The Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) Board convened Tuesday for its March meeting, with Chairman Dr. Rex Northrup presiding. A quorum was barely established, with only five members present.
Children’s Chorus Showcased: The meeting opened with a special Pensacola Children’s Chorus presentation, which receives funding through the Trust. Twenty performers are supported by ECT funding. One student, Jay Griggs, spoke about the program’s impact: “Being here just brings out the joy in me… it helps singers like me bring out their true vulnerability.”
Financial Standing Remains Strong: Director of Finance Tammy Abrams presented January’s financial report, noting the Trust has spent 20% of its budget while receiving 66% of expected revenue. Administrative costs are currently 12.8%, which Abrams said will decrease throughout the year. The report revealed programs have returned $3.5 million in unspent funds that will be reallocated to future services—which is good news for Mayor D.C. Reeves, who has yet to work out how he wants ECT to spend the city’s CRA monies.
CARES Grant Process Executive Director Lindsey Cannon announced that 44 applications have been submitted for CARES grants, with at least 42 expected to move forward after technical review. The board approved seven community reviewers who will evaluate these applications at a marathon session scheduled for March 24.
Quorum Issues Delay Important Votes
The board hit a procedural roadblock when attempting to vote on a third-year renewal for Legal Services of North Florida’s representation of dependent children. Judge Tom Williams had to abstain due to his connection with Legal Services, which left the board without a quorum for this item. The matter was postponed until April’s meeting.
Similarly, Omega Lamplighters’ budget amendment request couldn’t be formally approved after School Board Chairman David Williams recused himself from that vote as well. The organization has been unable to submit invoices since October because it needs to reallocate funds originally budgeted for a van purchase. Cannon and Abrams will work to provide limited assistance within their authority until the full board can vote in April.
CRA Exemption Request in Progress
Attorney Meredith Crawford provided an update on the Trust’s CRA exemption request to the Escambia County Commission, stating they are “still working on getting the data pulled together” and that the request should be submitted to the county “in the next couple of days.”
- Executive Director Lindsey Cannon shared a district-by-district breakdown of services for commissioners. “We’re making sure that we accurately update our exemption requests from last year to really reflect the dollars that are actually flowing into those areas, into those CRAs currently.”
Chairman Northrup expressed concern about the lack of CRA coverage in northern areas like Century. “There’s so much need that exists in the northern part of this county,” Northrup noted, suggesting CRAs could be “one more avenue to bring some resources to that community.”
Cannon clarified that “CRAs are specific to infrastructure” with spending restrictions, adding, “We’re showing them our growth as well and our desire to partner.”
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 8.
