Board of County Commissioners

Non-profit Organizations Workshop

February 20, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Present:               Ronterious Green, Chairman, District 5

Alonzetta Simpkins, Vice-Chair, District 2

Eric Hinson, District 1

Kimblin NeSmith, District 3

Brenda Holt, District 4

Edward J. Dixon, County Administrator

Clayton Knowles, County Attorney

Adriana Quijada, Deputy Clerk

Call to Order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance

 Chair called workshop to order at 4p.m.  Chair led into Pledge of Allegiance.

CITIZENS REQUESTING TO BE HEARD ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

The Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners welcomes and encourages public participation at all meetings of the Board. Citizens are free to speak for up to three (3) minutes on non-agenda items. Public comments and participation are also encouraged for items on the agenda. Additionally, if you are unable to attend a meeting in person, comments from the Public can also be submitted via email to CitizensToBeHeard@gadsdencountyfl.org until noon on the date of the meeting. Comments submitted after the deadline, but prior to the meeting, will be added to the official record, but the County cannot guarantee that Commissioners and staff will have adequate time to review comments prior to the meeting. Citizens are further encouraged to participate via Zoom using the credentials on the County’s website. 

 Chair read aloud the above statement. 

Discussion and Direction regarding the Non-Profit Organizations

 Dixon presented above. 

 Burgess appeared. Stated program established to help non-profit with funding.

 Burgess went through funding qualifications.

 Total budget for program is $50,000 per year

 Burgess explained Community Review Team – 5 members appointed by board

 Burgess went through minimum eligibility requirements

 Burgess stated each non-profit will provide quarterly financial reports.

 Burgess went through application process

Simpkins appeared 4:11 p.m.

 Holt stated need to look at qualifications for members of that board. Five years’ experience.

Hinson appeared 4:15 p.m.   

 Simpkins stated they do need a needs assessment. They were operating on what they think.

 Chair stated needed better handle on what they could afford to do.

 Burgess stated currently have 40k, 10k was utilized.

 Alma Venisee stated not a lot of money, so not a lot of non-profits will apply. They may not carry liability insurance. She stated it was their responsibility to set the categories they fund.

 County Attorney mentioned Sunshine Law. Need to make sure if this is route they are taking, meetings need to be held in sunshine notice and minutes need to done. Mentioned churches and stated to make sure specific restrictions of what they can and can’t do with money.

 NeSmith stated they need a coordinator. Need to make sure to fund non-profits properly. Mentioned having galas and events to raise the money to get organizations involved.

 Chair stated to consider adding workshops quarterly to spearhead.

 Simpkins stated they have a grants person that could share their expertise on grant writing. Stated workshops are a great idea. Asked if requirements are for current non-profits they fund as well.

 Venisee stated would use 40k to build infrastructure for non-profits interested. 

 Carolyn Ford appeared. Stated need to look at the needs in the community.

 Simpkins stated for all the non-profits to come and have a discussion.

 NeSmith asked CA about responsibility for advisory board. Dixon stated did not draft up any   

 Simpkins stated start with appointing 5 members, then staff can give them further instruction of their role on that board.    

 Dixon stated appointing board will allow assessment.

 NeSmith asked once the advisory board selects an organization, does it come to Board for approval. Dixon stated yes. NeSmith stated did not see that in writing.

 Chair stated once they get those 5 members, can work out with CA on timeframe; would like to see it done within next month.    

Motion to Adjourn

Chair adjourned workshop at 5:29 p.m.