Susitna Council decides on 501c3 status

Susitna Community Council members at their regular meeting last week decided on the dates of the first meetings of the newly formed Bylaws Committee and Grants Expenditure Committee.

The two committees were created to bring the council’s bylaws into compliance with state and federal rules.  The purpose is to gain federal tax-exempt status as a non profit 501-c-3 organization.  Once the council is officially recognized as such, it would be able to get community revenue share grants from the state which are administered through the Mat Su Borough.  For fiscal year 2009 and 2010 , the council is eligible to receive two grants, combined worth more than $40,000.

The purpose of the Grants Expenditure committee is to figure out how to spend those funds that would flow into the council’s coffers.

Councilman Wade Bartel spearheads the grants expenditures committee and proposed language to set goals and objectives, including drawing participation from the community and identifying worthy projects for grant expenditures.

The council passed a motion to establish the goals and objectives.  The council also set the date for both committee meetings to be held back-to-back on April 22^nd at Sheep Creek Lodge.  The bylaws committee meets at 6 pm, followed by the grants committee at 7 pm.