Nonprofits cuts not a sure thing

After the big reaction from nonprofit agencies recently, some Grand Forks City Council members clarified that they had not, in fact, made up their mind on the $200,000 funding cut for social services.

Council President Hal Gershman said he would keep an open mind. Though he urged nonprofits themselves to keep an open about consolidation as a way to save money.

Council member Doug Christensen said he hasn't decided to support the cuts yet. A week ago he thought the city ought to give it a try, just for a year, to see what happens.

The council will decide Sept. 5.

In the meantime, Council member Eliot Glassheim, who opposes the cuts, said he's looking into having the city buy the old County Social Services Building and give it to the nonprofits. He said it doesn't make much sense to ask the nonprofits to consolidate and not give them a way to do so.