15 - TRAIL FUNDINGItem No. 15
memorandum
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: John Godwin, City Manager
SUBJECT: TRAIL FUNDING
DATE: May 27, 2016
BACKGROUND: We collect voluntary donations for a few different functions on our monthly
utility bills, including Keep Paris Beautiful, animal control, and the Trail de Paris. Historically
the KPB money goes directly to that organization. However, the trail money was not specifically
tied to any single organization, so trail donations are used by the city for trail repairs and
maintenance.
STATUS OF ISSUE: The Trail de Paris Steering Committee, acting under the umbrella of the
Greater Paris Development Foundation, has requested that all funds contributed for use on the
trail be provided directly to them. Their board has asked to address the council at its June 13
meeting. We would normally be hesitant to give up a funding source, but because the donations
are so small, we do not oppose their request. If the council decides to make this change, 100% of
the funds need to be used directly on the trail, not for any other function or indirect costs of the
steering committee.
BUDGET: Available funds are now used by the city for routine maintenance and repairs.
RECOMMENDATION: Provide direction to staff.
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EST. 12004
May 20, 2016
Mr. John Godwin, Manager
City of Paris, Texas
Via email
Re: Trail de Paris Water Billing donations
Dear John:
The City of Paris has allowed the Trail de Paris Steering Committee (TdPSC) to request
donations for the trail fund through the city water /sewer billing accounts. Currently there is no
procedure for the transferal of the funds collected. The TdPSC is requesting a procedure to
accomplish this.
As you are aware, the TdPSC operates under the umbrella of the Greater Paris Development
Foundation (GPDF) that is a 501(c)(3). The TdPSC has successfully managed the money
collected in its account using GPDF board member Paul Wells, CPA as the financial conduit for
over ten (10) years.
Our Committee wants to make decisions regarding the expenditure of the money that has been
donated to the Trail fund. Therefore, we are requesting that the City send a check to the Trail
de Paris, P.O. Box 221 Paris, TX 75461 -0221 at the end of the fiscal year in the amount equal
to the balance of the funds collected thru the water billing donations in that year.
As time is of the essence, we would appreciate a timely response from you. Thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Trail de Paris Steering Committee
Earl Erickson
., P.
Carl Lucas
Ann Kuebler Laura Thompson ill Drake
P.O. Box 221 Paris, TX 75461 -0221
A 501(c)(3) organization