Iola City Council members agreed Monday to spearhead a fundraising campaign to benefit the Elm Creek Community Garden.
The unusual declaration came about largely because of bad timing for Iolan Val Mclean, who with wife Carolyn, donated the land for the community garden a decade ago.
The two-square-block plot of land on South First Street is open to a wide range of gardeners, McLean noted, with more than half living under the national poverty level.
Organizers provide the land, tools and other essentials for folks to grow their own produce.
And in years past, the city has donated $1,000 worth of free water.
McLean attended Monday’s meeting with a plea for another $1,000 worth of water.
The problem, Council members responded, was in his timing.
In years past, the money for that water came out of Iola’s special projects fund, they explained.
However, the Council minutes earlier used up that fund by agreeing to pay $5,000 to assist with SAFE BASE organizers in their appeal for an operating grant to keep the after-school program in business for the next few years.
Franklin said he didn’t think the city could do it with its current budget constraints, “But I’m going to make sure you get this,” he said.
So for the next month, Franklin will seek out private donors to help pay for the water.
Councilman Jon Wells took the first step, pledging $50.
Others willing to contribute may contact Franklin at [email protected], or by calling him at 228-2745.
He asked McLean to return to the March 28 Council meeting, where he hopes to have a $1,000 check for the water.
