The Stuart City Council met in regular session Monday. The Council approved the budget for the next fiscal year. Council Member Theresa Wright-Glass voted to approve the budget as presented, however she strongly encouraged the Council to look at more funding options going forward for library staff salaries and benefits. Members of the library board also discussed this matter with the Council during the meeting.

Later in the meeting, Economic Development Director Kristen Renslow offered a possible solution for the funding requests. Renslow presented on a challenge grant opportunity through the National Endowment for the Humanities. Renslow explains the grant process. “The recipients must raise three times the amount of the federal funds requested. We would apply for $100,000. So the city would have to come up with $300,000 in non-federal funds within five years of getting the grant.”

The grant money could be allocated towards library employee salaries and the award notification is in August. The Council approved submitting an application for the grant. They also renewed City property insurance with Shaw-Belden Insurance at a premium cost of $87,123. There will also be a special meeting this month on Monday, March 26th.