INTENT This is the Health and Human Services allocation request to help fund 10 nonprofit agencies with varying missions within the community. The total allocation is $331,000, a level funded amount for the last four years, and is intended for the Council for Human Services' use in contracting with organizations assisting with provisions for the health, safety and welfare of island residents.

PRO "We are the safety net for the people who live here," said Human Services administrator Maryanne Worth. Passage of this article as it stands will aid programs for the Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention; A Safe Place; Martha's Vineyard Community Services; Elder Services of the Cape and Islands; The Interfaith Council Food Pantry and its rental assistance program; South Coastal Counties Legal Services; Nantucket Behavioral Health Services; Nantucket Cottage Hospital; and Small Friends on Nantucket. If voters object to the total or to partial amounts proposed for particular agencies, the balance or complete amount of disputed allocations may be applied to other agencies within the list. Though the amount of the overall allocation cannot be increased, this means that no funds are lost.

CON It is difficult to disagree with monies being granted to agencies that help improve the lives of islanders. But the funds being allocated go to private organizations having no town oversight and are comprised of taxpayer dollars that could also be used to balance the general fund budget or offset the need for a capital override.

FINANCE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION Supports the appropriation, provided that the Town Administrator enter into contracts with the agencies which stipulate mutually agreed upon terms.