Lawsuit over $7K may put Escambia's full $250K discretionary fund into question
Two nonprofits are suing the Escambia County Clerk for withholding $7,000, raising questions about the legality of the county's discretionary fund program.Summary
Two Warrington-area nonprofits, the Greater Pensacola Junior Golf Association (First Tee) and Warrington Emergency Aid Center (WEAC), are suing Escambia County Clerk of Court Pam Childers for withholding $7,000 in discretionary funds. The lawsuit alleges Childers unlawfully withheld $4,500 for youth golf programs and $2,500 for food pantry expenses. Attorney Alex Andrade argues that Childers' role as auditor is strictly ministerial and that she lacks the authority to determine if the funds serve a public purpose. Childers counters that the expenditures do not meet a county purpose and could set a precedent affecting all discretionary spending. The dispute mirrors a previous lawsuit over a retirement plan, and Andrade may amend the complaint to include the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners as a party. While Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger opposes using tax dollars for charities, Commissioner Mike Kohler supports the nonprofits' requests, highlighting ongoing contention over the county's $250,000 discretionary fund.
(Source：Pensacola News Journal)