A debate between members of the Vincennes City Council and Jamie Dugan, the program director for the Vincennes HELP program, took up much of Monday night’s regular city council meeting.
At issue was a claim related to the Teen Center in the amount of $12,000. Dugan spoke about the value the center has had on the city by helping the area’s youth in various capacities. City Council President Brian Grove clarified that the council was not disputing the Teen Center’s importance.
“So nobody is denying that it’s a good program that is not why we’re here tonight. You are taking this a different direction. We are tasked with paying the bills. There is not enough money in the fund that you asked for the rent to be paid out of.” He said.
“We are not here because we do not support a teen center. And that’s how this is all been been broadcast to the public. As the councilor does not support a teen center, and that’s not true.”
The discussion centered on financial concerns, as the grant fund designated for rent payments had a balance of $9,000 at the time the claim was submitted. Dugan explained that additional funding sources had been pursued to help sustain the center. It was pointed out that the city’s initial investment of $100,000, along with a $75,000 grant, had been used to launch the center, but ongoing operational costs required further support.
Council members also raised concerns about the lack of a formal lease agreement between the Teen Center and Old Town Players, the organization providing the space for the center. Questions were also posed about long-term sustainability, as federal and state grants had been frozen or delayed.
Dugan assured the council that efforts were ongoing to secure additional funding, including partnerships with other organizations. She noted that data collected over the past year showed the center had helped reduce crime and improve youth mental health, positioning it well for future grant opportunities.
In the end, the council ultimately approved the $12,000 claim.
