Council approves funding request policy
Submitted funding requests from community organizations and groups to benefit citizens of Fort Myers Beach and island promotion will get a different look than past inquiries.
In an attempt to disallow the establishment of Town funds as an annual funding source, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council unanimously approved to establish a ‘seed money’ policy to allow outside agencies the ability to submit an application in a request for Town funding to start a project. The policy goes into effect immediately and will be instituted for the 2015-16 budget year.
Applications can be found on Town website www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov and can be submitted to the Town Finance Department prior to 4:30 p.m. on April 1 each year. Requests should clearly state the amount of support sought.
The issue was first discussed during a recent Council workshop. The funding of programs, events and projects will be considered.
“My whole idea about the seed money idea was that people would not apply unless they have a new project,” said Councilwoman Rexann Hosafros. “I wanted to incorporate some kind of limitation.”
In the past, Councils have traditionally emptied their outside funding allotment by accepting most every request prior to the Town’s next annual budget cycle.
“If we allow people to keep re-applying, Council just never says ‘no’,” Hosafros said.
The concept was first pitched as a one-time request venture, then suggested to be a two-year seed money venture since some agencies need more time to get their projects up and running.
Mayor Anita Cereceda suggested proposed language to act as a compromise.
“This is intended to be seed money, not an annual funding source,” she said
Prior to the approved policy, Town Administrative Services Director Maureen Rischitelli provided an update to Council.
“One update that was done from what was previously submitted was the concept of this would be ‘seed money’ and if someone did apply, they could not re-apply,” said Rischitelli.
Now Town officials will compile the requests for budget planning each year. All requests will be evaluated in accordance to general fund revenue availability, and decisions will be made during the adoption of each budget.
According to Town records, successful applicants will be notified in writing if selected to receive funds. A receipt of completion of the applicants’ event, project or program and all documentation related to them is required.
Some previous funding applicants will be notified of the change in policy by mail or email. The Town website will explain the new policy so that others that are no longer on the Town contact list are properly advised.