Monday’s workday started and ended with two representatives from a local non-profit organization presenting budget details and reasoning for an increased funding request. Roxie Reinart, director of the Community of Concern Food Pantry, and treasurer of the board, Nicole McCarville spoke to both the Carroll County Supervisors and the Carroll City Council. Reinart said they are seeing an increase in the number of people they are serving. In 2017 they were able to help 884 families, and in 2018 that number grew to 921, and includes individuals and families from a variety of income ranges and life situations.
Reinart said those coming to the food pantry are not just getting a few items.
She told both groups they try to educate people as well and often-times assist with job placement in addition to administering the Extra Effort Fund. This program assists with things like car batteries, tires, sometimes even medication for people who have an emergency need. With a move to a new location a couple of years ago, the pantry saw their rent rise around 66 percent, and this was reflected in the amount they have requested from both entities. They proposed funding of $10,080 from the Carroll City Council for Fiscal Year 2020 and $5,000 from the county. Reinart explained they serve Carroll County residents, with around 80 percent from the City of Carroll. The supervisors took no action on Monday’s request, but council members did during their budget discussion. Clay Haley said he is trying to find ways to help them, but would rather revisit the additional amount at a later date. Carolyn Siemann voiced her belief the increase should be spread out over more entities throughout the county and that the city should not bear the brunt of doubling the funding.
The council approved a $5,450 allocation in the budget for Community of Concern and will leave the door open to hear future needs-based requests as they arise.
