The Snow Hill Town Council last Tuesday discusses a grant request for the fiscal 2019 budget. The council will begin budget discussions later this month.
JOSH DAVIS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(March 8, 2018) Heading into budget season, Town of Snow Hill officials are eager to help the community’s nonprofit organizations, but also are aware of the limited funds they have to distribute.

During a work session last Tuesday, Mayor Charlie Dorman said the Snow Hill Senior Center requested a grant from the town.

“Last year we told them it was too late and we asked them to come back in January before we did our budget. They’re asking for $2,500,” Dorman said.

Also at play, is some tension between the town and county. The center is overseen by the Worcester County Commission on Aging and largely funded by the county, receiving more than $1.1 million during fiscal 2018.

“My personal opinion – it’s kind of tough because this is [the] Worcester County Commission on Aging and every time we look at it, Worcester County buys a piece of property from us and we lose [tax base],” Dorman said. “I don’t know how we can afford to give them anything other than $100.”

Councilwoman Alison Cook said representatives from the center, during a presentation last year, discussed a variety of services provided to Snow Hill residents.

“I think it’s definitely a worthwhile cause,” she said. “I don’t know if we can do $2,500, but I’d like to look into.”

Councilwoman Jenny Hall said she would like to provide at least $1,000 to the center.

“Berlin gave them $1,000, I think, and Ocean City gave them $1,500,” she said. “The other towns have done it and I would like to see it done [in Snow Hill].”

“If we can do more than $500, I think that would be good,” Councilwoman LaToya Purnell added.

Dorman said the town would have to “see what we have when we get down to the nitty gritty” of the budget.

Town Manager Kelly Pruitt added a word of caution.

“I think it’s great to be able to help people, but keep in mind it opens the door,” she said.