A number of Powell organizations requested county funding in May as the Park County commissioners begin working on the next fiscal year’s budget and determine how to disburse federal funds.

While some have asked for the same as in previous years, others upped their requests due to higher costs or new opportunities.

The monetary requests are nothing new, but having representatives of each organization come in and make the requests personally is.

“Two or three years ago we said, ‘You want money? Come in and pitch it,’” Commissioner Lloyd Thiel recalled, noting it allows them to get ahead of the budget time crunch.

At the May 2 meeting, Crisis Intervention Services, Powell Economic Partnership, the Powell senior center and animal shelter all requested funding. All but one Powell area organization requested more county funding than the current year, while the senior center requested the same $55,000 total. The center also recently received a promise of $1 million in ARPA funds from the county to help fund a new facility.

In making her $24,000 request, PEP Executive Director Rebekah Burns said that, “every other entity gives much more than the county gives. This would get you somewhat closer to where the other funders are.”

The Park County Animal Shelter in Cody also appealed for more funding based in large part on its role assisting people across the county and taking in nearly as many stray animals from outside Cody as inside city limits.

Two weeks later, Youth Clubs of Park County, Park County 4-H and Court Supervised Treatment were among those requesting funds.

New Park County 4-H Educator Mary Louise asked for more ($7,000) than last year but “less than in the past” to continue to grow a growing program. Commissioners praised 4-H’s trajectory.

“I’m already looking at some positives since you’ve arrived,” Commission Chair Dossie Overfield said. “I think things are building already.”

Other county organizations have also been pitching the commissioners, including local Cody organizations and those with a specific focus. That includes Cody Yellowstone Air Improvement Resources (CYAIR), the organization that raises funds for revenue guarantees to bring in airlines to Yellowstone Regional Airport. One of CYAIR’s leaders, James Klessens, asked the county to continue support ($30,000) to be able to bring in more airlines and get the Cody airport back to the trajectory it was on before the COVID-19 pandemic decimated air travel.

Commissioners will consider all the requests when finalizing the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.