ABILENE, Texas — To prepare for the city budget next year, the Abilene City Council is discussing cutting funding for some local nonprofits.
“We do have to make cuts,” City Manager Robert Hanna said during a city council meeting. “But I think we can do it in a way that’s consistent with the tenure of our community, which is we care for one another.”
There are six non-profits they are considering cutting the budget for. These include the Cultural Affairs Council, Betty Hardwick Center, Regional Victim Crisis Center, Taylor County Expo Center, United Way – A Call For Help and the Chamber of Commerce – Downtown Assistance.
“I’ve already informed the city’s not for profit partners that we will not be able to fund them in FY 25,” Hanna said. “This results in about $230,000 in additional savings.”
Janey Wawerna is the Executive Director at the non-profit organization that is facing the largest budget cut, the Regional Victim Crisis Center.
“They give us approximately $52,000 annually,” Wawerna said. “That’s a big chunk. It will be missed. In terms of people that could impact, at least 100 crime victims.”
Wawerna said the news of budget cuts for her organization is deeply disappointing.
“Of course, heartbreak,” Wawerna said. “I know these are needed services in the community. I know Abilene cares deeply about all the different individuals served by the non-profits, so, I was saddened. I don’t have the privilege of being panicked I have the responsibility of planning and finding new avenues of resources if this does come to pass.”
Wawerna said while this proposed budget cut may sting a little, they will remain perseverant.
“Well, we’ll miss the funding across the board,” Wawerna said. “It will not cause us to stop doing the important work we’re doing.”
We also reached out to the Betty Hardwick Center and while they were saddened to hear this news, they are optimistic.
The Betty Hardwick CEO, Jenny Goode, said in an email,
Our mission does not change. While we will have to reduce some expenses, we do not anticipate making any significant reductions to programs related to this budget cut.