MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Council will consider having Mountain View County provide a yearly funding amount to the Strings & Keys Music Eduction Fund.
The decision came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online.
The Strings & Keys Music Eduction Fund was established nine years ago to support individuals requiring financial assistance fro the cost of musical eduction.
The fund supports music initiatives such as private music initiatives such as private music lessons, instrument rentals and/or maintenance, summer music programs, post-secondary music eduction, and travel to auditions and competitions.
“The original funding amount of $20,000 for the grant program was received by the county following the closure of the Stings & Keys Music Camp in 2015. It was previously contemplated that the grant program would be repealed at the time of fund depletion,” said Chris Atchison, the county's director of legislative services.
Over the years the funds has gone to individuals who are residents of the county and area urban municipalities.
The annual Strings & Keys budget as per Policy 8009 is $4,000. As of Jan. 1, 2024, a total of $1,285 remained in the fund account.
On Oct. 9 council instructed administration to bring back a report on options for the grant program.
Administration proposed three options: rescind the grant program upon the depletion of funding; amend the program to reflect different criteria and establish an annual budget allocation; or leave the program as is and establish an annual budget allotment.
During the Oct. 23 council meeting, Coun. Greg Harris said he would like to see the county consider funding the program going forward.
“I have residents and ratepayers whose kids have benefited from this program over the years,” he said. “I think it is valuable. I would like us to do a project sheet to consider establishing it as one of our permanent grants.
“It’s not a huge cost but the amount of money that is handed out helps tremendously with people who are trying to pursue a musical education.”
Harris said he would like to see the program amended to be eligible for county residents only “unless one or any of the towns wish to contribute as well, and if they did, add them to the mix.”
Coun. Jennifer Lutz said she is encouraged to see that the program is being accessed by residents across the municipality.
“I’m hopeful we can continue with it,” she said.
Council carried a motion to direct administration to provide a project sheet for the 2025 budget regarding Strings & Keys music education fund continuation in the amount of $4,000 per year.
