Published: May 13, 2008 03:43 am            

County OKs payment to child welfare board

PALESTINE — Anderson County commissioners approved the payment of $100,000 into an account benefiting the Anderson County Child Welfare Board during Monday’s regular monthly meeting.

During Monday’s meeting, the Rev. Scott Dornbush, representing the Anderson County Child Welfare Board, explained that the board received a donation of approximately 57 acres of land during the early 1980s. The land was sold in 1992, with the proceeds deposited into the board’s bank account, he further explained.

Approximately three years ago, the board’s funds were transferred “back to the county” on the recommendation of Anderson County Auditor Stan Chambers, Dornbush indicated.

In open court Monday, Chambers said that he requested the change based on communication from the county’s outside auditor who had made mention of how those funds were handled in an audit report.

As of two weeks ago, Dornbush said there was approximately $124,000 in county funds relating to the Anderson County Child Welfare Board.

The Board’s funds are to be utilized “for items that serve the best interests of the foster kids” of Anderson County, Dornbush explained to the court.

Since state law prohibits taxing entities such as Anderson County from making “gifts,” Dornbush said his agency cannot “technically” provide items such as senior class rings and “senior pictures” to foster children under the former arrangement.

By virtue of Monday’s actions, an interlocal agreement between the Anderson County Child Welfare Board and the Anderson County Community Foundation calls for $100,000 to be managed by the latter organization.

“They (the Child Welfare Board) will be able — from this point forward — to accept donations into the fund and invest it,” Chambers told court members. “...It ($100,000) will no longer be under your control.”

The remaining $24,000 will stay in the county’s coffers and be utilized to pay the board’s expenses. Their county budget for this calendar year is $10,000.

Jerry Nowlin of the Anderson County Community Foundation explained that organization was established around 2001 and currently manages a total of “close to $2 million” for more than 20 organizations.

The Foundation has a board of directors which oversees an investment manager, he added.

Dornbush told the court the Child Welfare Board also will be eligible to apply for grants under the new setup.

        

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