The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly heard from two nonprofits at its Tuesday night meeting.
First Linda Swarner, executive director with the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank, presented information about the organization’s operations to the assembly. On its $500,000 budget, the food bank distributes about 1 million pounds of food annually.
The assembly also heard from Jane Stein, who serves on the Central Area Rural Transit System Inc.’s board of directors, after assembly member Charlie Pierce requested to remove a consent agenda item supporting CARTS transportation priorities and efforts seeking state and federal funding opportunities.
Stein said the projects CARTS is requesting funds for through the Federal Transit Administration will be used to not only maintain its current services, but also to grow to serve other communities. She said organization is working to extend its services to better serve the Homer and Seward areas.
Pierce said he pulled the item from the consent agenda because with the federal government in financial trouble, he wanted the assembly to consider funding methodology and whether nonprofits should receive government funding.
Borough Mayor Mike Navarre said granting agencies require support from local governments for nonprofits to seek funding.
Assembly member Mako Haggerty said he was in favor of the resolution supporting CARTS efforts in seeking funding because nonprofits help those who need it most.
The resolution passed with Pierce casting the only vote against it.
