Cloud County Commissioners Hear 2024 Budget Requests

The Cloud County Commission heard 2024 budget requests from the Cloud County Resource Center and NCK CASA and Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center in Concordia during their regular meeting on Monday, June 19th.

Cloud County Resource Center Director Tonya Merrill requested to increase the county's allocation by an additional $5,000, to a total of $16,500.  Merrill, who has served as director for eight years, is paid for 25-hours a week.  The additional funding will assist in making Merrill a full-time employee, opening up time for her to meet and train volunteers, host events, manage and maintain their building, and write grants.

A similar request was made to the Concordia City Commission on June 7th.

Merrill also said they're interested in launching family-oriented nights and child and teen nights at the Cloud County Event Center, formerly Club 81.  The goal is to turn their programming toward a more community center/county center that provides activities for a larger range of individuals and services across the county.

Merrill indicated they are preparing to pilot family game nights, adult craft nights, expanded cooking classes, children's creative writing groups, kid's after-school programming, and more.

NCK CASA and Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center requested $15,000 in funding for the 2024 fiscal year, an increase of $2,000.  Funds will be used to cover expenses that are not currently funded through grants.  These expenses include portions of salary, various office supplies, phone/internet, and utilities.  

NCK CASA advocates for abused and neglected children in Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Washington and Republic Counties.  Established in 1994, NCK CASA is part of a national program that recruits, trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children and speak up for their best interest.  Once CASA volunteers are trained, they are appointed by a judge to a child's case.  With staff support, CASA's are able to make a difference in the lives of children in the communities they serve.

Chelsey Wilson, Executive Director/Forensic Interviewer, said last year they received $57,403 provided by the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance grant program.  Wilson said that total is expected to be reduced by 40 percent this year.

Wilson said local government support is a critical piece in their ability to leverage other funding sources and provide advocacy services to child victims of abuse and neglect.