene Chamber of Commerce used the money for its ongoing project to develop the downtown area, making it more attractive for both visitors and residents.
The RVCC is expected to take in the highest cut: $51,250. Those funds are used as a blanket for the organization, helping fund care for victims of violent crimes and prevention teams. Executive Director, Janey WaWerna, told KTAB/KRBC she hoped this won’t cause a domino effect.
“That 52,000 that we get from the city, it opens the door to over $1 million from other funders. When your city leaders believe in you it gives other people the confidence to invest, including at the state and federal level,” Wawerna explained. “When people are hurt by another individual, they need immediate support. In many ways, it’s truly lifesaving support, and if we’re not here it would be devastating.”
Betty Hardwick, the least of the proposed cuts at $10,00, provided the following statement to KTAB/KRBC:
“While we do appreciate the financial support that the city has provided in the past, the budget cuts are just a small portion of the full support (cash and in-kind) that the City of Abilene supports our programs with. We understand fiscal constraints and are just happy to have the continued in-kind support for our other programs like Adaptive Recreation and our Community Response Teams.”
Abilene City Council reluctant to approve $1 million dog park relocation
United Way of Abilene also made the list of potential nonprofits losing funding. That nonprofit gave a statement expressing a sadness but understanding feeling towards the city:
“United Way is receiving $40,000 in budgetary reductions from the City. We have been receiving funding from the City for 211 for decades and this decision will end that partnership, which saddens us. We understand tough budget battles and trust our City leaders to make the best decisions possible.”
The city has yet to finalize a plan for the budget before the new fiscal year start on October 1.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
