The Allen County Community Foundation will receive the second half of funds pledged by the Allen County commission — $50,000 to complete the $100,000 pledge. SAFE BASE director Angela Henry said the county granting funds to the foundation would be much like “planting a seed.” The funds could be used to help the foundation grow to help Allen County — which Michael said was the overall goal. In other news, the commission passed a motion to take over management responsibilities of three spur roads — 224, 202 and 203 — from the Kansas Department of Transportation.
Commissioners voted to fulfill the pledge after a public hearing in the county meeting room. Susan Michael, executive director of the foundation, along with local banker Jim Gilpin and former county commissioner Gary McIntosh, addressed the commissioners on why they believe it is important for the county to fulfill its pledge made last year.
The $100,000 will go into the foundation’s environmental fund and managed by the county commission.
Gilpin said the county’s pledge to the foundation would be a sound investment. The money can be allocated in any number of stocks, bonds and mutual funds, as well as U.S. certificates of deposit, Gilpin said. Interest rates are much higher for these types of accounts than the current treasury rates, which are less than 1 percent.
“If you (commission) control these funds, what is the difference between this and the permanent fund,” Gilpin asked.
He referred to the vision the commission had when they set up the solid waste management fund, and said they have the opportunity to be visionaries once again.
“You can be visionary again with different investment strategies, now you are currently in a terrible investment situation.”
Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of making such an investment, particularly when the funds could be allocated only through a grant-application process with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (GKCCF). The GKCCF is a foundation recommended by the Kansas Health Institute to manage funds of different community foundations.
County Counselor Alan Weber said when writing a grant from the fund, the commission would need written approval from the GKCCF. However, this is merely a step in the legal process and the funds would be directed however the commission desired.
Commissioner Dick Works said the issue is a complicated one, and it was important to hold a public forum before taxpayer dollars were given to the foundation.
“It is a very confusing issue, because we have never been formally approached,” Works said.
“We are accountable first and foremost to the people of Allen County,” Michael said.
In addition, Gilpin said the pledge from the commission would prove to be a good example for future investors.
“It’s hard to ask private investors to pony up if the county commission is wondering if it is a good deal,” Gilpin said.
Michael said in a formal statement the foundation’s goal is to “encourage philanthropy, and assist donors in building a lasting source of charitable assets to serve the needs and the quality of life for the present and future residents of Allen County.”
In other words, the foundation’s heart beats on funds from private investors.
The meeting adjourned with no decision made by the commission. Commissioner Tom Williams said he was “a little bit more comfortable” with the information, and Works said he “would anticipate the issue being passed.”
An hour later, they held up their end of the bargain, passing with a unanimous decision to complete the $100,000 pledge to the foundation.
Public Works Director Bill King said KDOT is offering $200,000 per mile initially for the county to take maintenance responsibilities. He recommended the council accept the incentive, because he was unsure whether it would be on the table in the future.
The spurs, to the east of Humboldt and outside of Moran between Elsmore and Savonburg, account for around 2.5 miles of roadway. The incentive would then provide $500,000 to the county, approximately.
Commissioner Works said it is best to take the deal while it’s offered. He said it is bound to happen with or without an incentive.
Community foundation receives pledge
