SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) - The Woodbury County Board chairman has defended the distribution of more than $180,000 in county money for a nonprofit organization that he manages.
George Boykin told the Sioux City Journal (https://bit.ly/1gEZH2K ) that it would not be fair for Sanford Community Center to suffer because he’s on the county board. Boykin is also the center’s executive director.
Sanford operates after-school and summer programs for at-risk youth, as well as coordinates numerous outreach efforts.
The board recently approved a county budget that gives more than $180,000 to the nonprofit group. Court records show the county will donate more than $280,000 to several nonprofits, and Sanford will get the largest chunk.
Boykin said he has never had a say in funding that goes to the center and abstains from funding discussions on it. He added that the system works and no changes are needed, the newspaper reported.
James Van Bruggen, of the Sioux City-based watchdog group Taxpayers Research Council, said there’s some transparency and accountability missing when dealing with taxpayer money.
“It does seem like they are getting favoritism, because they are getting six figures of money,” he said.
County Finance Director Dennis Butler said the donations given out are determined by both the board and a five-member panel created in 2011 that addresses issues affecting youth. The Woodbury County Prevention Commission for At-Risk Youth is the group that recommended its entire share be given to Sanford.
“In all cases, yes, they need the help,” Butler said about community groups facing financial situations. “With cutbacks in federal and state funding, we are kind of the final place they can go to get help.”
Susan Barta, a member of the commission, praised Sanford.
“I have personally seen the great outcomes that this program has done,” she said.
While the commission awards the money to Sanford, the county board gives its share of donation money to a variety of groups, including Meals on Wheels and the Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. Boykin said the commission’s decision to give its money to Sanford is not influenced by his role.
Van Bruggen noted the board’s decision to give some groups more money over others. He recommended that donations be given in smaller amounts so it could help more organizations. But Boykin has expressed interest in increasing donations. Van Bruggen also noted there are no rules or standards in place for the selection process.
“What makes these causes so much more special than other causes? That is the bigger question,” he said.
Boykin said the board knows the organizations well and what issues they face.
“I’ve been in every last one of them,” he said. “We know where the money is going and what it is being spent for.”
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Information from: Sioux City Journal, https://www.siouxcityjournal.com
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