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An Evarts Tourist and Convention Commission discussion over whether the city should place a cap on donations turned into a motion, which was approved unanimously on Monday.

The commission approved a $1,000 per year limit on donations given to schools and nonprofit organizations.

The idea came after members examined their budget and proposed revenue for the year. With a recent downturn in the local economy, members agreed they needed “to tighten their belts.”

“We’ve already donated $500 to the Harlan County High School tournament, along with $200 to the upcoming 421 Yard Sale,” said commission clerk Kristi Lamb. “We’ve been asked for a donation from the Evarts Elementary School FRYSC for their annual Easter Egg Extravaganza. It’s not in your budget for donations, but we can do a motion to set limits on what you donate each year.”

Chairperson Janice Napier said the commission doesn’t have to donate $1,000 per year, but this cap will prevent them from overspending in the future.

“Just because we say $1,000 doesn’t mean we have to donate $1,000,” said Napier. “Some years we may have to and others we might not. It’s just March and we’ve already donated $800.”

Commission members did approve a $100 donation to the Evarts Elementary School FRYSC. They agreed the donation cap does not include advertising for adventure tourism.

In other action the commission:

*Heard the tourism brochures the commission ordered with the Harlan and Cumberland tourist commissions have arrived and they will receive 33,333 brochures to promote the Clover Fork area;

*Approved the purchase of six additional 6 foot Christmas lights to be displayed within the city at a cost of approximately $1,625. The first six they had ordered were delivered and everyone is “pleased” with the merchandise;

*The annual Ramp Festival will be held at the north Evarts RV Park on April 20 and agreed they will provide desserts for the event;

*The Evarts Elementary School FRYSC Easter Egg Extravaganza will be held March 30 beginning at 1 p.m. The Evarts Fire Department has volunteered to help with the event.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext.115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com