CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) In about three minutes Thursday night, in a special called meeting, the Montgomery County Commission voted 11-8 to pass the 2019-20 county budget setting the tax rate at $2.99. The meeting was needed after a procedural error was found from the county’s July 15 special called meeting in an amendment to the budget.
One of those attending Thursday’s session was Valerie Guzman, Chief Executive Officer for the United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region along with members of her staff. At the July 15 special meeting the commission voted to drop $130,000 from the county budget earmarked for the United Way.
Guzman responded to the loss of funds by saying the nonprofit was going to have to work harder. “This year we know we are going into the 2019-20 campaign year with that deficit. We’re going to ask the community to step up more and we’re going to have to be way more creative in ways of getting money,” Guzman said.
She added that the organization will have to share their story with more people. Many don’t understand what is encompassed by United Way. The organization is currently in the process of reevaluating some programs for more than 30 agencies that make up the United Way.
Guzman appealed for more volunteer support from the Clarksville-Montgomery County. “There’s such a good feeling about giving and serving others. When we boil it down to the dollar then we miss the human. I’ve never not wanted to serve others. We need you, no matter what it is, your time, talent and your treasures. We need your help, our community needs your help,” said Guzman.
Guzman encouraged people to call the United Way office at 931-647-4291 if they have questions about the work of the nonprofit organization, or visit liveunitedclarksville.org.