The Citizen

AUBURN -- While all city councilors agree on the value of the Human Rights Commission, the decision to fund a director narrowly passed.

Mayor Michael Quill requested the council decide whether to give a $12,000 grant to the commission during Thursday's Auburn City Council meeting.

Quill, Councilors Gilda Brower and Thomas McNabb approved the money that is slated to fund a part-time director. Councilors Matt Smith and William Graney voted against the grant.

"It's an office that is important to the city," Quill said. "It should be staffed and operate efficiently."

And it's an office that is already in operation, Smith pointed out. The commission has an office in Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He stressed both his and Graney's reluctance to reinstate the part-time director's funding was not a rejection of the commission. Rather, they wonder what other cut programs the money could fund, such as filling vacant city positions or children's programs through the Parks and Recreation Department.

The council approved a budget in June that cut funding for the human rights director and removed the office from city hall.

City Manager Mark Palesh said the city will provide a grant to the commission rather than hire the director so the commission will take responsibility for supervising its employee.

For more, read The Citizen Friday