City saves SOAR grant
By Jim Cornelius

The budget axe won't fall on the City of Sisters $5,000 contribution to the Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation.

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The proposed budget for 1997-98 left out the city's contribution to save money in a tight budget. But Mayor Steve Wilson and other city councilors believed that the budget committee's decision short-changed Sisters youth and Wilson began looking for ways to restore the funds.

"I didn't agree with the budget committee decision to drop support for SOAR," Wilson told The Nugget. "The city has an obligation... to make the investment in our kids."

Wilson secured a promise from the Sisters Rotary Club to paint the Sisters Library, which freed $5,000 in next year's budget.

The Sisters City Council voted unanimously July 12 to give SOAR $5,000 out of this year's cash carry-forward balance. Those funds will be replaced next year by not spending the $5,000 that had been earmarked to paint the library.

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According to City Administrator Barbara Warren, the city's auditors recommended making next year's contribution in this fiscal year since it is in this year's budget and not in next year's.

The timing of the contribution is a boon to SOAR, which is facing heavy demands on its programs and services as the busy summer season begins.

"I was pleased that the councilors decided to give them the money now so they could put it to work," Wilson said.

©1997 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters Oregon. All rights reserved. Please send your comments to Eric Dolson, Publisher