Davis returns for matching funds

Historic City News was on hand for a presentation from Mike Davis requesting funding for the “Home Again St. Johns” program at the May 24th joint meeting of the City of St. Augustine and St. Johns County boards of commissioners.

Although the joint bodies showed tacit support for the work being done for the homeless under Davis’ direction, funding commitments stalled in the face of looming concerns over an ever shrinking budget.

County Commissioner Mark Miner commented that he has been, and remains, in support of the organization’s efforts, however, he holds firmly to a commitment he made at the outset of the relationship — not to use his position to advocate for the use of public funds.

Miner supports Davis in his recently announced bid to succeed State Representative Bill Proctor when he reaches his term limit in District 20. Proctor has endorsed Davis, as well.

Davis will address the City Commission during their regular meeting tonight — once again seeking support for Home Again St. Johns; however, tonight, he will be accompanied by Beverly Slough, who is President of the United Way St. Johns.

“In this and future years, United Way cannot shoulder this financial responsibility alone,” Slough wrote to City Manager John Regan. “The United Way Executive Committee has voted to again provide $7,500 contingent upon our partners also participating financially.

“We are asking that the City of St. Augustine, as one of the original partners, be an ongoing partner of Home Again St. Johns by contributing a $7,500 match, designated to support Home Again St. Johns this year.”

If you are planning to attend — the regular St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. tonight and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News archive photograph