WFCM funding questioned
By Layla Wilder
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' request for county funds is once again being contested by some on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and is prompting stricter scrutiny of nonprofits that receive county funds.Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-At large) said at a budget meeting on April 21 that he has “deep concern” the board hasn't been adequately assured of the organization's financial stability.
“Whenever and wherever taxpayer monies are invested in an organization, we want the taxpayers to know they can handle those funds,” Connolly said.
Michael Frey (R-Sully), WFCM's district supervisor, accused Connolly of not being “consistent” in the way he treats nonprofit organizations.
“I've said before that history will bear out there has been unfair treatment of nonprofits in the county,” Frey said.
The board of supervisors has collectively asked county staff for better oversight of nonprofits that receive funding from the county.
The Chantilly-based WFCM was facing total closure last year when they asked supervisors for financial assistance on the day they adopted the fiscal 2008 budget. They were already receiving money from the Consolidated Community Funding Pool – a source of grants to community-based social services nonprofits – but needed additional money to cover operating expenses.
Connolly at that time publicly chastised the organization and county staff for letting such a request come before the board at the last minute. Their request was eventually denied because their economic troubles were too big.
A year later, Fairfax County staff are recommending that the supervisors approve $179,440 for WFCM for fiscal 2008, reporting the organization is on a more stable economic track.
According to Melissa Jansen, the organization's new executive director, WFCM is in “good financial stability.”
The funds – scheduled to be approved when the supervisors adopt the fiscal 2009 budget on April 28 – will be conditional on the organization's effectiveness.
Connolly said on April 21 that since WFCM was “insolvent” last year, the board should have been able to review their financial situation before approving the request. Until he asked for an update on Friday, April 18, Connolly said there was “no communication made to the board about the status of the nonprofit.”
Frey said the county has repeatedly approved funding for nonprofits without putting them through the scrutiny that WFCM is undergoing.
“We appear to be singling out this organization,” Frey said.
“It is slander to suggest that virtually every nonprofit this board has dealt with is insolvent,” Connolly replied.
Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) said he thinks better oversight of nonprofits funded by the county would be beneficial.