by

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Hamilton County Commissioners on Monday approved $3.4 million in requests for financial assistance to community non-profit organizations. The public funds were approved earlier by the County Council, but commissioners tabled another $427,310 of council approved funds because the council had reduced and in some cases eliminated funding requests for 11 social service organizations.

Commissioners said they were uncertain why the reductions had been made, but want time to consult with council members or consider what action to take. The difference between council members’ and commissioners’ opinions over grants to the non-profits is the latest in a number of disputes between the two bodies.

The funds approved by commissioners Monday included $2.1 million in state-prescribed funding for Aspire, a mental and behavioral health program, $750,000 to Janus Developmental Services for general operations and $428,495 for Hamilton County Express, the public transportation service operated by Janus.

Requests tabled included funding for PrimeLife Enrichment, Prevail, Chaucie’s Place, Cherish Center, Trinity Free Clinic, Meals on Wheels, the Hope Family Clinic, Hamilton County Leadership Academy, Good Samaritan, CIRTA, Conner Prairie and Salvation Army.

The funds going to community non-profits are not the sole source of revenue for the organizations, but supplement their efforts which officials say would otherwise either not be provided or fall entirely to local government.

Commissioners also approved distribution of $150,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant money, which is administered by the Noblesville Housing Authority.