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.

The grant will pay for about 15 hours a week until June 30, at which point, the commission hopefully will see community support turn into financial support to fund some of the expense, Palesh said. Unfortunately, most organizations already drafted their annual budgets when the city stopped paying for the human rights position, he said

“The well was already dry and the fish already fished out,” Palesh said.

Cynthia Richardson, speaking for commission chair and her brother Fred Richardson, said the commission does not have a candidate in place.

Most councilors praised Fred Richardson's devotion to the commission. However, he needs help, Quill said.

Commissioner Kent Brandstetter thanked the council in advance for the grant to re-establish the lone paid staff.

He said the vote shows a “whole new attitude” coming from council.

After the split vote, Brandstetter said the two dissenting councilors have valid points, but the commission is an integral part of the community.

One such point Graney made was how unfair it would be to pick this position to reinstate after officials have cut so much funding from the other budgets. Smith emphasized the point by wondering where they will stop spending.

Brower said last year's cut sent a message to the community, and the reinstatement of a director would send a positive one.

“The time to do this is now,” she said.

There was some discussion about the paltry amount, which amounts to .039 percent of the general fund. However, Graney said other items in the budget also had small amounts, such as park activities, and could use a boost.

“I know, let's tear the budget apart and find the money,” Brower said of the upcoming budget season.

In other news:

- The city agreed to apply for a grant that may help fund the Clifford Field clubhouse restoration.

However, Palesh wanted to ensure residents would use the structure before the city poured resources into it.

A successful rehabilitation may cause an increase in usage, not only for the clubhouse but for the park. Surrounding homeowners have to be aware of that possible effect, Smith said.

- The city had to adjust its action plan to account for the 3.5 percent cut to the city's Community Development Block Grant announced by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Most communities that receive annual allotments saw cuts between three to four percent this year.

No programs were omitted but amounts for housing programs and social organizations were reduced.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net