Former Hamilton County Commissioner Katherlyn Geter last Wednesday harshly criticized County Commission and Mayor Weston Wamp for reallocating $850,000 from the Urban League and the Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement.
During the Dec. 6 Commission meeting, Geter labeled the move to divert funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) as “irrational, unjust, and disrespectful.”
Initially, the Urban League was slated to receive $450,000, and the Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement was pledged $400,000. But near the end of a regularly scheduled business meeting on Nov. 15, Hamilton County Commissioner Lee Helton, R-East Brainerd, introduced a late resolution that would allot the funds instead to provide a turf field at the Howard High School football stadium and upgrades to the softball field at Brainerd High School. The resolution was approved.
During a Nov. 28 press conference on the steps of City Hall, Urban League President and CEO Candy Johnson and Sankofa Executive Director Rebecca Suttles said the money was diverted “without notice or discussion.”
“This was all part of Mayor Wamp’s campaign to invest in those communities who were left behind,” Johnson said. “And now the Urban League and participants of Sankofa are being left behind.”
Mayor Wamp explained, “There was some concern about the length of time that those organizations were taking to distribute those funds. It’s been about 16 months since that money was allocated to them, and the vast majority of the money sat in the county coffers. It’s not helping anybody in the community by sitting in the county’s accounts. I understand that they have made a demand, but that decision has been made and the check has been cut to the other organizations.”
Here is Geter’s full statement:
“I am not here to speak on Sankofa, nor on the Urban League’s behalf. Both organizations are phenomenal pillars in Hamilton County, and in our communities, doing outstanding work for many. And they both have exceptional leadership that leads their work. I am here, however, as a former Hamilton County commissioner to show my solidarity, as well as my full support of these organizations, as I did when I was on the Commission. And, as I do now, beyond the seat. But the main reason I stand before this commission’s body, and the leadership of this county, is to speak to the irrational, unjust and low-down disrespect shown to process and policy unjustly committed to a group of people within Hamilton County by this commission and county mayor. I am deeply troubled by the recent events that have unfolded within our county. It is with this great concern that I raise attention to the unjust and discriminatory actions made by this commission in violating a signed agreement between Hamilton County and two black non-profits that were promised and awarded federal ARP funds, which were to be used for disadvantaged communities of color. These organizations, as do many others, play a crucial role in supporting our community, and were promised vital federal funds to aid in their invaluable work. However, the actions of this commission and the county mayor have betrayed this promise, causing significant harm and injustice. Let me be very clear, the violation is not only a breach of a legal agreement, but it is also a violation of trust and goodwill that our community has placed in our governing institutions. This action and your blatant disregard are a hurtful reminder of the systematic challenges that continue to face black and brown communities. And, furthermore, truly paints the true narrative of Hamilton County, which is inequality and division.”